Protesters tired of empty housing promises

MFULENI backyard dwellers have marched to the Western Cape provincial government in protest against a lack of decent housing in their area.

Residents have also vowed to sleep at the legislature if Premier Helen Zille fails to meet them.

Residents sang freedom songs and held placards reading, "We are tired of promises" and "We voted for nothing".

Nearly 20 policemen blocked the entrance to the building.

Residents told Sowetan that new houses would be built for outsiders in Mfuleni and that they were excluded from the project.

Community leader Chief Mabumbulu said they were told that Zille was not available to collect their memorandum.

"We have also been told by a police captain at the legislature that many residents are unable to get decent houses because of corrupt officials at the City of Cape Town," he said.

Mabumbulu said they were concerned residents and did not belong to a political party.

On July 18 residents marched to the provincial legislature to hand over a memorandum to Zille, who had filed to resolve their problem.

"We have decided to come and protest at the legislature," Mabumbulu said.

Residents also complained that human settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela had not taken them seriously when they marched to his office earlier this year.

Mabumbulu said they knew there were many plots available in their ward but they were not being utilised.

Residents had told ANC ward councillor Themba Honono about their concerns but he has failed to resolve them.

"He did not show interest in resolving our problems. That is why we decided to come to the premier's office." Mabumbulu said.

He said during the election campaign this year they were accused by ANC leaders of being DA members.

That was why Honono did not address their concerns.

Resident Xolile Mtshokotho said they had information that new houses would be build in Mfuleni.

"But these will be built for outsiders. We should be the beneficiaries of these houses."

Mtshokotho, who is unemployed, lives with his girlfriend and their two children.

He said he was renting for R350 a month and they had been living in the area for eight years.

"We have been voting for many years but they (the politicians) don't deliver on their election promises."

Mtshokotho had been on the waiting list since 1999 and according to him there was no indication that he would get a house.

He called on President Jacob Zuma and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale to resolve their problems.

Another resident, Thembakazi Mankayi, said there was tension in the community because bad housing conditions.

"Many people are angry. We are protesting because we want decent houses."

Mankayi said she has also been on the housing waiting list since 1999.

"For how many more years do I have to wait?" she asked.

Other residents said they were subjected to cold weather conditions this winter and had urged the government to change their socioeconomic conditions.