in Matsulu
5 July 2007
The MEC for Local Government and Housing MEC, Candith Mashego-Dlamini has
condemned the illegal invasion of houses at Matsulu Railway Infill. The MEC
told the community that it was wrong for people to attack the rightful
beneficiaries, remove them from their houses and then illegally occupy
them.
MEC Mashego-Dlamini was speaking when she visited Matsulu to meet with the
community and local structures to address the problem. "People must be aware
that they must follow the right procedures when applying for a house and not
think they can circumvent the processes by grabbing houses. We cannot allow a
situation where law abiding citizens are made to suffer because of individuals
who do not want to follow the correct procedures," said Mashego-Dlamini.
As part of addressing the problem in the area, it was agreed that a
committee comprising of the local structures comprising of the African National
Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP), South African National
Civic Organisation (Sanco), ward councillors and officials of both the Mbombela
Municipality and the department be set up to look into the matter. The
committee has been given one month to report back to the MEC.
The MEC also instructed that the invasion of the houses and attack on
community members must stop and the police must investigate such cases as they
are acts of criminality.
The MEC further urged all people who want a Reconstruction and Development
Programme (RDP) house to apply with the municipality, so that if they qualify
they can be put on the municipalities' housing list.
Contact person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
5 July 2007
