GOOD press statement by Sarah Mabotsa,
GOOD: City of Tshwane Councillor
10 August 2022
Mayor Randall Williams is using shameless tactics to sweep homeless people off Tshwane’s streets. His behaviour isn’t just inhumane, it’s also illegal.
The Gauteng High Court has ruled that recent shack demolitions in Mamelodi East by the city are unlawful. We fully welcome this judgement as an organisation dedicated to spatial justice.
As many as 200 people live in the targeted Mamelodi East settlement. Last week, 50 shacks were demolished by a city hired security company. Countless possessions were also confiscated as part of continued intimidation against community members.
The residents Mayor William’s displaces will have no choice but to sleep on Tshwane’s streets.
These actions follow a worrying trend in metros across South Africa – homelessness is being criminalised, but not treated.
Under the leadership of both the DA and ANC, little has been done to provide shelter for Tshwane’s shelterless. There are about 2500 beds in the metro for approximately 10 000 homeless people. Given years of rule by both parties, the math just doesn’t add up.
Mayor Williams must cease his illegal behaviour and sensibly address his city’s homelessness crisis. It starts with assessing the problem and confronting the cause, not the symptoms.
Media Enquiries:
Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD: City of Tshwane Councillor
Cell: 064 684 8640
Email: smabotsamuthivhi@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za