The City also wishes to point out that certain media outlets, such as the Daily Maverick, have incorrectly stated that the City abandoned the matter. This is not true. While the matter is now moot as the Strandfontein shelter has been closed, and the homeless offered alternative shelter accommodation, the defendants in the case insisted that the matter still be argued.

‘While we value and respect the important role played by Chapter 9 institutions, we also have a responsibility to protect staff and NGO partners from abuse and harassment, as was the case with the misconduct of the monitors appointed by the SAHRC,’ said the Executive Mayor, Dan Plato.
‘The actions of the monitors included the blocking of entrances at the temporary Strandfontein homeless shelter, obstructing food and medical deliveries, and attempts to incite violence.
‘The City had an obligation to the homeless residents, as well as the NGOs operating the shelter, to protect them from this abuse. After attempts to engage the SAHRC commissioner failed, we were obligated to approach the court for relief.’

Interim relief was granted to the City in May 2020, preventing the monitors from continuing with their unlawful conduct at the shelter. The bringing of the interdict was necessary and never intended to interfere with the legislation governing the SAHRC.

The interdict halted further disruptions by monitors at the facility. This relief enabled the City and NGO partners to decommission the temporary Strandfontein facility, and facilitate shelter placement for every homeless person willing to accept this offer.

As the temporary emergency shelter is now closed, the matter is moot. The only outstanding matter to be settled is costs, and the court has requested written submissions in this regard by 14 June 2020.

End