Watch: ‘Land grab not illegal’

“This process is not land invasion, we are making a political statement.

“We are saying that we are here, we are a reality and we aren’t going anywhere,” Reece said.

The plot belongs to the department of education and the transfer of land for residential use will take some time, according to councillor Peter Rafferty.

“This land was initially going to be used to build a high school but since Eldomaine Primary School was turned into a high school there are enough high schools in the area,” Rafferty said.

While addressing residents this morning, JMPD and the Tactical Response Team arrived to monitor the situation.

“We will not be intimidated by anyone, we will defend this land with our lives,” Reece said.

Residents demarcated the open veld opposite Cavendish Primary School on Thursday and set up temporary informal structures.

While some residents stood in unity, others opposed their actions.

“If people are to build shacks here, it will bring down the value of our homes.

“There won’t be proper sanitation, illegal electricity connections will go up and drug abuse will probably too,” a resident said.

Reece continued leading the crowd saying they shouldn’t accept being stepchildren of the country.

“We are sick and tired of being treated like stepchildren of this country, a country where we were born in.

“Benefits of this country should be given to all,” said Reece.

He later encouraged residents to collect scrap zinc (metal sheet) to start erecting shacks on the vacant veld.

While they waited for material, Reece advised residents to set the veld on fire in order for it to be clean to start building.

Residents vow to continue building on the land until their concerns are met.