Johannesburg - Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Hlengiwe Mkhize has encouraged the Diepsloot community, north of Johannesburg not to despair as government is aware of their difficulties.
"We acknowledge that this community has not escaped the serious challenges of unemployment, poverty, substance abuse and crime. I am calling upon you not to despair, but take a leaf from Tata Mandela, learn from his courage, his resilience and his resolve of never losing focus of his goal."
The Deputy Minister was speaking at an event to mark Mandela Day on Saturday. South Africans along with people from around the world have rendered 67 minutes of their time to improving the living conditions of others as part of Mandela Day. The former President is turning 91 today
Ms Mkhize said that government needed the community's cooperation to turn the situation around and improve the living conditions of vulnerable people.
"Be partners in the struggle to fight unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and crime."
Last week Diepsloot residents embarked on violent demonstrations after a rumour spread that they were to be relocated to Brits.
However, about 320 families are to be relocated to a nearby location, which is still within the Diepsloot area, to make way for the upgrading of an underground sewage system. The residents had built their shacks illegally on top of the current sewage system.
Angry residents set vehicles on fire, damaged property and stoned passing motorists and police vehicles. They also barricaded roads with burning rubble and portable toilets.
