Human Settlements Ministry refutes media reports

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Pretoria - The Ministry of Human Settlements on Sunday refuted media reports stating that Minister Lindiwe Sisulu did not participate in a public engagement with President Jacob Zuma because she was avoiding being seen with the President.

“The Ministry of Human Settlements has noted with concern media reports and social media posts suggesting that the Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, avoided to be seen with the President Zuma at the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal’s biggest social housing project in Msunduzi, Pietermaritzburg,” said the Ministry.

This, as President Zuma launched the Westgate Grange Social Housing Project known as Aloe Ridge on Saturday.

“The Ministry wants to put it on record that the Minister took part as planned on part one of the programme, which included [the] handing over of housing units and unveiling of the plaque. The Minister then rushed to the airport to travel to Johannesburg to attend the memorial service of her uncle, the late Mr Ahmed Kathrada,” said the Ministry in a statement.

At Saturday’s launch, Minister Sisulu together with President Zuma unveiled the plaque at the project that is located in White Road, Westgate.

The project is the biggest in the country comprising of 952 housing units that offer rental accommodation.

The President’s visit to the area culminated in a community engagement session at Imbali Township, where many residents converged to a large marquee at a local stadium to listen to President Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za