Gauteng strengthens talks with community leaders
The Gauteng Provincial Government has expressed its commitment to stop anarchy and violence experienced in many communities previously affected by violent public protest actions such as Kya Sands, Thembelihle, Sebokeng, Bekkersdal and many others. The province has been engaging in on-going dialogues with Community Leaders in areas previously classified as hot-spots as well as new ones in order to jointly find lasting solutions to service delivery grievances.
“Through direct dialogue, we have stabilised the province and currently working with Community Leaders in many areas that were previously regarded as no-go zones. Our doors are open and we are calling on other Communities Leaders to work with us and choose dialogue over violence” said MEC for Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo.
This week MEC Mamabolo met the Community Leaders of Thembelihle and Lawley, south of Johannesburg, as part of an on-going effort to resolve service delivery grievances.
“By opening up discussions with Community Leaders, we were able to bring to end instability and despair in Thembelihle - an area which was long known for violent protests over service delivery.”
The Thembelihle Community Leaders, the province and City of Johannesburg are working together to undertake scientific studies in order to explore the extent of dolomite, stop land invasion and the growth of the informal settlement as well as to provide electricity and housing.
“Through dialogue we have been able to find each other and to restore peace and stability in Thembelihle. Through this partnership, we have been able to bury the sad experiences of the past and we will continue to work with these leaders until their grievances are resolved”, MEC Mamabolo said.
MEC Mamabolo expressed concern about the recent violent protest action in Kya Sands and has already started communication and engagement with the Community Leaders.
"As the three spheres of government we are working jointly on consolidating the plans for Kya Sands which will include the installation of bulk infrastructure (water and sanitation) in the area. We are planning to make the announcement in November when this work will start", MEC Jacob Mamabolo said.
“I acknowledge concerns raised by the residents and wish to give assurance that the Lion Park housing development will provide residents with an equal opportunity to rent or buy (housing) provided they meet the qualifying criterion” commented MEC Mamabolo in a letter addressed to the Kya Sands Community Leadership.
“Communities should not allow themselves to be held hostage by people who exploit their valid, historically and legitimate demands for personal and sheer populism.” concluded MEC Mamabolo.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
