Threat of eviction sparks protests
ALEXANDRA - Angry residents burnt tyres and blocked First Avenue with stones after threats of eviction surfaced.
The residents, who live in a building on First Avenue said they were told to leave their homes on Thursday morning and find alternative accommodation.
“They told us to leave today. We have been staying here for years and have nowhere else to go. There was no notification given to anyone and we refuse to leave. We are protesting because we want attention and maybe burning tyres will get us the attention we need,” said a resident, Besta Phalane.
Another angry resident, Willie Mamabole said some have wives and children and insisted that they would not leave without a fight. “I’m so stressed that I’m even considering killing myself,” he added.
The protest took place next to the Alexandra Clinic and made it difficult for ambulances to get in because the road was blocked. The Clinic’s CEO, Labane Maluleka said: “The protest caused an inconvenience. Ambulances could not come in and we had to intervene. We facilitated the meeting held by police and some residents and suggested that they end the protest and start a consultation process,” Maluleka explained.
After the meeting, which took place at the clinic, the strike was called off. Briefing residents after the meeting, ANCYL Alex chairperson and member of the committee representing residents, Bruce Sorela said: “There won’t be evictions today.” He said residents must go back to their homes without any fear of being intimidated. “We are going to fight and ensure that you are safe.” He also pleaded with residents to clean up the road so that the clinic could resume its services.
