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Minister of Human Settlement Lindiwe Sisulu meets protestors

February 16, 2017. OLD HAND: Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is one of the ANC’s longestserving MPs. She says using gender as a criterion to elect a leader disempowers women. Pic: ESA ALEXANDER. © SUNDAY TIMES
February 16, 2017. OLD HAND: Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is one of the ANC’s longestserving MPs. She says using gender as a criterion to elect a leader disempowers women. Pic: ESA ALEXANDER. © SUNDAY TIMES

"We are tired of being called the deep south people," said Ennerdale community leader Marge Cass.

Cass was among community representatives of Ennerdale, Eldorado Park, Finetown, Kliptown, Freedom Park, Westbury, Riverlea, Bosmont, Claremont and other areas in the City of Johannesburg affected by service delivery protests last week.

Cass was supported by many agitated community leaders.

Minister of Human Settlement Lindiwe Sisulu, accompanied by Gauteng MEC of human settlements Paul Mashatile, executive mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba and officials, interacted with them at the Soweto campus of the University of Johannesburg.

The leaders were perturbed that the meeting took place in Soweto and not their respective areas. "We struggled with electricity for the longest time; when others were experiencing four hours load shedding, we were already in long-standing load shedding," said Nicolene Trom of Finetown.

"What we need is land, we walk here as if we are coming to a house workshop."

Yasim Hyatt of Eldorado Park questioned the time frame for delivery by saying, "Stones and tyres led us here. We will liberate this country with stones and tyres.

"Minister tell us how, when, and where will the delivery take place? What will happen if it doesn't happen?"

George Mohlala from Kliptown remarked that being poor "is expensive". "We are angry and will express ourselves how we want. We are not scared of being shot, it's a norm for us.

"A housing tribunal should be established, let the people be involved and see the progress."

Mashatile said there was only one waiting list for housing, questioning why did Mashaba claim he would publish a list.

Sisulu said the grievances would be addressed in three months. She assured parents that all children arrested would be released immediately.

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