BO-KAAP’S PAIN
SAHRC visits area for rights probe
THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will be investigating rights violations experienced by the Bo-Kaap community as a result of increasing developments in the area. The probe comes after complaints to the commission that the Bo-Kaap community’s way of life and their right to access certain areas were being disrespected by developers.
SAHRC Commissioner, Chris Nissen, conducted a walkabout in the area yesterday and spoke to residents about issues they faced which included interference with institutions such as one of the mosques due to noise and congestion caused by developments.
“We believe that we need to see for ourselves the violations occurring. This is part of a process of understanding the rights that have been violated,” said Nissen.
The Bo-Kaap Civic Association spokesperson, Osman Shaboodien, said some of the most serious human rights violations were the high tariffs, rates and density experienced in the area which were forcing community members out.
“Monetary value is taking people out of the area. It’s becoming unaffordable to stay in the Bo-Kaap and we feel strongly that it’s a human violation to force particular vulnerable people who are old or don’t have enough money, out of Bo-Kaap.
“That’s why Chris Nissen is here. Fifteen new developments are earmarked for Bo-Kaap, so far we’ve only witnessed four. You can wonder how Bo-Kaap is going to look in the next five years,” said Shabodien.
Bilqees Baker who conducts tours in the community said in the past there were issues with First Thursdays, due to noise experienced at a gallery directly opposite the mosque. Baker said respect has since been established, but land being leased to a developer alongside their property has become an issue.
“The property where the black fence is (was) leased to the developer.
“There was unhappiness on how the lease came about. The community saw it as our piece of land because it was an access route from this side of Bo-Kaap to that side of Bo-Kaap.
“A non profit organisation looked at the prospect of starting a garden on the plot for the squatter community and to help them earn money from it,” said Baker.
Currently community representatives along with the SAHRC and Blok developers, from the construction alongside St Monica’s, a former maternity home, are hosting discussions to find a way forward for the developer and community to ensure both of their rights are respected.
Blok developer spokesperson, Colin Wardle, said the discussions will continue, in accordance with the high court’s orders, to ensure that development continues quickly and as peacefully as possible.