http://mpbackyarders.org.za/2010/09/18/mec-for-human-settlements-side-stepping-backyarders/

Backyarders Press Release ~ 18 September 2010

MEC for Human Settlements side stepping Backyarders!!!

The department working for Provincial Minister for Human Settlements (Bonginkosi Madikizela) yesterday gave us nothing but a mind-numbing report on survey to clean up Mandela Park Housing Project.

In May this year the Madikizela authorised survey in Mandela Park to determine the identity and ownership status of occupants of houses built with government housing subsidy funds in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha. During a meeting held in town on the 09 Sept 2010 the minister spoke of his plan which was again detailed in Friday’s meeting.The meeting started with no sign of the MEC and so his office convened the meeting on his behalf. His department was not able to address our concerns. They only reported on the survey into corruption in government housing in Mandela Park. The department also was unable to tell us when the MEC would come to Mandela Park to address the community about the housing crisis.

We believe that the minister is actually avoiding Mandela Park citizens. Clearly, he is not taking any of our issues and demands seriously. We have long been requesting that the MEC listen to our plight and he has shown no sign of interest in engaging meaningfully with us. Mandela Park citizens have now taken the decision that we will, from now on, defy the wishes of the Department of Human Settlements and we will stick to fighting for our own rights. We do not trust the words of Mr Madikizela and we will keep up the pressure preventing any construction in Mandela Park until theres action.

And we will be marching to his offices in due time!

For as long as he is still around, we will be around too! Umanyano Lwabahlali!

For more information, contact:

Loyiso at 0737662078
Nosipho at 0735878980
Khaya at 0780241683