A message was forwarded many times within online community groups, alleging that the Ginger Park informal settlement will be demolished.
According to the message, it was a notice for residents travelling along Main Road and Witkoppen Roads, which is near the area.
“It’s the 26th. COJ is required to demolish and remove all structures. PVT security companies will be on-site or near to ensure it doesn’t spill into Lonehill, etc., SAPS and JMPD should be on-site as well. The relocation site hasn’t been advised,” the message read.
Read more: Clock ticking as city races to find housing for Ginger Park residents by February 28
“The majority of those residents within the squatter camp are illegal foreigners. Human Settlements was ordered by the High Court to relocate them. There is a chance that some won’t leave peacefully. As soon as the property has been cleared, the landowner will fence off the area. To be noted, the private land ends where the old farmhouse begins; this land belongs to Gautrain.
“It would be advisable to try to avoid that area before, and after the 26th…”
The message left residents of the informal settlement anxious and confused.
Surprise Mahlangu, one of the residents, said,” We are all scared now because the message is saying we will be forcefully removed next week, but we haven’t received any formal communication from the city regarding any plans to relocate us.”
Mahlangu confirmed that the MMC of Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, had conducted an oversight visit, but didn’t say anything. It was after he left that they were told they would be moved by February 28. They had not received any communication since.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy has distanced himself from the circulating message and urged residents not to share unverified information.
Also read: Informal traders gone from Winnie Mandela Drive after repeated removals
“A WhatsApp (source unknown) and a letter from the rector of St Peter’s Prep are being distributed on ward groups and to me directly. “I would like to know the source of the WhatsApp message and the source of the information contained within it.”
Reddy said he has already contacted St Peter’s Preparatory School to establish how their letter was compiled and has requested official confirmation from the City of Johannesburg.
Lindsay McMurray, St Peter’s Prep head of communications, acknowledged the letter, saying it was for the school’s parent body, because they wanted to take precautionary measures ahead of any changes that might be happening.
She added that the letter was taken out of context. “Our parents have been in a similar situation before, where there’s been unrest at the traffic lights on the corner of Witkoppen and Main roads, where they’ve been burning tyres and throwing bricks at people’s cars. So, we want to [warn] our parents not to bring their children to school or to at least be aware that they can go the other way around to our school.”
The City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane, had previously confirmed to the Fourways Review that residents have been informed of the court order to relocate them.
“Residents have been made aware of the court order. However, no communication has been made in respect of their future, as the city is still investigating possible relocation areas.”
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