*
Gauteng SACP, COSATU, SANCO and Greater Lenasia Concerned Residents
Association *
**
**
*Joint Press Statement*
**
*Demolition of Residents Houses in Lenasia*
**
Following a meeting with the residents of Lenasia by SACP, COSATU and
SANCO on Saturday, 10^th November 2012, a follow-up meeting was held
last night, Monday 12^th November 2012, 19h00. The purpose of the
meeting was to give residents a report back on the tasks that were
agreed upon in Saturday's meeting.
*Class contradictions in Lenasia*
**
In our collective analysis of the situation, we came to the conclusion
that the principal and strategic contradiction in Greater Lenasia are
the class interests of a coalition of class forces that involves
property developers and speculators, building constructors, financial
institutions, corrupt government officials, commodity outlets such as
car dealers, malls, food outlets and many others.
Their common primary goal is to liquidate and remove the working class
and poor people out of the area of Lenasia to make way for further
property development. This includes the people of the neighbouring
informal settlements such as Thembelihle, Lawly and Ennerdale, who are
also targeted for removal from Lenasia.
They believe that the presence of the working class and poor people in
Greater Lenasia and their presence in the houses that are currently
being demolished poses a threat to the value of their properties, as
most of the demolished houses belong predominantly to Africans and poor
people.
Our view on the common interests of this coalition of class forces stems
from our observation and clear evidence that during the first round of
house demolitions that took place in 2010, stands from demolished houses
were immediately taken over by property developers who are currently
constructing highly expensive mansions and double-storey houses. This
clearly refutes the claim and lie that the demolition is intended for
low cost houses.
*Selective demolition of houses and uprooting of the working class and
poor*
**
During our site inspection of demolished houses, we were dismayed and
disturbed to see that the demolition of houses targeted mainly those
owned by Africans and Black people on the same land, leaving untouched
business properties, expensive houses and mansions. We wonder what
criteria were used to select houses for demolition.
We agree that indeed a court order was granted to the Provincial
Department of Housing to remove the people from the land, but it should
be noted that the affected residents appealed the decision of the court.
According to information provided by community leaders, it is on record
that former MEC of Housing, Mr Humphrey Memezi requested residents to
withdraw their appeal case in favour of a mediated political solution.
Unfortunately for the residents, Mr Memezi resigned from his post before
commencing with mediation and political resolution of the problem.
Simply making reference to the court order without acknowledging the
withdrawal of the appeal process by residents as a positive gesture to
the then MEC of Housing Mr Humphrey Memezi constitute a complete
distortion of facts.
Residents also informed us that they have acquired their houses through
what appeared as a normal sale process conducted by government officials
who used government letter heads and official documents. The residents
could not suspect any fraud and misrepresentation on the part of the
officials, and trusted government, which they still trust even now.
In a recent meeting held with senior government officials of the
Department of Housing, information and all relevant documents proving
ownership of the houses and stands were provided. It is also important
to note that some of the residents were staying in these houses for more
than three years, and have proof of payment of lights, water and
electricity. This is contrary to the lie that demolished houses did not
have occupants.
In our meeting with the residents we noted that at least nine (9) houses
were fully occupied and had vulnerable groups such as women and children.
We have compiled a list of the affected families that are still in the
area. This list include Ms Nontutuzelo Lorraine Mqedlana, the brave
woman who was prepared to die for her house by locking herself inside
with her children and told demolishers to demolish the house with her
and the children inside.
The demolishers immediately retreated and only demolished the wall of
the house. We respect her for her bravery, she is the heroine of Lenasia
and her house except for the wall is at least saved for now.
*Proposed Way-Forward and Urgent Interventions*
**
In last night's mass meeting with the community we resolved as follows:
1. To support the interdict brought by the South African Human
Rights Commission (SAHRC), to call on the SAHRC to extend their
intervention beyond court interdict, but to work with the Office of
the Public Protector to investigate every single detail relating to
this matter and make recommendations that should include the fate of
affected residents and conduct of house demolishers.
We believe the public must hear the other side of the story told by
the people of Greater Lenasia through the relevant Chapter 9
institutions. We will formally engage these institutions to hear the
people of Greater Lenasia.
2. To engage the MEC of Housing, comrade Ntombi Mekgwe to ensure
that irrespective of the outcome of the current court interdict by
SAHRC, further demolitions should be put on hold whilst we negotiate
an alternative and an amicable lasting solution to the problem.
3. We will be convening the Alliance Secretariat this afternoon
at 17h00 to further explore alternative solutions to the problem and
challenge facing the people of Lenasia.
4. That a mass protest will be arranged as a matter of urgency
to give the people of Lenasia the opportunity to express themselves
on the matter.
*5.* *We note and welcome the postponement of the court case brought
by the SAHRC on behalf of the residents to Tuesday, 14^th November
2012. We remain fully behind the SAHRC, and strongly condemn the
inhuman, dehumanising and most backward actions of the demolishers
and those who uprooted the working class. *
The meeting applauded and appreciated the people of Lenasia who
responded positively to our call that they should not engage in any form
of violent activity and rather give us the opportunity to resolve the
matter using best practices of our revolutionary movement and the
Alliance as a whole.
We further appeal to the residents of Greater Lenasia and Gauteng
province as whole to have confidence that the ANC government of
President Jacob Zuma, following in the true footsteps of Nelson Mandela,
Oliver Tambo, Albert Luthuli and others is a caring and most humane
government that has their interests at heart.
**
*Issued by:*
**
*SACP Gauteng Provincial Secretary: Jacob Mamabolo (082 884 1868)*
*COSATU Provincial Secretary: Dumisani Dakile (082 727 1422)*
*SANCO Provincial Secretary: Lucas Qakaza (082 852 4214) and*
*Greater Lenasia Concerned Residents Association Chairperson: Lazarus
Baloyi: 082 626 1283 *
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