In September 2021 the residents were served with a final eviction order, subject to being provided with a relocation plan. But many Happiness Village families have remained steadfast in their resistance.
The City is still offering Zamani and corrugated iron structures with steel framed doors, windows and cement floor , with a life span exceeding five years. It says the structures can be dismantled three times, are easy to transport, store, construct and adaptable to local conditions. The SANDF would provide trucks for relocation.
“It seems as if we are still at the same position,” said Chris Koetsioe, one of the Marievale family litigants. “To be on the safe side, the residents want to stay in Happiness until they can be given a house.” “There are so many people waiting in informal settlements around Nigel, waiting for houses,” says Ruiters. “At some point, people in Zamani were protesting because they did not want Marievale people to take their houses. The environment is also unsafe and crowded. My family and l will remain here in Happiness Village until we get a house.”