DEAR Editor,-
I heard about a recent meeting between a group of people where the main purpose was to oust destitute people staying in the abandoned Tweni Hotel in Commercial Road.
Since I was not at the meeting, I base this letter on hearsay, but it sickens me that there are people whose main focus in life is to cause discomfort to other people, especially those who are already struggling under dire circumstances.
From what I hear, these people are cold and calculating and suggest the destitute people be given RDP houses in rural areas and be forced to move there, which is totally laudable. Their ignorance astounds me. There are countless people born and raised in rural areas who live in dilapidated structures that collapse when it rains, who are entitled to and have been awaiting RDP houses for years.
I don’t know the exact requirements for obtaining an RDP house, but loosely, the Induna in the area has to provide proof that the person was born and raised there ie church, school and long-term residence records. Therefore, it is absolutely ludicrous that these interfering old ‘biddies’ think that these destitute people would be eligible for RDP houses in rural areas!
The destitute have also been accused of breaking into the neighbouring property and the ‘proof’ is footsteps leading from the hotel, which might be what happened when the hotel was operational, but you cannot accuse without proof. The pastors do an excellent job obtaining ID numbers of each person to give to the police who take fingerprints to verify they are not wanted criminals.
It is rumoured that the pastors charge people for food and expect them to contribute towards utilities, thereby running a money-making scheme. How tragic to gossip in this unacceptable, derogatory manner.
Obviously these scandalmongers have never tried to provide food, clothing, electricity and water for approximately 90 destitute people on a daily basis. Apart from these costs, there are so many associated expenses with running a shelter, eg fuel and vehicle costs, cleaning materials, to name but ‘a tip of the iceberg’.
How tragic that people sit plotting and get hot and bothered, dreaming up all sorts of schemes to get rid of the destitute. I challenge them to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to help with raising money for the upkeep of the families, prepare and cook meals, etc.
Instead of being miserable and bitter with nothing better to do than plot the downfall of less fortunate people, they should appreciate what they have. It may bring joy to their otherwise empty lives by giving something back to help others.
COMPASSION PLEASE
Umtentweni
