Civil society calls for withdrawal of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Bill
Civil society organisations affiliated with the Solidarity Space coalition have called on the Department of Human Settlements to withdraw the proposed Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation Amendment Bill.
The organisations marched to Parliament on Monday where they handed over a petition, saying the Amendment Bill will undermine constitutional commitments to housing and human dignity.
The Amendment Bill has been opened for public comment and has generated concern among housing activists, community organisations and residents.
Government has proposed tougher penalties, including fines of up to R2 million and imprisonment of up to two years, in a bid to curb the alleged incitement of land grabs and unlawful property occupations.
