Gauteng Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi has called for calm in Alexandra after threats of attacks directed at foreign nationals from the township. A group of people accuses foreign nationals of bribing officials in order for them to get RDP houses.
MEC Mmemezi said the acts of xenophobic attacks on foreigners would not be tolerated. He said the department has called on everyone with evidence that these people are buying their way into RDP houses to come forward.
“We need evidence and if people come forward we are going to act against those who are manipulating the process that we have put in place. Our allocation of houses is very clear and councilors do not have a mandate to allocate houses,” said Mmemezi.
Mmemezi said the department will never fold its arms where there are acts of corruption. “These allegations need to be substantiated and the department will take a lead to make sure that we get rid of all these people who are alleged to be selling RDP houses meant for rightful owners”.
He said people should refrain from using wrong tactics to get attention. “Our people should not allow themselves to be used by people who just want to cause anarchy. Chasing away foreign nationals from the township is not a solution but helping the department to deal with corruption will go a long way,” said Mmemezi.
He said it is in their interest as the department to make sure that people of Alexandra are able to get their rightful houses. “We have invested a further R90 million into the project in this current financial year to make sure that we renew Alexandra,” concluded Mmemezi.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
