DA calls for calm in Orlando housing protest

Issued by Tsepo Mhlongo MP – DA Constituency Head: Soweto East
20 Mar 2017 in News

The DA is calling for calm in Mzihlophe following protest action that saw parts of the Soweto Highway being closed off due to violence.

The protestors are raising issue with the eviction of illegal land invaders from Mzimhlophe by the City.

The City of Johannesburg is taking steps, through its low-income housing programme, to ensure that residents are given access to housing as a matter of urgency.

Examples of the DA-led City of Joburg housing plans include R41 million more budgeted to electrify informal settlements, R219 million more allocated by Mayor Mashaba’s government to use in the purchase of property in the inner city for refurbishment into low-cost rental housing for 1164 families.

In order for the stated plans to be realised, residents need to refrain from violence and allow the City to proceed with the full implementation of its housing programme. The DA assures residents that progress in delivery of housing opportunities is being made by the DA-led government.

Mayor Mashaba has already made it clear that low-cost housing is one of the top priorities of his administration. Since taking office, he has issued over 2000 title deeds to homeowners in Johannesburg’s high-density suburbs.

The Mayor is fully committed to fulfilling his vision of a fair and caring city where the dignity of residents is prioritised.

The DA-led administration is calling on Mzihlophe residents to work with the City in addressing their concerns instead of resorting to violence.