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Media Advisory: SAHRC Western Cape Provincial Office will host a stakeholder engagement to unpack challenges around temporary relocation areas in the Western Cape

Attention: Editors and Reporters
Tuesday, 11 February 2025

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC or the Commission) Western Cape Provincial Office (WCPO) will host a stakeholder engagement to discuss and analyse the challenges associated with Temporary Relocation Areas (TRAs). This engagement was prompted by complaints received by the WCPO from individuals in the province.

TRAs serve as a crucial mechanism for relocating individuals awaiting housing, those who have been evicted, and those who have experienced emergencies such as fires, floods, or other natural or human-made disasters. Through its monitoring program, the WCPO has identified several issues, including inadequate access to water and sanitation, poor quality of structures, lack of access to amenities such as schools, commercial centres, and medical facilities, and, in many cases, insufficient electricity. These problems contribute to numerous social ills that threaten human rights across various areas in the Western Cape.

Given the serious and growing backlog in the government's ability to provide adequate housing, TRAs will likely continue to be a reality for those dependent on state assistance for their housing needs. It is therefore essential to ensure that these developments are constructed, maintained, and serviced in a manner that complies with human rights standards. This will help local governments avoid wasteful expenditure while fully adhering to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The engagement will take place as follows:

  • Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
  • Venue: Western Cape Provincial Office, 3rd floor, One Thibault, I1 Long Street, Cape Town
  • Time: 08h30 – 15h30

Ends

For media queries contact the Western Cape Provincial Office on 072 362 6467 or Mr L Yoli, Legal Officer or Ms T Carter Advocacy & Research Officer on 021 426 2277

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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.

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