‘Evictions in Boiketlong inhumane’: EFF

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has strongly condemned the evictions in Boiketlong Ward 36 on Tuesday saying it is inhumane and unconstitutional.

According to reports, the evictions were carried out by Set Square Developments, in collaboration with the department of human settlements and the Emfuleni local municipality.

These evictions, which took place despite the community having peacefully occupied the land for over a decade, represent a brutal assault on the dignity and constitutional rights of our people, Nkululeko Dunga, EFF provincial chairperson said.

Adding that vulnerable groups — including children, youth, women, and people with special needs — have been left displaced and traumatized, with no alternative accommodation provided.

“These evictions have seriously disrupted lives; school learners who are currently preparing for examinations, the working people and local business, have all been left stranded by an irresponsible government that hates its citizens.

“The EFF has consistently called for the expropriation of land without compensation for equitable redistribution. This revolutionary policy would have addressed the persistent land injustices that continue to plague our communities.

“We have also demanded the formalization of all informal settlements in Emfuleni and all municipalities across the province and called on both the provincial government and the local municipalities to provide serviced stands to our people. In Emfuleni, these calls were arrogantly rejected by the DA, ANC, and their coalition partners.”

Dunga highlighted that in his previous State of the Province Address, Premier Panyaza Lesufi made it clear that his mission this year is to criminalize the poor, labeling displaced black communities as illegal immigrants and criminals.

Evictions not only morally reprehensible

He continued; ” Lesufi has adopted an irrational blanket approach of forceful evictions, without thorough investigation of the unique situations of settlements and with no provision for alternative shelter.

“The only “crime” committed by the people of Boiketlong is seeking shelter for their families. These evictions are not only morally reprehensible, but also a direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“The EFF stands, without fear or favor, alongside the people of Boiketlong. We will continue to fight shoulder to shoulder with them until justice is served.”

Dunga stated that at the heart of this crisis lies the ANC-led government’s failure to allocate land and integrate the Boiketlong community into the Boiketlong Housing Mega Project.

He further mentioned that Emfuleni local municipality has also failed to provide proper alternative accommodation, despite the community’s presence on the land for nearly three decades.

Red Beret provincial chairperson said their Emfuleni sub-region will mobilize all residents of informal settlements, hostels, backyard dwellings, and those still waiting for their RDP houses.

“The organization will convene consultative community meetings to outline our intentions and a clear plan of action against the ANC-led provincial government.

“The EFF remains unwavering in its commitment to the struggle to return the land to its rightful owners and to ensure that every person has a home and shelter to live in with dignity,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Emfuleni ethics committee of failing to act against ANC councillor accused of selling municipal stands.

Cedric Davids, an ANC councillor for Ward 28 in Evaton West in the Vaal, has been accused by some residents of the Hollywood informal settlement of pocketing their money for the stands they now face eviction from. 

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Blue Wave said the committee failed to meet even once in six months, nor has it taken action against Davids for allegedly illegally selling municipally owned stands.

“The party claims if proven, this alone is a criminal offence. This has resulted in the committee failing in addressing this matter, allowing for corruption and incompetence to thrive.

“The DA is calling on COGTA to launch a full-scale investigation into the dysfunctional Emfuleni ethics committee as well as the questionable councillor Davids,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the DA revealed that it will be writing to council to request that the ethics committee chairperson step aside and be replaced with someone who is fit for purpose.