The announcement was made by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma during a media briefing by the National Coronavirus Command Council.

Dlamini-Zuma said a court can grant an eviction order provided that it is fair.

“COVID-19 has hit hard on all South Africans, particularly those who are vulnerable and homeless,” Dlamini-Zuma said.

“We have mounted a response. But we cannot afford to have many more in the streets. To this end, we will continue to prohibit the eviction of tenants during level 3.

“However, given that rental income is also an important livelihood stream for some, we have inserted the possibility for a competent court to grant an eviction order provided it is just and equitable.”

eNCA