Zandspruit residents protest about land to build more shacks
Zandspruit councillor warned that a delayed response from the departments concerned could lead to further demonstrations in the area.
The roads leading to Zandspruit became a no-go zone on 12 January, following protest action by the local residents who took their grievances to the streets and burnt tyres.
Although the motive for the uprising was initially unclear, Zandspruit councillor, Victor Mafinya, told Northsider that it began after he prevented residents from invading land which had already been set aside for development.
“I was informed by the police that the people were burning tyres and went to see what was happening.
This problem started on 3 January, when I received a report stating that the community had mobilised and started marking off stands on which to build shacks,” Mafinya explained.
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He added that he managed to intervene and get the residents to understand the development plan. “There were about 300 community members scattered around the plot cutting land for themselves when I addressed them, and explained that the area had been earmarked for development,” he said.
Mafinya mentioned that he had approached the relevant departments (Economic Development and Housing) and is expecting a response on 21 January to provide a way forward for the residents.
Mafinya also warned that a delayed response from the departments could lead to further demonstrations in the area.
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