Cape Town - A cancer sufferer claims she’s been failed by the City of Cape Town, as she has been forced to live in her own backyard after illegal occupants took over the council property she believed she was entitled to, having lived there for 35 years.
Lena de Lange, 55, from Bellville South is fighting stage 3 cervical cancer and is undergoing radiation therapy while living in a wendy house she described as inadequate.
She said she moved into the structure in 1989 and had a lease agreement with the previous occupant of the council rental unit.
On June 20, 2023, he moved out of the house and because she had been on the housing waiting list for 23 years, she was allegedly told by the City of Cape Town that she had first privilege.
“On top of the cancer I had two strokes, two heart attacks and I have anorexia and I am using morphine. I have to live in these conditions but I have a house. The previous occupant took on tenants who lived with him in the house, when he moved out, the tenants stayed behind and are now refusing to leave,” said De Lange.
“Last year, I received a call from the housing department saying I need to come and sign the papers, the house is mine. I was so thankful because I finally have a home. I asked them what is going to happen to the tenants living in the house, so from the first moment the housing department knew illegal occupants were staying in the house but they did nothing.
“My daughter and I are going up and down to housing to find out what we stand to do and when this matter will be resolved. They gave me the option of a flat in another area but the lease with my name on has this address, why should I leave?” she said.
De Lange said she is currently paying for electricity and water at the neighbour’s house who is family and there is a court case of assault between her and the illegal occupants.
Luthando Tyhalibongo, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town confirmed that De Lange was entitled to the house. “The City has been engaging on this matter. It is a tenancy and not ownership matter as the property belongs to the City.
“After investigation and due diligence, it has been found that the person not in occupation – the back-yard dweller is the legal tenant based on the qualifying criteria. The parties are aware and mediation has taken place. Further steps will be taken in due course. The matter is receiving priority attention.”
De Lange said she is tired of the empty promises. “I don’t think housing realise the struggle it is to live like this. It’s been a year and two months later and still no change.”