High Court Dismisses Abahlali Basejondolo Case

Judge President Justice Vuka Tshabalala, has dismissed an application by Abahlali Basejondolo in a case concerning the constitutionality of the Slums Act in the Durban High Court last week.

Abahlali Basejondolo argued that the Slums Act is in conflict with the provisions of the Housing Act and the Prevention of the Illegal Eviction Act. It argued that the Slums Act is unconstitutional as it purports to regulate eviction, land tenure and access to land matters, which fall outside the legislative competence of the provincial government.

In his judgement, Tshabalala said, "The Slums Act makes things more orderly in this province and (the) Act must be given a chance to show off its potential to help deal with the problem of slums and slum conditions."

To read the article titled, “Slum Act: Landmark judgment,” click here.