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Statement by Minister of Housing, Lindiwe Sisulu on the Cape High Court judgement on the Delft housing invasion
6 February 2008
I have sought an explanation from the MEC for Local Government and Housing in the Western Cape, Mr Richard Dyantyi on why the Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor, Mr Frank Martin still holds public office. He has contravened the Code of Conduct for Councillors, he has deliberately and maliciously misled very vulnerable and desperate people, he has taken the law into his own hands, he has been extremely irresponsible and criminally negligent and I can find no justification why no action has been taken against him by the government.
I would like to assure the people of Delft that this government is committed to ensuring access to housing by everyone who qualifies for it, after following due processes and applying for a house.
As government, we take note and welcome the judgement of the Cape High Court today on what was a serious challenge in the implementation of housing delivery in the Western Cape. In light of the judgement we hope that the people of Delft understand the gravity of taking the law into their own hands, whatever the circumstances.
Government is doing everything in its power to speed up delivery so that it could ensure that situations such as these are prevented from happening.
I have instructed Thubelisha to do everything in their power to assist the people of Delft who have occupied the newly built houses to move back to their previous places of accommodation. I have instructed, further, that they be provided with the necessary transport for the relocation. Thubelisha will also set-up a temporary advice centre to help those affected check whether in fact they are on the waiting list and assist those who are not. The instruction further is for Thubelisha to assist those to apply for houses.
I would like to assure everyone that government does care. Government is committed to delivering houses to the poor. We urge the people of Delft to give us the space to show them that indeed we are committed.
Issued by: Department of Housing
6 February 2008