MEC pleased that calm has returned in Thembelihle following violent protest
Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo is pleased that there is calm in Thembelihle near Lenasia following the violent protest as there were no incidents reported since this morning.
Residents of this informal settlement embarked in a service delivery protest demanding that they be provided with electricity, housing and other amenities despite the area of Thembelihle declared dolomitic and not suitable for housing development.
MEC Mamabolo said he is happy that there is calm and they will continue to monitor the situation together with the law enforcement agencies. “I plead with the residents to desist from violent protest and allow the department to consolidate a response to demand by the residents. We are going to engage with all the government agencies concerned on the issues raised by residents so that we can have conclusive response in two weeks’ time,” said Mamabolo.
Mamabolo said a meeting between the department and residents on Tuesday resolved that the department be given two weeks to consolidate the report on issues raised by Thembelihle community.
Mamabolo reiterated that violence has never yielded positive results but created a space for criminals to take advantage of the situation, also in the process property and community facilities are destroyed. “Our people should restrain from using violence in order to raise their burning issues. People should use all avenues available at National, Provincial and local government to express their concerns,” said Mamabolo.
Over the years residents of Thembelihle have been gradually relocated to the nearby Lehae mixed housing development. However people continue to flock into this informal settlement and others rent out their old shacks which makes it difficult to clear out the area.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
