While development takes place around them, Mpumelelo Shazi of “Dladla Village” Extension 19, Duduza, says they are still trying to obtain permits for their house stands.
As an organiser, Mpumelelo was part of the group which marched to the Tsakane CCC office on March 20, to hand over a memorandum to Jones Zondo of the mayor’s office.
Mpumelelo says some residents have been living in the area for more than 20 years and have been patiently waiting for development.
“We keep getting promises but no action, it feels as though they keep building around us to hide our shacks from the public,” says Mpumelelo.
According to Mpumelelo, one of the reasons provided to them, is that an estimated eight people have built on stands not meant for them, and this has delayed development for about 300 shacks.
Mayoral spokesman Zweli Dlamini said the memorandum was received by Jones Zondo on behalf of the mayor’s office, and ‘will go through normal municipal processes’.
He continued to say that they will meet with the residents next week, to be able to unpack the issues raised in the memorandum.
“The human settlement management plan which was adopted by the Ekurhuleni, is currently being implemented to ensure we provide basic services and make informal settlements liveable areas,” Dlamini added.
