South Africa: Cape Town flower farm workers face eviction

Two brothers, who for the past 23 years have grown flowers on a farm in Tokai, are facing eviction and their employees face the prospect of life on the streets, reports South African news medium IOL.

Those living on the property, which is the former Porter School in Orpen Road, include an 85-year-old woman, a toddler and three other children.

This month, the Flandorp brothers, who have built a thriving business selling fresh cut flowers, received a letter from the state attorney acting on behalf of Premier Helen Zille and MEC for Transport and Public Works Donald Grant, giving them until next Monday to remove their goods and for all those unlawfully occupying the property to leave.

Alistair Flandorp said his father, Phillip Flandorp, started the business in 1993 after an agreement with the principal of the Porter School who had promised them a 99-year lease. "It was just a handshake in those days, so we don't have a lease."

Flandorp employs about 30 people, 12 of whom live on the property. Prisoners from Pollsmoor Prison are also employed.

Western Cape transport and public works department spokesman Byron la Hoe said the department had on numerous occasions tried to enter into a lease agreement with Flandorps prior to issuing eviction notices.

Read more at IOL