Newclare protests indicative of larger housing crisis

Violent protests, such as those which took place in Newclare on 6 October, are indicative of a larger housing crisis in the City of Johannesburg, according to the Democratic Alliance.

According, Mervyn Cirota MPL DA spokesperson on housing, MMC for housing in the city councillor Dan Bovu has failed to honour his many undertakings to provide housing to residents, including in areas such as Newclare and Ennerdale.

“The DA in Gauteng has long advocated for the establishment of an inter-party committee to audit housing needs in the province and assess current projects and allocation. It is clear from yesterday’s (6 October) violence that such an inquiry is imperative,” said Cirota.

According to Cirota, lack of political leadership in both the provincial and city structures is hindering the mandate of these departments.

“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with Gauteng MEC for housing, Jacob Mamabolo, to discuss the way forward and establish a clearer picture regarding housing allocation and current projects. The MEC must clarify the housing situation in Gauteng before incidents such as yesterday escalate even further,” he concluded.

Newclare residents were promised houses in 2002. Twelve years later, none of the houses in the area have been completed.

Resident and protester Ntombinkosi Johnson said, “We want the government to build us houses. We have been waiting for a long time, our children are getting germs and this area is underdeveloped.”

Councillor Susan Stewart was devastated by the incident.

“I think the people are angry and have now taken to the streets to publicly protest,” she said.

The Newclare service delivery protest ended in one resident dead and two others injured.