of the Urban and Rural Poor (FEDUP)
7 December 2006
Thozamile Botha, Advisor to the Minister of Housing Lindiwe Sisulu,
acknowledged the successful initiative of the creation of a fund that enabled
the Joe Slovo Informal Settlement residents to build their own houses.
Botha was speaking at the launch of the first of four show houses, which are
part of a planned 1 600 to be built by the Joe Slovo village residents.
The award winning FEDUP, an affiliate of Shack Dwellers International (SDI)
managed to mobilise more than 800 community members and land owners to save
towards their own homes, instead of waiting for government subsidies to make it
a reality to own houses they could call their own.
"Shacks and informal settlements are an affront to the dignity of our
people. Their retard their development and prolong the achievement of a better
life for all. In launching this house the Federation of the Urban and Rural
Poor asserts that it shares and believes in the message," said Botha.
He congratulated the community that launched the first of a planned 1 600
houses to be completed by the end of 2007, for taking matters into their own
hands. "People of Port Elizabeth occupy a special place in the history books.
For years since the 1940s this was the scene of a number of organised rent
boycotts that showed the rest of the country what results united action can
bring to communities.
"During those days our people did not believe in waiting for some Messiah to
come to rescue them from the clutches of oppression. They organised themselves
to stage what a very heroic liberation struggle that built a strong foundation
for unity and cohesiveness on all issues that affected them. And this happened
across all sectors, whether it was housing, education or health."
"In fact, I think even the word beneficiary is not appropriate to describe
them for they themselves took part in the building of their houses. The houses
come from their sweat and savings. They therefore have not been given to them
by anybody whilst they stand on the sidelines 'arms-fold'."
Nothima Kala, 75, was part of the Urban Poor Fund that has all Joe Slovo
residents saving towards their dream homes. Her two bedroom 56 square metre
house, made of brick and mortar, took only a week for the community to
complete. Its worth is estimated at R28 000.
Issued by: Department of Housing
7 December 2006
Source: Department of Housing (http://www.housing.gov.za)
