How do we handle invaders and the misery of evictions?

The evictions at Nomzamo informal settlement in Strand, Cape Town, take us back to the dark days of apartheid.

The difference this time is that a court order gave the South African National Roads Agency the go-ahead to evict the families.

Although the law has been followed, we have to ask why alternative accommodation was not arranged before police officers moved in. We should not abuse processes that favour our actions and forget that we should also be humane in our conduct

The continuing mudslinging between the City of Cape Town and the ANC is shameful.

Both parties have forgotten that it is not merchandise that is being removed but human beings, whose rights are protected in our constitution.

The law states clearly that alternative accommodation should be arranged before people are evicted.

The ruling party should get its facts straight before climbing on its high horse and blaming others for the shameful act.

Because of the shortage of housing people are always in search of a place to call home.

Now that Sanral is aware of people's anger, it should try to find an alternative place for the families to live.

Though the government should shoulder the blame for the Lwandle debacle, people should also take responsibility for their actions.

Reports claim Nomzamo residents were told in advance about the eviction order but they chose to ignore it. For the state to be able to provide a better service to all, certain rights will have to be suspended and action taken by majority decision.

People must know they cannot just invade land, and when removed cry foul. Rules are there to be followed and the law has to be upheld. How do you deal with land invaders who need homes? How do you deal with decisions of the courts that give rights to others to take action?

These are the questions we must tackle as we build a human rights culture that is fair to everyone.