​The City condemns violent protests in Protea South

05 September 2007
Press Release
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04 September 2007

The City condemns violent protests in Protea South

The City of Johannesburg has condemned acts of violence and vandalism at the recent protests in Protea South, Soweto. What is of concern is that  these demonstrations are taking place amidst ongoing efforts by government  to improve the lives of the people in that area.

Residents of Protea South are kept informed by the ward councilor on a regular basis about plans and programmes to be undertaken with a view to improve service delivery.

Government made a commitment that it would embark on a process of upgrading informal  settlements  by  2009 and eradicate informal settlements by 2014. This programme would therefore focus on those informal settlements that are situated  on  safe, habitable and appropriately designated land that can be used for housing development.

The  geotech  and dolomite stability assessment investigations conducted by “Messrs  Africa  Exposed” in 2006 indicated that large parts of the project area are dilomatic.

In light of these findings it became critical that alternative land/project is  identified  for  Protea  South  beneficiaries.  To  date  the following
alternatives  have  been  identified, for the purposes of relocating Protea South beneficiaries:

Lenasia Extension 13
Eldorado Park
Doornkop

It  is  envisaged  that  the  Doornkop  Greenfields  project  will  deliver approximately   3200   stands   for  beneficiaries  from  Protea  South.  A feasibility study is currently being undertaken on the other two identified sites,  Eldorado Park and Lenasia. All this information was communicated to residents by the local councillor.

It is rather surprising that despite all the efforts taken to communicate the progress being made; people would resort to acts of violence and
disruption. It is clear that there are elements bend to undermine the work government is doing to change the lives of the poor. We will however not allow anyone to derail our effort to uplift the standard of our people.

While  communities  have  a  right  to  engage  in protest to express their dissatisfaction,  this has to be done in a lawful manner without infringing on  other  people’s  rights.  Those  who  continue  to  engage  in criminal activities will be dealt with according to the law.

Ends

For more information:

Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za