THE Western Cape housing department has clashed with backyard dwellers in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha, putting a housing handover on the line.
On Monday the department moved six families from Gugulethu to housing units in a controversial housing project in Mandela Park.
This sparked outrage among backyard dwellers who have for long have argued that they wanted 50percent of the units to be occupied by locals.
According to housing MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela's spokesperson, Zalisile Mbali, once the families had moved in at about 6pm the backyarders started vandalising windows and doors of the new neighbours' houses, forcing the families with their belongings out of their new houses.
This happened despite his department having discussed and prepared security measures for the families with the local Harare police station, he said.
The families were later helped by neighbours in the community and at the local Solomon Mahlangu Hall.
The backyarders said that they meant to organise a "peaceful protest" on Monday but a few others spoiled that and vandalised houses.
They said the government would have to provide houses for the impoverished Mandela Park residents.
"Things are about to explode here in Mandela Park. This is another Hangberg in the making. Until Madikizela comes to Mandela Park the entire community will be ungovernable. The anger of the poor can go in many directions and we might not be able to control it," the backyarders said.
Mbali said despite the resistance 94 families from outside Khayelitsha would be moved into the new houses.
Harare police station spokesperson Nosiphiwo Mtengwane said the "situation is under control".
- Sowetan
On Monday the department moved six families from Gugulethu to housing units in a controversial housing project in Mandela Park.
This sparked outrage among backyard dwellers who have for long have argued that they wanted 50percent of the units to be occupied by locals.
According to housing MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela's spokesperson, Zalisile Mbali, once the families had moved in at about 6pm the backyarders started vandalising windows and doors of the new neighbours' houses, forcing the families with their belongings out of their new houses.
This happened despite his department having discussed and prepared security measures for the families with the local Harare police station, he said.
The families were later helped by neighbours in the community and at the local Solomon Mahlangu Hall.
The backyarders said that they meant to organise a "peaceful protest" on Monday but a few others spoiled that and vandalised houses.
They said the government would have to provide houses for the impoverished Mandela Park residents.
"Things are about to explode here in Mandela Park. This is another Hangberg in the making. Until Madikizela comes to Mandela Park the entire community will be ungovernable. The anger of the poor can go in many directions and we might not be able to control it," the backyarders said.
Mbali said despite the resistance 94 families from outside Khayelitsha would be moved into the new houses.
Harare police station spokesperson Nosiphiwo Mtengwane said the "situation is under control".
- Sowetan
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