Extension of Security of Tenure Act 1997

Summary

This document introduces the Extension of Security of Tenure Act of 1997, a South African law designed to protect people living on land owned by others from unfair evictions. It acknowledges that past discriminatory practices left many citizens with unstable housing, leading to social conflict and personal hardship. To address this, the legislation establishes legal requirements for ending residency rights and outlines the specific conditions under which a court may grant an eviction order. Furthermore, the Act provides for government subsidies to help residents secure permanent land rights and facilitates mediation to resolve disputes between occupiers and owners. It explicitly grants occupiers fundamental human rights, such as dignity and privacy, while also defining their responsibilities toward the property. Ultimately, the law seeks to balance the legitimate interests of landowners with the need for long-term stability for vulnerable occupants.