Pensioner's plight highlights housing crisis in Hanover Park
The Hanover Park Housing Offices, where the resolution meeting was held to address June Philander’s eviction dispute
Image: Murray Swart
After weeks of public outcry, the City of Cape Town has agreed to help 75-year-old June Philander secure alternative accommodation following her hospital discharge, offering a measure of relief in a tense Hanover Park housing dispute.
The dispute erupted last month when residents protested outside Hanover Park municipal rent offices, denouncing evictions as “illegal apartheid eviction laws” and citing violations of Section 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to adequate housing.
Last week authorities from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) met residents for a private engagement regarding the issue.
Philander’s case drew months of criticism from residents, civic organisations, and senior citizen advocates, who called the treatment she received while hospitalised “inhumane.”
Denver Andrews of the South African Civics Organisation (SANCO) welcomed the outcome but criticised the City’s handling of the matter. “We’re okay with the resolution but disappointed with how the City handled this. It shouldn’t have happened in the first place."
Under the resolution, Philander can return temporarily to her home after leaving hospital, while the City helps her find suitable alternative accommodation. A caregiver will be allowed to stay with her around the clock, though the Council says it cannot take full responsibility for her care.
Councillor Carl Pophaim, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, emphasised the City’s stance.
“She was recently hospitalised and is no longer able to care for herself. Her family agreed the City accommodation is not suitable and chose to care for her temporarily,” he said.
Pophaim confirmed the unit has not been allocated to anyone else and noted that the City has engaged the Provincial Department of Social Development on the matter. The case is also being discussed with the SAHRC.
SANCO Hanover Park assistant chair Ashraf Gamildien warned that Philander’s situation is not unique. “Another family was evicted after a house fire. While the mother was hospitalised, the Council refurbished the home but moved other people in. When we resisted, all taxpayer-funded work was ripped out. How can they abuse people and waste public money like that?”
Dawn Groepes from the Sector for Seniors said the elderly are disproportionately affected. “Look at pension queues and day hospitals—seniors are treated poorly. June’s case is just one example,” she said. Groepes added that charitable food donations to seniors were recently blocked, leaving many reliant on a small R2,300 monthly pension.
The Cape Argus reached out the South African Human Rights Commission for comment but received no response at the time of deadline.
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