Eviction of homeless people from Bantry Bay Caves raises eyebrows in the community

Community concerns rise as 23 individuals are evicted from the Bantry Bay Caves, prompting discussions about homelessness in Cape Town. Ward 54 councillor in the Atlantic strip, Nicola Jowell has confirmed the initiation of an eviction process at the Bantry Bay Caves which saw 23 people being removed and some placed into a safe space . Jowell told Cape Argus that the area had a lengthy history of occupation which saw a rise in numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said of the 23, nine were provided with assistance to the city’s safe after not declining assistance. “There were 23 people who had been living at the site in a number of locations across the open space,” she explained. “Nine people were assisted to the city’s safe space, 2 others left to go back to their home suburb.

The rest of the occupants declined any assistance from the city’s social development team. “The caves have a very long history of being occupied but the numbers were quite small. It was only during COVID that the numbers increased considerably. “I am sure some people had lived there from a few months to a few years.” The Department of Social Development has confirmed that it was not involved in the operation.