The national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is racing to obtain an eviction order to remove the homeless people staying around the Castle of Good Hope which is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and is a Grade 1 National Monument.

The department told News24 it was in the process of obtaining a court order to remove the occupants and structures as the festive season approaches.

According to the city, the Castle had already experienced a 90% drop in visitor numbers.

"The department has initiated the legal process of obtaining an eviction order in respect of the portion of land which resorts under the ownership of the department," said Thami Mchunu, spokesperson for the department.

Calvin Gilfillan, the chief executive of the Castle of Good Hope, told News24 the presence of the homeless creates an impression of lawlessness and disorder. 

"Being in front of one of the country's eminent cultural tourism attractions diminishes our image as a world-class destination. However, we unconditionally respect the rights and the plight of the homeless and hope that the national Department of Public Works, the City and the representatives of the homeless community find a swift, respectful, and amicable solution to this challenge," he said.

Gilfillan added they will do everything possible to expedite a humane and respectful solution to this societal problem.

The city said the homeless people had refused their efforts to relocate them over the last two years.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told News24 that the Castle was one of the city's top tourist destinations and was visited by thousands of tourists and schoolchildren each year.

"It is one of the first sites a person experiences of the city when coming off the highway and entering the CBD.

"Without the intervention the national Public Works is now undertaking, the Castle’s status as a top tourist destination and national landmark would be permanently extinguished," said Hill-Lewis.

"The continued occupation poses health and safety risks; deprivation of access to public places for residents and tourists; and business flight from the affected areas."