The ANC’s Western Cape branch has come out strongly against the enforcement of by-laws in Cape Town that will fine homeless people for obstructing public pavements.
The by-laws would see those who make a fire in a public place facing a fine of up to R1 500, while obstructing pedestrian traffic on a pavement with any object or motor vehicle could attract a fine of R300, as does sleeping in a stationary motor vehicle in a public place.
In a statement, ANC Western Cape secretary Faiez Jacobs described the by-laws as cruel and inhumane.
We demand that the City stops this cruel, inhumane enforcement of its by-laws immediately, as well as showing more compassion by making more shelters available to the homeless.
We believe that residents have been complaining about the breaking of by-laws. But by-laws relating to streets, public places and the prevention of noise nuisances cannot be more important than human beings.
The City is fining the destitute for having nothing, not even money to pay these fines. How cruel is that? This is the real hard, cold-blooded, uncaring face of the DA, said Jacobs.
More: News24