GALLERY: Angry Ward 55 residents demand answers

Protesters not stopping until their demands are met.

February 3, 2019

Sibonelo Mtshali 1 minute read

IRATE: Sylvia Leisching, one of the protesters who wants her demands met. Photo: Sibonelo Mtshali.

WARD 55 residents took their dissatisfaction with Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) to the streets on January 22, in Turffontein.

Angry residents blockaded streets with burning tyres, tree branches, stones, boxes and garbage, demanding answers from Joshco.

Residents say newly built social housing units are for the people of Ward 55, but all they see is other people from other wards occupying the units.

They maintain they will keep on protesting until their demands are met, which is to allow Ward 55 residents to move into the units.

One of the protesters, Sylvia Leisching, said: “We know we have to pay rent for these units if we have to stay there. We will pay. Our strike is not about forcing ourselves in those units, we want Joshco to consider us first before looking at other wards.”

One of Joshco’s officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said everyone in the units is from Ward 55 and their income allows them to rent Joshco units.

“Those who are instigating the protest are unemployed. They want to stay here for free. That isn’t allowed and these are social units. In order to qualify for these units, one needs to follow procedures.”

Ward 55 councillor Rashieda Landis told the COURIER she met with the protesters and explained to them there are 5 000 applicants and only 528 units available, therefore it is a long process and they should be patient.