SERI hits back at claims it blocked evictions from hijacked buildings
The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) has denied claims that it obstructed efforts by authorities to move people from hijacked buildings in Johannesburg for safety reasons.
A researcher from the human rights organisation, Edward Molopi, said their opposition is solely directed at officials and private owners who unlawfully evict people from their homes without adhering to the required procedures.
This comes after the DA, Patriotic Alliance, EFF, Congress of the People, and ActionSA have all blamed NGOs following the deadly fire in a hijacked building in the Joburg CBD on Thursday morning.
The parties claim NGOs have blocked efforts by the city to rid itself of dilapidated and hijacked buildings.
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The fire claimed the lives of at least 74 people and left dozens of others injured.
Molopi said the organisation consistently tried to engage the city to improve conditions at its shelters.
"We are seeing a case where the city has failed to act. In not acting, we have a calamity such as this one. Instead of taking accountability for their actions, they want to shift the blame, which is quite unfortunate.
"SERI has never litigated against the City of Johannesburg in relation to this building; our only involvement in the building related to the temporary placement of two of our clients by the City of Johannesburg following their displacement by a fire in September 2014.
"SERI has consistently tried to engage the city to improve conditions in its shelters, to no avail.”
