Tshwane in the process of removing Wolwespruit settlement residents
The site currently has controlled access and only registered residents are allowed in and out to ensure the settlement does not grow.
The Tshwane metro still aims to remove 107 informal homes located close to a wetland on the corner of Delmas Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, east of Pretoria.
This as Tshwane had in 2022 served a notice of eviction on the occupants while some had taken the offer the metro made to relocate them.
Mayoral spokesperson Sipho Stuurman said Tshwane was committed to relocating the Wolwespruit settlement.
“There is still one final legal process which must conclude on this matter.”
Stuurman told Rekord that the nature of evictions, especially dealing with illegal occupants was not an easy task.
“It is a time-consuming process as there are specific requirements to comply with in terms of the prevailing legislation.”
He said the housing and human settlements department officials had further earmarked a suitable property for the occupants to be relocated to and consultations were under way on the process of voluntary relocation.
“To date, 69 illegal occupants have agreed to such a voluntary relocation, they have been taken to inspect the earmarked property, and their relocation will get under way soon.”
Stuurman also said court action was under way for those who are contesting the eviction.
“The eviction application against the remaining occupants was filed with the high court, and we are awaiting a court date. Relocation of the dwellers will only get under way if the court grants the metro application.”
He said the settlement was an issue for the city as officials received several reports from the local community and ward councillor that the settlement was growing.
Stuurman said since the latest census in the settlement in November 2022, there were three fewer houses from the initial 110 in 2021.
He said the metro was managing the growth of the area by applying strict security measures.
“Access to the site is controlled by a security company, and only registered dwellers are allowed to enter and leave the property.
“As far as law enforcement is concerned, the Tshwane metro police supported by the security company appointed to secure the site and, at times the SAPS, carry out regular law enforcement operations in the settlement.
“Tshwane has provided continuous feedback on this matter to the local ward councillors as new information emerges.”
Ward 83 councillor Francois Bekker said the relocation would move the dwellers away from his ward.
“Those who do not want to be relocated, cannot be assisted with alternative accommodation.”
He said numerous residents have been frustrated by the water pollution around the wetland emanating from the settlement.
“There is water pollution, smoke lingering in the air due to fires, and crime.”
He said crime had escalated in the area.
“I believe the crime increase is related to the Wolwespruit settlement and we are also taking measures to deal with the increase in population in the area.”
Wolwespruit informal settlement resident Isaac Makubela (45) confirmed that the metro had discussed relocation with them and most are not opposed.
“There are some dwellers who would like to relocate, however there is a group of foreign nationals who are against the move.”
Makubela said however their current plight was that the metro only offered land.
He said there was reluctance to relocate to vacant land.
“We are not safe here (in Wolwespruit) and have endured such for over 15 years,” he said, adding that was the reason many dwellers who wanted to relocate.
Resident Maleshoane Mphuti (49) told Rekord there were more than 200 residents in the settlement.
She said many slept on old mattresses and other furniture in their plastic homes.
She implored the metro to fast-track the relocation to enable the residents to look for permanent employment to better their lives.
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