Syringa Avenue tenants fear looming deadline to vacate
The clock is ticking for five families of Syringa Avenue, as an eviction deadline looms. Despite legal intervention, their pleas to extend their occupancy fell on deaf ears, posing a future filled with uncertainty.
THE tenants of 23 Syringa Avenue in the Warwick Triangle watch with fear and uncertainty as a dreaded deadline to vacate their flats approaches.
August 31 is set as their last day of occupancy.
The property, whose history dates back to the 1970s, is in the process of renovation, making way for a students’ residence. Originally there were 10 families housed in the block; today only five families are left, including children and the elderly.
Last December the families were given six months’ notice by the landlord to vacate the flats. The tenants were unhappy with the decision; they wanted to stay and preferred to be given an option to buy. Alternatively, they wanted the vacation date to be extended. This is the plea they took to court, and the decision is pending.
“We feel let down by our leaders who promised to fight for us. I have lived here for more than 20 years, others have been here for over 40 years. This is our home, and we were hoping to be around here forever,” lamented Caronesa Mitchelson.
She continued, “The worst part has been the inconvenience caused by renovations and structure destruction, noise-banging, after we had agreed with the landlord that no work should begin while we are still here.”
There is evidence of construction taking place on the property, including tree-cutting, demolition of flooring, and removal of window frames and roofs.
But this is justified by the chairperson of the KZN Tenants and Homeless Trust, Dawood Parag, who had been trusted by the residents to represent them. He is the negotiator trusted by the landlord to negotiate with the tenants.
Also read: Rental evictions – legal information for landlords
“There are no major renovations taking place; work is only being done to the flats that have already been vacated.”
He added, “The tenants were given enough time to relocate. The deal we entered into with the landlord was reasonable. On the table was non-payment of rent for the past six months, and a R25 000 relocation fee. Others have accepted the deal.”
“Finding a place is not easy; most tenants have minimal income. Here the rent was affordable. Most importantly, school children will have to be uprooted and find new schools. This is a wonderful neighbourhood, we were happy here and lots of memories were made,” added Mitchelson.
“This is not right, it impeded on our dignity. There’s no remorse on the part of the owners.”
As the deadline approaches, remaining tenants fear that their belongings might be put out on the streets, and they would be left without shelter.
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