Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and COGTA MEC Jacob Mamabolo has commended the leadership of Ekurhuleni Metro and the community for finally restoring peace in Daveyton following days of protest in the area. The Ekurhuleni metro was led by MMC Aubrey Nxumalo and MMC Mthuthuzeli Siboza in the talks with community.
Early in the week residents of Daveyton embarked in a violent protest with roads leading to the township blockaded by rocks and burning tyres after their plans to occupy land illegally were stopped by the municipality. Other demands were that they are allocated RDP houses and given land. The residents also raised the issue of corruption in the allocation of RDP houses.
MEC Jacob Mamabolo urged residents to stop using the apartheid style of protesting that results in destruction of infrastructure. “I urge the people to be calm and allow government and residents’ representatives to find each other through peaceful means. I welcome the formation of the task team between government and community leadership and this team has my full support. Violent protest and destruction of property is never a solution to service delivery problems in communities and it reverses the gains of democracy,” said Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo also assures the community that all outstanding issues will be resolved within the task team and pleads with members of the community to support the team and allow for a peaceful environment to resolve issues.
MEC Mamabolo said as government they have demonstrated that they are always willing and ready to engage communities where there are problems. “Communities cannot continue to use violent as way of showing their grievances. Let us follow the proper channel and stop causing chaos in order to be heard,” said Mamabolo.
The MEC said Gauteng government is dedicated to work closely with communities affected by challenges of services. He highlighted that the recent engagements in areas like Bekkersdal and Bronkhorstspruit have restored calm in those areas. “As we continue to engage the leadership in those areas things have gone back to normal. I am positive that the grievances raised by the community of Daveyton will receive lasting solutions,” said MEC Mamabolo.
With regards to allegations around the allocation of RDP houses the MEC has urged the residents to come out with evidence that there is illegal allocation of houses in the area. “We would need evidence of fraud so that we can deal with anyone who is involved. We need something to work on so that proper channels are followed and the allegations can be verified in a proper way,” said Mamabolo.
Furthermore, on the issue of the looting of local shops by some of the protestors MEC also warned the residents to guard against criminal elements who use protests to advance their illegal activities.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
