The City of Cape Town has cleared the informal settlement on Palmyra Road following a court-ordered eviction. Officials say the site will now be repurposed for public use.

Sheriff carries out eviction on 21 May

Ward 59 councillor Mikhail Manuel confirmed that the Sheriff of the Court carried out the eviction on Thursday, 21 May, after the City successfully obtained a court order.

Manuel said approximately 90 people had occupied the public land since the Covid-19 lockdown period, and the settlement had gradually expanded over the years.

“The situation had become increasingly difficult to manage,” he said, citing concerns from surrounding residents, businesses, and religious institutions.

City offers shelter to displaced occupants

Following the eviction, 11 individuals accepted Safe Space accommodation. The majority of occupants relocated to other areas in Cape Town. The City, together with community partners, also provided access to alternative accommodation at The Haven Shelter, which added 120 beds to meet increased demand.

Settlement strained infrastructure and local businesses

Manuel said the encampment had created ongoing challenges for the area. Residents and businesses raised concerns over sanitation, heightened fire risk, and general safety. The site also strained surrounding infrastructure, including high-voltage electricity lines and public transport routes.

Local businesses had increased private security spending due to repeated incidents and disruptions linked to the settlement.

Mosque bears the brunt of disturbances

Manuel said the nearby mosque experienced some of the most severe impacts. Congregants and mosque management had consistently raised disturbances connected to the encampment.

“The court-ordered eviction is most welcomed. Our area is safer because of it,” he said.

Displacement remains an ongoing concern

Manuel acknowledged that displacement remains a challenge. Some individuals have since moved to other public spaces in the broader area.

“I, together with our community partners, will relentlessly work at improving our area to reduce as many nooks and crannies as possible,” he said. “Public space should be available and enjoyable for all to use.”

Site to become public parking area

The City confirmed it has fully cleaned the cleared site. It plans to repurpose the land as a public parking area serving Al Jamia Masjid and Golden Arrow Bus Services. The City also plans to install fencing along Palmyra Road to prevent reoccupation.

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