22 February 2012
Unemployed People's Society Press Statement

Shallcross March Called Off Due to Death Threats from the Local Councillor and ANC Members

Yesterday the Unemployed People's Society had to take the difficult decision to call off the march that we had planned against housing corruption in Shallcross. The night before the march was due to take place the Ward 17 Councillor and a number of local ANC members moved around the area with whistles. They issued clear threats stating that anyone who goes on this march will be killed.

The next morning Ms N.E. Shazi, the organisation's co-ordinator, woke to found that a large amount of blood had been poured on her gate.

In the interests of people's safety the march was called off. The memorandum was handed over though. The Unemployed People's Society will regather, meet with other organisations that are also facing death threats from councillors, BECs and ward committees, including some AbM branches, and plan a way forward.

However the people of Shallcross, in all three of the organisations that they have joined, are clear that they will not accept intimidation from the ANC or the corruption of the housing project promised to them.

For updates and further information please contact:

Nompumelelo Shazi (co-ordinator): 078 282 5637