The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development Lebogang Maile condemns the populist and irresponsible calls made by the EFF for illegal land occupation in Gauteng.
The Gauteng government is aware that land as an economic asset and public good is a crucial matter that is directly linked with historic injustice in our country. We also recognise the great need for land amongst low-income groups and for various township development purposes. It is for these reasons that we have identified land reform and redistribution as urgent issues that require immediate resolution.
We have a constitutional obligation to ensure that all citizens enjoy the basic rights to access to land and to housing. We also have a similar duty to lead and encourage planned and orderly development within Gauteng and to safeguard the rights of private land owners.
The province, including municipalities, has elaborate plans for all government owned land and will be announcing developmental and economic projects that will benefit our communities in the next few months.
The call for land invasions is not only reckless and populist but it is also geared at encouraging widespread lawlessness and sabotaging development. We urge communities not to be hoodwinked into a programme that seeks to derail the strides we are making to improve people’s lives.
We also call on all law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to prevent illegal occupations and take steps against transgressors and those promoting anarchy and lawlessness.
For media enquiries please contact:
Phindile Kunene
Tel: 011 355 8443
Cell: 082 494 2409
E-mail: Phindile.Kunene@gauteng.gov.za
