Eye Witness News: Group warns of shacks outside CT Stadium

http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=40150

Group warns of shacks outside CT Stadium
Themba Boyi

A local group representing informal settlements has warned plans to erect shacks outside Cape Town Stadium unless proper housing is given to the poor.

Abahlali Basemjondolo demanded the underprivileged be allocated housing within the city but authorities were having none of it.

Basemjondolo planned to use the World Cup as a platform to vent their frustration with city bosses.

The group is no stranger to controversy – its members boycotted the general elections last year, adopting the slogan “no house, no vote”.

Representative Mzonke Poni said they planned to get local authorities attention in big way.

“If it means we must buy shacks and take them to town, next to Green Point Stadium and build them outside Green Point Stadium then we will do that.”

The city’s Kylie Hatton said it was unnecessary to spoil the Mother City’s World Cup party.

“It would be unfortunate if every aggrieved party used this event to make their case at the expense of the city and the country’s reputation.”

Abahlali’s comments come after President Jacob Zuma urged South Africans to “be good” for the duration of the World Cup.

(Edited by Danya Philander)