Eldos: Housing Protest draws Sisulu to feedback meeting
Feedback meeting pays off.
The protest that was sparked due to inadequate housing on May 8, ended on the 10th. After a protracted protest Eldorado Park residents, joined by residents from surrounding areas, took to the streets in protest as they demanded proper housing.
A number of local businesses were looted, vandalised and infrastructure destroyed during the protests. Shops were closed because of owners who were fearful that their businesses would be targeted next.
The area became a virtual ghost town as deliveries were not made for a number of days following the protests. Basic household goods were unavailable to residents and SASSA grant recipients were diverted to the Don Mateman Civic Centre to receive their grant payments.
In a meeting held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Campus in Soweto, on May 14, residents from affected areas met with Human Settlements Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu and Member of the Executive Council, Paul Mashatile, to give vent to their frustrations.
Many residents felt aggrieved that the meeting was not held in Eldorado Park and viewed this as a slight to a community which feels sidelined by the government.
A Kliptown representative said, “Houses are being sold to foreigners by corrupt individuals. We have been asking for a housing audit, but the government won’t give it to us.”
Some representatives voiced their concerns and did well for their communities.
According to residents, Eldorado Park representatives did not do well as they do not understand the dynamics of the community.
Member of the Executive Council, Paul Mashatile said: “No one is here campaigning for their respective political party but we are here as one government. It is important to tell the communities that the work has started.”
Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe concluded the meeting saying, “This is a national issue, and we are aware of the problem of ‘backyarders’ as it is an acute problem affecting the entire nation.
“We have built 4.3 million houses in this country and still haven’t met the needs of the most vulnerable in South Africa,” Sisulu said that they will report back on a regular basis based on the progress that they are making.
Sisulu also mentioned Khomotso Phahlane will ensure that the incarcerated children are released soon.
As promised by Sisulu, the children have been released and sent home Monday.
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