Page 11 - Notes from LRC's Housing Conference

2.2. ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN FACING AN EVICTION
Communities facing unlawful evictions may take action to resist and defend the eviction, to ensure that their rights are protect-
ed. These actions include:
(1) Getting organised;
(2) Gathering the facts;
(3) Preparing a press release and contacting the media;
(4) Organising a protest march; and
(5) Approaching a court.
1. Get organised
Organise by calling a meeting to discuss the unlawful eviction and find out what the community members are doing to oppose the eviction. Use the meeting to collect the facts around the eviction and discuss how decisions will be made as a group so that the community can act together. Develop ties with community-based groups, movements, or coalitions to assist in defending unlawful eviction. Identify organisations working on defending unlawful evictions and seek assistance from them if necessary.
2. Gather the facts
Gather evidence by talking to community members or by organising a meeting where everyone can explain how the eviction will affect them. Ask questions such as whether the eviction will result in homelessness and gain an understanding of the personal circumstances of the community members. Keep a record of personal details of those affected by the imminent eviction, i.e. the age of the household occupiers, the household income, details of any of the household members who have a disability, the length of time that occupiers have lived at that residence and any other information that may be relevant in defending the eviction.
3. Prepare a press release and contact the media
You can organise a press conference, where you invite reporters to a meeting where spokespeople from your commu- nity speak out publicly on the unlawful eviction. Social media is popular and easily accessible for spreading the news about your communities’ plight. Social media can also be used to convey information around community meetings, a petition, or a demonstration.
4. Organise a protest march
Section 17 of our Constitution provides that everyone has a right to freedom of association and the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions. A protest demonstration can be used to get the public’s attention and to gather support for your community’s plights. It can also be used to get the attention of people in power. When organising a protest, specific procedures must be followed in terms of the Regulation of Gatherings Act 205 of 1993.
SUMMARY NOTES FROM THE HOUSING CONFERENCE
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