EFF EC Welcomes Court Order After Ward 31 Demolitions

The EFF Eastern Cape issued a strong statement on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, after the East London High Court summoned the Municipal Manager to explain the demolitions in Ward 31. Families in the ward were left homeless after their houses were destroyed without alternative accommodation. The Court raised serious concerns about the municipality’s handling of the eviction and demolition process.

What Happened

According to the EFF Eastern Cape, the Court questioned why the municipality allowed demolitions to proceed without ensuring that affected residents received dignified and lawful alternative shelter, as required by the Constitution and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act (PIE). The Court’s concerns followed the municipality’s certificate of urgency, which the Court reviewed before issuing its directive.

Residents reported being forced to watch as long-standing homes were torn down. Many families said memories, possessions and years of work were destroyed while they stood by with no notice, no relocation plan and no protection. The EFF described the scenes as traumatic and degrading.

The party noted that the municipality publicly distanced itself from the demolition, yet failed to take any steps to safeguard residents or offer temporary shelter when the operation began.

Official Response

The EFF Eastern Cape said the municipality’s failure to provide alternative accommodation violated constitutional principles of dignity, fairness and procedural justice. The party welcomed the Court’s directive requiring the Municipal Manager to appear at 15:00, 20 November to account for the lack of shelter, the absence of intervention and the municipality’s failure to meet its constitutional obligations.

“The Court will resume the matter on Friday, where the broader legality of the eviction and demolition process will be examined,” the statement said.

The EFF expressed concern about the conditions now facing displaced families, including children, the elderly and unemployed residents who cannot rebuild or relocate without support. The party said the demolitions represented “a breakdown of governance” and “a reckless disregard for the plight of the poor.”

The organisation called on the municipality, landowner, provincial government and relevant authorities to act urgently by providing temporary shelter, sanitation, water and security. It also demanded full transparency on which officials authorised the demolitions, what notices were issued and why no relocation plan was implemented.

Community Impact

The EFF said communities cannot be treated as disposable and warned that no municipality can ignore its responsibility when residents are pushed into homelessness. The party reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and justice for affected families and said it will continue monitoring the Court proceedings.

“As the Court prepares to determine the lawfulness of the entire process, the EFF Eastern Cape stands firmly with the affected families,” the statement concluded.