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Mooibank residents dismiss eviction claims

After allegations regarding the eviction of residents in Mooibank Azanaville circulated on social media, concerned residents embarked on a march, demanding answers.

After allegations regarding the eviction of residents in Mooibank Azanaville circulated on social media, concerned residents embarked on a march, demanding answers.

It’s been over a year since they were moved to Azaniaville and allegedly told they would be considered a priority, but, they have only received Jojo water tanks after months of pleading with the municipality.

Even though it was never clear who the rightful owners of the land were, the small community turned their newfound place into a home, despite their difficulties.
“Now we are being told of an eviction notice we haven’t seen yet, Charles Lekgetho, the community leader, said.

“Whoever confirmed there was a notice filed it on their own without informing us. Until we get a court date, an eviction doesn’t exist,” he added.
To the councillor, Mr Johan Zerwick’s knowledge, the land belongs to the Department of Agriculture.
He confirms a court order was issued last year but says he has not been updated on the progress.
On the other hand, the former municipal spokesperson, William Maphosa, told the Herald last October that the only obstacle preventing the authorities from removing them was the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

According to Lekgetho, a meeting with a councillor revealed that they were only aware of 70 residents who were previously moved from Mooibank Gugulethu.
Therefore, they would only be accountable for those 70, should they be forced to move.
“We explained that more people moved here over time. We are now a community of over 200 residents,” Lekgetho added.
During their march, the residents submitted a memorandum, demanding proper service delivery and to be allocated stands.

“On Tuesday, 4 April 2022, we received a response from the municipal office neither confirming nor denying who the land belongs to but instead raised an issue regarding the state of the soil not being a good condition for us to stay here,” he explained.
“We mentioned other plots that could be used as alternative accommodation for us should we be moved, but the mayor said the decision would be made once we all agree as a community,” Lekgetho added.
According to the residents, the mayor had agreed to host a meeting to clarify any concerns shortly after Easter. However, as it stands, they are unaware of an eviction notice.

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