MEDIA RELEASE Mamelodi hostel residents march to protest against unfair allocation of new units - on Saturday, 13 September 2008 12 September 2008
*ATTENTION NEWS EDITOR* MEDIA RELEASE ACDP Tshwane Metro Council Richard Dinkelmann, Councillor & Caucus Leader 12 September 2008
Mamelodi hostel residents march to protest against unfair allocation of new units - on Saturday, 13 September 2008 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
legitimate Mamelodi Hostel Residents Committee is arranging a protest
march due to the unfair allocation of the new "family units" to certain
privileged residents without the required consultation, as per the
court order of March 2005. They are also ** requesting a credible plan for the redevelopment of the hostels, and ** protesting against the poor conditions currently prevailing in the hostels.
At
the heart of the matter is the question - who represents the hostel
residents? The Tshwane Sun Mamelodi reported in its end August
edition on page 7 that Mr Ernest Mohlala is the Chairman of the
Mamelodi Hostel Residents Committee. This is extremely surprising
to the legitimate Committee, due to the fact that Mr Mohlala is an
Official of the Municipality, charged with the responsibility of
overseeing the hostels! The residents are now asking how one can
be a player and referee in the soccer match at the same time? If
the Tshwane Metro consults with Mr Mohlala's Committee, it is like
consulting with one self! No consultation has taken place with
the legitimate Committee!
This is causing great
frustration amongst the residents, who strongly believe that those
displaced after the demolition of the hostels to make way for the new
family units - now housed in the temporary accommodation (kitchens) -
should get the first right to occupy the new family units. The
legitimate Committee has lodged a Court application to ensure fair
criteria are applied, amongst other matters.
Arrangements for the march are as follows: ** Start time & place: 09:00 @ Block G - Shabangu Str, Mamelodi ** End time & place: 10:00 @ Mini Munitoria for the hand-over of a memorandum to the MMC Housing (or his nominee).
Daniel
Sello (Chairman; 073 625 3988) & Oscar Phahlamohlaka (Deputy
Chairman; 082 645 6544) can be contacted for more information in this
regard.
The ACDP would also like to use this opportunity
to correct certain inaccuracies contained in the article published it
the Tshwane Sun Mamelodi, referred to above. It is alleged that the
"other legitimate (sic) committee is led by the African Christian
Democratic Party". This is simply not true. Councillor
Dinkelmann is assisting, supporting and advising the committee.
He is not leading them. They are led by the Chairman and his
Deputy, who have been democratically elected.
Official questions to the Mayor were lodged on 13 August 2008 by Councillor Dinkelmann on behalf of the residents - see http://www.acdppta.org.za/Issues/mamelodihostels.html. Answers are expected during the Council Meeting on 2 October 2008. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working towards Godly Governance...
Richard Dinkelmann ACDP Councillor & Caucus Leader: Tshwane Metro 083 263 2664 rwdinkel@mweb.co.za