For more than 20 years the old military base up in Tamboerskloof has been occupied by Andre Loubscher. Otherwise known as erf 81, it has been a haven for abandoned animals, local artists and people willing to add to the small community.

Yet now, Andre has accepted an eviction notice for reasons possibly pertaining to the increasing crime that is occurring in the area.

The land is owned by the Department of Defence and has been managed by the Department of Public Works since 1991, when it stopped being used as a military base. After falling into disrepair the property was occupied by Loubscher – who paid rent along with two other tenants – and a loose community of artists and farmers.

Now, plans for the land include converting its ammunition storage facilities into conference rooms, building a state guesthouse, and establishing an old age home for military veterans.

Last year, the City received complaints of the site’s lack of safety and being a haven for criminals, yet the City itself was unable to resolve the problem as it is up to the Department of Public Works.

Andre’s decision to accept the eviction will affect more than 30 people who live on the land with his permission. There are 12 orphaned children who live on the land as well as an organic vegetable garden.

Let’s just hope action will be placed quick enough to ensure no vagrants live on the land and cause even more upset than those who live there. But I do think that the Department of Public Works should have worked with the already established community to make something more of the land.

[source: timeslive]