Alexandra Peace Ambassadors demand urgent focus on land distribution and human settlement

Alexandra Peace Ambassadors secretary general Thabo Mopasi rallies for support from ward councillors, PR councillors, the MMC of Human Settlement, and Section 79 to shift their focus to a matter that affects every Alex resident: land distribution and human settlement.

Mopasi said for the past five years local councillors have predominantly tackled topics like crime rates, vegetable shortages, and electrical supply failures, leaving the pressing issue of land and human settlement off the agenda.

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“The recurring problem of electricity in Alexandra is compounded by overcrowding. Our area is densely populated, leading to an overstressed power system that struggles to meet basic needs,” Mopasi said.

The consequences of neglecting land allocation manifest themselves in various forms. Water scarcity, inadequate housing, and the construction of infrastructure like the BRT bus depot without proper planning are symptomatic of a larger systemic failure.

Mopasi questions the decision to build a depot in a fire-prone area filled with informal settlements. “How can you spend substantial amounts on a bus depot when there’s a clear risk of it being rendered useless due to the surrounding conditions?” he asked.

Mopasi is adamant that the municipality’s disregard for land-related discussions is not just a policy oversight but a potential breeding ground for corruption.

“When only crime and power issues dominate the agenda, easy money becomes the focus for some councillors, diverting their attention from the urgent housing issues of our residents,” he said.

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With local government elections on the horizon, Mopasi emphasises that it is time for councillors to recommit to their promises.

“We need our new mayor and councillors to prioritise land and human settlement. Every meeting and agenda should start with updates on these pressing issues, especially when we have schools built alarmingly close to cemeteries due to a lack of available space,” Mopasi said.

Mopasi is calling upon chief whips to ensure that ward councillors reintegrate land and human settlement into their regular discussions.

“This must be a standing item on each councillor’s agenda. The people of Alexandra deserve better, and it’s time we hold our leaders accountable,” Mopasi said.

MMC of human settlement Mlungisi Mabaso emphasised the city’s commitment in addressing the issue of land and human settlement in Alexandra.

“There are land claims in Alexandra and 2 500 of them are represented by their organisations. So, some years back they started engagements with all spheres of government and there was a statement of intent which was signed but was left for the City of Johannesburg to compile a report which will then be taken to council so we can obtain the council resolution which then determines the way forward,” Mabaso said.

Mabaso said a statement of intent was signed, and a report outlining their proposals was presented to the council on September 19.

“This marks the beginning of a structured process to address land redistribution and human settlement in Alexandra.

“Through our engagements, we aim to align our approach with the recommendations provided, while also ensuring that the final decisions are guided by council resolutions.

“We are dedicated to working collaboratively with councillors and affected stakeholders to uplift the development interdict currently inhibiting progress. Our goal is to commence with the much-needed development in Alexandra, which will ultimately benefit the community,” Mabaso said.

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