http://www.capetimes.co.za/?fSectionId=&fArticleId=nw20091126221515537C758842

Guards demolish shacks
26 November 2009, 22:47

By Nompumelelo Magwaza

Residents of Mpola informal settlement at Marrianridge, near Pinetown, spent Thursday rebuilding and repairing their shacks.

This was after a group of armed municipal security guards had ransacked and demolished more than 20 shacks, leaving about 100 people homeless.

The guards were acting on the orders of ward councillor Derrick Dimba.

The Cape High Court has reserved judgment on the application by government and its housing agency, Thubelisha Homes, to move thousands of Joe Slovo residents.

Judge President John Hlophe's decision followed hours of argument by the opposing legal teams and was greeted with a mixed reaction.

"We are heading into the festive season and people are preparing for the holiday. If judgment were given today and it went against us, it would have meant a bleak Christmas for us," said Mzwanele Zulu, a Joe Slovo community leader.

"In this sense, it is convenient for us that judgment was reserved."

http://www.capetimes.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4027637

Front Page
I'll remove you from waiting lists, says minister
N2 protest ultimatum

September 11, 2007 Edition 2

Quinton Mtyala and Sapa

HOUSING MINISTER Lindiwe Sisulu has issued a blunt warning to people whose actions led to the closure of the N2 near Langa yesterday: Continue the violent protest and be "removed completely from all housing waiting lists".

She said residents of the Joe Slovo informal settlement had to decide whether they wanted to co-operate with the government and qualify for housing. "If they choose not to co-operate, they will be removed completely from all housing waiting lists."