KNYSNA, Western Cape – A property-owning family in the Kayalethu area has launched legal action to halt what they describe as a politically motivated campaign to demolish their home, naming a municipal housing official in a restraining order application.
Nomabhongo Mani and her relatives have resided on their registered plot since 1990, when they arrived with their father, and possess a formal title deed confirming their ownership. Last year, a state-subsidized RDP dwelling was erected on the same property. At that time, municipal representatives reportedly assured the family that their original bungalow could remain intact.
That understanding has since been reversed. A subsequent communication from the municipality now demands the removal of the existing structure. Mani identifies the official enforcing this new directive as Pia, a former employee of the municipal housing department. The family contends the shift is driven by differing political affiliations.
“She told me, ‘I don’t have much to talk to you. What I’m saying to you, demolish this house,'” Mani stated, recalling her exchange with the official. “I reminded her that she previously acknowledged demolition would cause complications. I asked why the position had changed.”
The family has invested considerable personal resources into upgrading the bungalow to house multiple generations. The household matriarch says the uncertainty has taken a toll on her wellbeing.
“This is painful and affecting my health because we don’t have another place,” she said. “It’s this person that is making our lives difficult. She sent people numerous times to come demolish the house.”
Legal steps have been taken in response. The Mani family obtained a restraining order against the named official. Court documentation shows the official has already faced harassment charges linked to the dispute—charges she is contesting—with a further hearing set for July.
The Knysna Municipality has declined to issue a statement, noting the case is sub judice and actively before the courts.
Despite the addition of the new RDP unit on their land, the family maintains that the threat to their original, renovated home persists. They have confirmed their resolve to pursue all available legal avenues to defend their property rights and secure their residence.