Metro engage with evicted Thembelihle Village residents
Earlier this week nearly 200 tenants were evicted from the property following a court order being granted.
MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka wants Yeast City Housing (YCH) and the residents of Thembelihle Village to start a dialogue following the recent eviction of a large number of tenants due to financial difficulties.
On March 10, nearly 200 tenants were left in the streets after YCH obtained a court order to evict residents who did not qualify for social housing according to an audit conducted by the metro’s Department of Human Settlements.
Factors such as non-payment of rent, earning too much and even instances of harassment and intimidation that were uncovered in the audit led to the large eviction.
Social housing was designed as transitional housing for households earning between R3 500 and R22 000 per month. However, the audit found that a significant number of tenants are not eligible for social housing, with some households earning up to R32 000 in joint income while continuing to occupy these units.
Maluleka said the metro had made efforts to mediate the ongoing dispute between residents and YCH but laments that Thembelihle’s issues are nothing new and that further mediation would be required going forward.
“In our discussions with Yeast City Housing, we were made aware of the financial challenges they are facing, including substantial debts. This acknowledgement is essential, as their current financial state poses a risk to their operations and, consequently, affects the residents living in Thembelihle Village. Appreciating these struggles is vital for developing pragmatic solutions that address the interests of both parties,” Maluleka said.
Maluleka said engaging with the residents was the metro’s first step after taking office. Central to the issues was the restoration of basic services such as water and electricity which had been cut off for two years following the Village account with the municipality being in arrears.
The MMC added that through dialogue with YCH and the business rescue manager, the challenges at Thembelihle Village are far too extensive for anything less than a quick resolution.
“Our subsequent meeting with the Business Rescue Manager further highlighted the reality of the situation. The financial difficulties of Yeast City Housing are significant and detrimental to their property portfolio. It is clear that the business health of Yeast City Housing has direct implications for the residents of Thembelihle Village and any resolution must consider this relationship,” Maluleka said.
Maluleka said the department has since redirected tenants to Group Financial Services to assess their financial outline and seek further assistance.
He implored residents to recognise the limitations the metro is confined to, insisting that it is only through a peaceful and cohesive relationship between the tenants and YCH that Thembelihle would prosper. He promised that the metro would continue to play a mediative role among the parties and assist where possible.
“In conclusion, we urge Yeast City Housing and the residents of Thembelihle Village to prioritise dialogue, understand each other’s challenges and work collaboratively towards resolving the existing issues. Together, we can build a more harmonious community that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved,” Maluleka concluded.
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