Metro and South African Police parked between Frankenwald Estate and Alex residents out of picture. Photo: Leseho Manala
Alex and other local residents gathered early morning on 25 March for the third consecutive day at the intersection of Far East Bank and Marlboro drives for what the Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF) called a registration for land which would be used for housing.
On the evening of 23 March, party officials addressed throngs on the registration process they said would continue for as long as the housing need by Alex residents continues. Branch leader Washington Maponyane said on 25 March that an estimated 5 000 were already registered in a database. “Those with material were allocated sites to start constructing in Waterfall View next to Waterval cemetery Midrand,” he said adding that the party and those it registered were prepared to stand their ground against Metro and South African Police gathered next to the site.
EFF activist Sello Marole with ID copies of some of those who registered for land. Photo: Leseho Manala
Maponyane said the occupation was the last option after failed promises since 1996 to offer residents promised housing. “Many completed C4 forms for housing, others were allocated shelter at transit camps then and they can’t wait anymore.
“A community decision to occupy vacant land was then taken also after the council resolved to expropriate land but the delay is wearing out the patience of the homeless,” he said were living in shacks, backrooms, shared single rooms with parents while others resorted to living on the streets.
He added that the objective was also to have others occupy any vacant land, pointing to the nearby 200-hectare Frankenwald Estate between Kelvin and the N3 Freeway which has been vacant for 104 years after it was donated by mining magnate Alfred Beit to Wits University.
“Council resolved to expropriate this land for housing and informed Wits management of the decision and now negotiations between the Council and the provincial housing department are unnecessarily prolonged. “Greater Alex residents who have been holding onto unfulfilled promises ought to register and fight for their right to shelter, as the delay may be another ploy.”
Alex residents register for land through EFF. Photo: Leseho Manala
Maponyane said police parked across Marlboro Drive hadn’t confronted the gathering but advised them to act peacefully. Some who registered said they did so from desperation and with reservation as they were sceptical after only submitting copies of their identity document and contact details. “We hope with the election due next year and unlike the government, this is not for electioneering,” said one who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, Ward 109 councillor Werner Smit told our sister paper, Sandton Chronicle that the gathering intended to invade Frankewald Estate land for shack construction. Also, Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed police presence on-site.
