SEBOKENG . – Boiketlong informal squatters are an issue of conflict and poverty. Those born there 25 years ago can attest that the area has been forgotten.
A paralegal for Orange Farms Human Rights Development Centre is accusing the government of delaying the development process of informal settlements.

Brick Mokolo said the ruling party is bluffing the disgruntled, frustrated community.“There’s a system in place that promotes inequality to frustrate the community,” he said.

In an interview with Sedibeng Ster, Mokolo, says the abuse of the power is what causes the ‘delays.’ “There’s been no development in this area since its establishment over 25 years ago.”
Boiketlong has in the meantime degenerated into a survival-of-the-fittest, dog-eat-dog world.

The government that was supposed to provide the residents with a better life, is instead an agent of the private sector.
“I pity the women, especially those using pit toilets. Their lives are at risk,” he said.

Protests for service delivery started years ago during the period of Patrick Sindane. The protests were started by the Anti Privatisation Forum, spearheaded by Sindane. He later joined the African People’s Convention. Sindane jumped the wagon from the APC to join the EFF. However, nothing has changed.

“As we speak, two of the accused (persons who took part in protests) are serving 16 years for arson and assault. Currently, there’s no strong political party in that area,” he concluded.