IN a dramatic twist of events, the community of an informal settlement in Kinross ext 12 has been forcefully removed at an area that is designated for them by government.
Ms Ernest Lekhuleni , who is a Community Development Worker (CDW), told this newspaper that the resident’s ordeal started after she enquired about the criteria for one to be allocated a stand. She was told to identify deserving beneficiaries.
She added that this was due to the fact the she is always among people and as a result she knows their needs.
“After I had followed the processes as expected, I was then told that the said stands have already been allocated to the same residents I was asked to identify,” said Likhuleni.
She also indicated that she however discovered that several officials were illegally being allocated the stands.
However, Likhuleni added that she had reported the matter to the relevant departments including the office of the premier, but nothing has happened to date.
Following the move by the local municipality to remove them at the area through the aid of the infamous Red Ants, residents decided not to move and were as a result arrested by the police.
According to Likhuleni, residents were later released and the municipality was instructed to find them accommodation at a local community hall.
She alleged that upon residents arriving at the hall, the ward councillor responsible for the area was adamant and decided to call a security company to remove the residents.
“They were removing them with guns. Where are this people supposed to sleep,” Likhuleni asked.
Disgruntled community members indicated to this publication that the previous elections was their last voting for the ANC and they will instead vote for the newly-formed EFF.
EFF convenor at ward 16, Ms Mbali Jware , said that as the opposition party, they will point out those who didn’t deserve to be allocated the stands because municipal workers and home owners who pay bonds didn’t qualify because of their income.
She added that they have managed to recruit 72 new members at the ward and structures have been set.
“We are just waiting for the launch in our branch.”
