The ANC Western Cape announced that it will approach the High Court to restore the dignity of fire victims in Valhalla Park after its leadership and the Youth League visited the Agtstelaan informal settlement in Valhalla Park, where 1 400 people were left homeless and 350 dwellings were destroyed hours before Christmas Eve.
ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman questioned the fact that no proper houses were built in that area after the court specifically instructed the DA run government to do so five years ago already!
"Why was DA councillor of Cape Town J.P. Smith wearing a bulletproof vest when he visited Agtstelaan?
"We do not wear bulletproof vests when we come here, because we are with our people. We also want to know why the DA led Cape Town prevented the state's SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) from coming into the informal settlement?
"We found that there is no list yet after the fire with the names of the affected people, which is totally unacceptable! This is the first step to control and assess the disaster situation.
"Yes, I am a politician and we are doing the DA's work for them, as we cannot stand by idly and do nothing when our people are in dire need and suffer hardship. While others had Christmas and celebrate the festive season, these people have lost everything! But we will see to it that our people get food and that every child has a matrass to sleep on.
"I will also ask Cape mayor Patricia de Lille to install toilets in the area and more water points, because water and sanitation is a basic right and denying anyone that right in any way is an affront to their human dignity," Fransman said.
Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, December 27 2013
Update: Victory for Valhalla Park victims
The ANC Western Cape noted the change of heart by the DA led City of Cape Town to offer a better alternative to the temporary structures first given to the 1 400 victims of the Christmas Eve disaster fire that devastated 350 dwellings.
This follows the intervention by the ANC and consultation with the national minister of human settlements Connie September. Initially corrugated iron (zinc) sheet structures were delivered that caused residents to take to the streets in protest against the intention to replace the Agtstelaan informal settlement razed dwellings with another dreaded Blikkiesdorp (slum area).
A sample of the new structure was delivered on site today.
ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, who was asked by the community to intervene, says: "The feedback from the area is that it is a better structure and that it is more agreeable with at least a proper door and windows. The change of plans came about after the ANC announced its intention to enter into litigation in order to protect the rights and dignity of the affected people. In the light of the new sample, the ANC will place a hold on that court application to give people a chance to decide on the new structure. The ANC will give the city three months after that to comply with a previous court order to start to deliver proper houses. The ANC will continue to talk to the committee and community on their needs."
ANC Youth League convenor for the Western Cape Khalid Sayed says: "The city clearly gave in to the pressure by the community. The Youth League will keep a close eye on the latest situation and will not hesitate to intervene to assist residents to assert their rights and make their voices heard. They have a say and rights that must be accommodated. They must be consulted every step of the way and must get proper sanitation with more water points - not being dumped in a modern-day concentration camp! The Youth League stands with the poor to ensure that they too may enjoy a better life soon."
Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, December 28 2013
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