The DA in eThekwini is deeply concerned by the ANC manufactured crisis at the Isipingo Transit Camp following an oversight visit (view images here, here and here).
This camp was established by the ANC government in 2010 following natural disasters in the area. The 360 households were promised an urgent resolution to their housing concerns but, true to form, were left neglected and unaided for over a decade.
The lethargic Department of Human Settlements finally completed the nearby Kanku Road housing project and opened the development to much fanfare on 28 June 2023. The residents of the transit camp were given letters confirming that their transfer was imminent. But no sooner were the hopes of these desperate residents raised, they were dashed by a peculiar requirement that the recipients of homes had to be audited. No clarity was given as to why qualified beneficiaries were being blocked from taking up occupation in Kanku road.
The frustration of the residents spilled over and protest action resulted in burning barricades on Willcox road adjacent to the transit camp yesterday . These protests led to massive traffic disruption and violence.
This crisis brings into stark relief the inability of the ANC led administration in making housing lists public and transparent – a governance practice that has been repeatedly requested by the DA for well over a decade.
This type of disruption is common under the eThekwini administration which is either incompetent or is acting with a rent seeking agenda. Mayor Kaunda must intervene urgently to make sure the residents of the Isipingo Transit Camp are re-located without delay.
The DA will fight tirelessly to defend the rights of all South Africans to decent, dignified shelter and accommodation.