Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala ruled out a legal battle with the City of Cape Town because of the homeless living around the grounds of the Castle of Good Hope, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

"We have heard about this issue and the mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has written to us about it. We don't believe that this is a matter for us to fight in court," the minister told News24. 

Zikalala said the matter could be resolved by engaging with the City. 

"After receiving letters from the mayor, I have instructed the department to get me a full briefing, so that we will engage with the City," he said.

Zikalala said his department had already intensified the Operation Bring Back programme, which aims to reclaim all illegally occupied state properties.

Hill-Lewis told News24: "I spoke with Minister Zikalala [on Tuesday] and have re-sent him all of the documents and evidence of what we have done so far. He has committed to take action regarding the site.

"The department has our full support in restoring this important heritage and tourism site as quickly as possible."

In June, Hill-Lewis said the City was prepared to launch an eviction application, on behalf of Zikalala, to ensure the relocation of the occupants.

The mayor said the castle had already experienced a 90% drop in visitor numbers.

"Without an intervention to stop further unlawful occupation, the castle's status as a top tourist destination and national landmark will be impacted," Hill-Lewis said at the time.

The City said the homeless had refused efforts to be relocated.