Pretoria - The Gauteng provincial government says it is still engaged in talks with communities over service delivery grievances.
This is in a bid to ensure that violent service delivery protests witnessed in communities such as Kya Sands, Thembelihle, Sebokeng and Bekkersdal are dealt with effectively.
“Through direct dialogue, we have stabilised the province and currently working with community leaders in many areas that were previously regarded as no-go zones.
“Our doors are open and we are calling on other community leaders to work with us and choose dialogue over violence,” said Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo.
This week, MEC Mamabolo met the community leaders of Thembelihle and Lawley, south of Johannesburg, as part of ongoing efforts to resolve service delivery grievances.
“By opening up discussions with community leaders, we were able to bring to an end instability and despair in Thembelihle - an area which was long known for violent protests over service delivery,” MEC Mamabolo said.
The Thembelihle community leaders, the province and City of Johannesburg are working together to undertake scientific studies in order to ascertain the extent of dolomite, stop land invasions and the growth of the informal settlement as well as to provide electricity and housing.
“Through dialogue, we have been able to find each other and restore peace and stability in Thembelihle. Through this partnership, we have been able to bury the sad experiences of the past and we will continue to work with these leaders until their grievances are resolved,” MEC Mamabolo said.
He said he has already started communicating with the community leaders of Kya Sands over the recent spate of violent protests.
"… Government is working on consolidating the plans for Kya Sands, which will include the installation of bulk infrastructure (water and sanitation) in the area. We are planning to make the announcement in November when this work will start.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by the residents and wish to give the assurance that the Lion Park housing development will provide residents with an equal opportunity to rent or buy (housing) provided they meet the qualifying criteria.
“Communities should not allow themselves to be held hostage by people who exploit their valid, historically and legitimate demands for personal and sheer populism,” said MEC Mamabolo. – SAnews.gov.za
