“This is the direct impact of gentrification”
By Ashraf Hendricks
About 30 supporters of Reclaim the City and Ndifuna Ukwazi gathered at the home of Carmina Vieira on Tuesday to prevent the eviction of her and her family. The sheriff arrived before 10am. The activists refused to leave. The police arrived 30 minutes later and tried to mediate, but the activists continued with the sit-in. Eventually, the sheriff and police withdrew.
Vieira has been living in Roodebloem Mansions in Woodstock for 26 years. She lives with her husband and their two adult children. She received an eviction notice for 11 October. Vieira’s husband is a fisherman and was still at sea when the sheriff arrived. She is unemployed.
Viera says she is prepared to leave, but needs more time. She had already packed her belongings in boxes and black bin bags.
“I’ve got nowhere to go. I’ve been trying to get accommodation, and it’s hard,” said Vieira. “I can’t go onto the street. I’m not a homeless person.”
She says her rent is R2,500 per month and she is four months in arrears. “The minute I get affordable housing, I’m gonna get out,” she said.
The attorney for landlord Noor Parker, who did not wish to give his name, said Vieira had agreed to leave months ago. “We have been to court seven times with her,” he said.