Yesterday, 30 July 2019, I held a productive meeting with residents alleging to be the true representatives of the South African National Civic Organization (SANCO), in the Greater Johannesburg Region.
This is after, last week, a group dressed in ANC colours, alleging to be representatives of SANCO, marched to the City to accuse me of promoting land invasions whilst also demanding a flat electricity rate (amongst other demands).
Unsurprising to anyone, the march was said to have emanated from the ANC’s offices in Gandhi Square.
The SANCO of old was a non-partisan civic organisation fighting for the voice of poor black communities. It was an organisation determined to unit communities behind a common vision of development and upliftment.
If the “politicians” arriving at the City’s doorsteps truly represent what SANCO is now, then the organisation has truly been captured by the ANC and it has strayed from its noble ideals.
As allegations stand, the ANC-aligned SANCO is linked to corruption presently destroying communities.
Just last week, community members from Lenasia, visited my office to demonstrate to me how land occupations within their region are, allegedly, orchestrated by a local councillor and politically connected, members of SANCO. What is taking place is, effectively, organised crime and must be dealt with decisively.
These residents have alleged evidence which demonstrates how money is exchanging hands, and already made-up shacks are being issued to lure those willing to pay for a piece of land where the occupations are taking place.
To that end, my office reported the matter to the Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Elias Mawela, for immediate investigation.
It is therefore deeply ironic that these ANC-aligned SANCO members would purport to file charges against myself for crimes allegedly committed by their members.
It is of no surprise that, implicit in their other demands, was the reduction in City-led investigations into corruption – the City Group Forensics Investigative Services has struck a nerve.
In this respect, we will continue our fight against corruption without fear or favour.
In response to all this, the group which visited my office yesterday sought to clarify matters – producing purported court documents legitimising their claims as the true members of SANCO.
I have requested that this group of SANCO representatives engages their ANC-aligned compatriots so that they may come to a common decision on the true status of their organisation.
It would indeed be a loss for communities if the representatives of SANCO were to choose to align themselves with petty politics rather than representing the true voice of communities.
As a City, we remain committed to working with civil society with the view of strengthening partnerships which help advance the best interests of our communities.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
