Rastas appeal for stop to Jukskei land grab

ALEXANDRA - Rasta appeal for stop to illegal Jukskei River bank land grab

Rubble used by the Rasta community members to reclaim the land along the Jukskei River bank.

Two members of the rasta community living on the Jukskei riverbank between Florence Mophosho Avenue and the Gautrain bridge in Ext 7 in Alex are frustrated in their effort to protect and develop the land they are on.

Zola Sabelo and Lethukuthula Ncube said people illegally dumped waste, constructed shacks and some Ext 7 RDP homeowners were even constructing brick houses to rent out on the piece of land.

They added that the rasta community used to stay further inland and have been moved closer to the river since 1994 by the city council when it started housing developments. “Now, many people are invading the only piece of land the rasta community has remaining, after making way for the development of Extension 7, 8 and 10, Tsutsumani and Eastbank,” Sabelo said.

They allege that authorities entrusted with enforcing environmental and safety bylaws have failed to control the invasion and dumping on the piece of land. The pair said they only accepted the dumping of ‘clean’ concrete rubble and soil which they had leveled out to develop a park, rasta camp, houses, an open cultural space for craft marketing, entertainment, a food garden, a library and access route for tourists. They said their plan was accepted by the township’s street committees, the South African National Civic Organisation members, the ward councillor and Region E officials.

“We won’t relent in our plan which has the potential for job creation, skills development, education, tourism and self-reliance through food gardens. Some women also benefited by selling bricks they picked out of the rubble,” said Sabelo.

He added that protecting the area would also clear out hideout spots for criminals and rapists who sometimes murdered their victims.

Newly elected Ward 105 councillor Teffo Raphadu commended the pair, saying their effort was appreciated by the community concerned about the land-grab. “Any illegal developments will be council’s problem as they won’t be connected to any services.

“It’s a greedy attempt by the invaders which should be stopped. We will engage relevant council departments to help develop concrete plans for the park which will benefit children and residents and protect the environment.”

Also read: Newly elected councillor hits the ground… running

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Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo on part of the land they are reclaiming next to the Jukskei River.

Letter from councillor Teffo Raphadu calling for a meeting on the contestation of the land along the Jukskei River.

Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo next to a wall and foundation they constructed for their homes which was vandalised by people alleged to be wanting to construct illegal shacks and homes next to the Jukskei River bank.

‘Clean’ soil and concrete rubble Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo use to reclaim the land next to the Jukskei River bank.

Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo on land they are reclaiming.

Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo on a spot where their makeshift fence was destroyed by people said to be invading land they are reclaiming.

Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo on concrete rubble they use to reclaim land on Jukskei River bank.

Lethukuthula Ncube and Zola Sabelo next to shacks that are encroaching on the Jukskei River and on land they want to reclaim.

Shacks encroach on the Jukskei River bank.

On the left is illegal dumped waste which is almost blocking the Jukskei River. Land being reclaimed is on the right with the natural riverbank still showing.

On the right is illegal dumped waste which is almost blocking the Jukskei River. Land being reclaimed is on the left with the natural river bank still existing.

On the left is illegal dumped waste which is almost blocking the Jukskei River. Land being reclaimed is on the right with the natural river bank still existing.

Zola Sabelo and Lethukuthula Ncube on the land being reclaimed along the Jukskei River.

Ward 105 councillor Teffo Raphadu.