Western Cape govt accused of human rights abuses

The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Western Cape has accused the City of Cape Town of human rights abuses. This follows allegations that relief aid organisations have been barred from Delft.

About 1 000 people are squatting on pavements after being evicted more than a week ago. Islamic Relief WorldWide earlier said that they had been prohibited from entering Delft by the City.

Cosatu's Mike Louw says families have been without relief for a week. Louw says the appalling information they received is that the Democratic Alliance-controlled council has barred relief from being delivered, which is a violation of human rights.

Mayoral Committee member for housing in the City Council, Dan Plato, has challenged Cosatu to visit the area. Plato says the City is helping the evictees as much as possible.

The first group of beneficiaries of the N2 Gateway project in Delft started moving into their houses today.