Ultimatum date does not exist
The settlement, which overlooks Ext 11 which used to house the Lurex Maize Depot, was established in September last year.
settlement, face eviction on "February 30".
About 40 illegal squatters occupying private land plots in the Mthethomusha (a siSwati word which loosely translates to “new rules”) informal settlement in Emjindini have been issued eviction notices.
According to them, the land owners threaten to take unspecified drastic action against them if they fail to vacate the area by “February 30”. Saying they have nowhere to go, they have vowed to stay put. Some are even calling the warning a joke because of the erroneous date.
The notices, which are written in siSwati, partly read, “Resident, you are informed that the land you have built your shacks on is a business stand that has been bought. You are requested to vacate it and seek a place elsewhere to build. I can appreciate your cooperation. Due date is February 30, 2014.”
Thulani Gwebu, who issued these, said the move comes in the wake of their plans to service the land.
“We know we’re occupying the plots illegally, but the problem of homelessness forced us into this situation,” said Angel Mbusili (15). She is calling on the MEC for human settlement Andries Gamede and Umjindi Municipality executive mayor,
Lazarus Mashaba to intervene. “Please help us, we have nowhere to go,” she pleaded. Gwebu could not say what action they planned to take if the squatters defied the eviction notice.
“It would be premature to say.” However, he added that they would approach the situation in a positive way based on talks between those affected and the relevant role players.
Asked why they decided to act only, Gwebu said, “We have been in dialogue since last year when the matter started to peak in the area.” He added that only a few squatters would be affected, not all of them.
The settlement, which overlooks Ext 11 which used to house the Lurex Maize Depot, was established in September last year. However, there are some residents who claim that they started to occupy the area in 2003.
In March last year, a tug of war ensued between some of the residents and the Ward 4 councillor, Anthea Mthunywa. They accused her of alleged unequal treatment, demolishing their structures and failing to deliver services.
A Barberton Times visit to the area last week revealed that the council has since installed services like tap water. However, a huge volume of the precious drinking water is going to waste as the tap appears to be left open.
Approached for comment, Mthunywa said there were ongoing engagements involving the squatters, landowners and the council.
