Mr David Mabuza, Premier of Mpumalanga, visited Tsalanang CRU project and interacted with the beneficiaries of the government subsidised flats in Extension 8.
This is one of the controversial developments in the area which was developed despite dissatisfaction by the tenants who believed there was corruption committed by the Govan Mbeki Housing Council.
They lodged a complaint with the public protector in 2010 against unfair treatment concerning rent, illegal evictions, a lack of security, an alleged donation which the company received from donors from the Netherlands, poor maintenance, money deducted from tenants’ salaries without their consent, tenants being charged high rent irrespective of whether they earn above the stipulated bracket or not, and rent that differs for the same sized flats.
The battle between the Tsalanang tenants and this council has been dragging on for years and the tenants even approached the Evander Magistrate’s
Court, the Tribunal and the High Court because they said the evictions were unlawful.
Dispute this, the development continued and there are now 314 units of new and renovated buildings within the area.
The overall project includes a child care centre, community hall, and the residential units, among others.
Visiting the area, the premier was with the Human Settlements MEC, Mr Speedy Mashilo, and the Executive Mayor, Ms Flora Maboa-Boltman.
Ms Elizabeth Skhosana (82) was happy to receive an unexpected visit by Mr Mabuza.
He congratulated her and her family on their newly built government subsidised house.
The visit was part of bringing the legislature to the people.
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