Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu was the guest of honour this afternoon, 20 October, in Fleurhof when three houses were handed over to Umkontho we Sizwe (MK) veterans.
Unbeknown to the minister, residents and micro farmers from the area were gathering in protest a few 100 metres from the event, demanding land to farm on and houses. The leader of the protesters, Sicelo Sithole says it was a peaceful demonstration and asked to speak to the minister. Sithole says the group have been trying to engage with officials on the matter of land for the past three years, but to no avail.
Metro Police eventually convinced the more than a hundred protesters to disperse.
Resident Paul Meek, Chairperson of the South African Civics Organisation (Sanco) and a member of the MK Veterans Association told the record “the process of receiving the houses has been delayed, but at least we are one step closer now”. Meek who was in exile in among other places Angola and Russia, returned to South Africa 20 years ago. He is one of the MK recipients who received one of ten flats in Fleurhof last year.
DA Councillor Dave Dewes was also in attendance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2SGjYas7es&feature=youtu.be
