The City of Cape Town, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Public Works, has filed an application in the High Court to evict the remaining foreign nationals occupying two sites in the metro—Wingfield and the so-called “Paint City” in Bellville.
The occupants, primarily refugees and asylum seekers, were relocated to these sites several years ago following xenophobic unrest in the region. While hundreds have since accepted government and UNHCR assistance to either reintegrate or return to their home countries, around 360 individuals remain, refusing further offers of aid.
Land Needed for Public Use
Authorities argue that the occupied land—owned by Public Works and the City—should be repurposed for community benefit, including affordable housing and urban development.
“We would love to use this for much more productive purposes,” said a representative. “This is public land in very poor condition, with people living illegally in the bush. We need to clean it up, make it safer, and use it for things that benefit the Cape Town community—possibly more social housing.”
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed it has been covering expenses for tented accommodation and support services at the sites while offering repatriation and other assistance. Many have taken these options, but a group remains unwilling to leave.
Occupiers Vow to Resist Eviction
The remaining occupants, many from conflict-ridden nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, insist they cannot return home safely.
“Deporting me is sending me to die,” said one resident. “There is war in Congo—no peace at all. We are vulnerable, with no power to defend ourselves. The South African government does not see us as human beings.”
Despite court orders, the group has vowed to resist eviction unless a “reasonable solution” is found regarding their deportation.
Authorities Push Forward
The joint court application seeks to reclaim the land for public use, with authorities emphasizing that years of assistance have been provided.
“We have joined this court action to ensure people are removed so we can take back ownership and work on broader projects, including social housing,” a Home Affairs official stated.
As the legal process unfolds, tensions remain between the city’s development goals and the humanitarian concerns of the displaced individuals. The High Court’s decision will determine the next steps in this prolonged dispute.
