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Gauteng govt calls for engagement over land issue

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Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Uhuru Moiloa has called on residents to partner with government to seek solutions to the current housing shortage.

Gauteng police remain on high alert following attempted invasions of vacant land in Waterfall, Midrand, Marlboro and Alexandra Township north of Johannesburg since Friday night.

Several people are reported to have been arrested after a fence around one of the properties close by was damaged.

The situation comes after the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) joined forces and called for the expropriation of land without compensation.

It’s now up to Parliament’s Constitutional Review Committee to consider whether to amend the Constitution to facilitate the move.

Moiloa says, “We need our people to work with the provincial government for the plans that we are having. I want to talk to the people of Alexandra and say that you possess land near Sandton, you actually have assets but you need to turn this asset called Alexandra into capital.”

Some of those who attempted to invade the vacant land say all they want is a decent place to live.

“We want land because we don’t have accommodation in Alexandra. Unless we get land, we are not going to vote. We want this land here in Waterfall. I’m an old man now … I’m staying with my grandson and my granddaughters in one room and it’s leaking. I got a form in 1996 and 2000 until today I haven’t got a house. My father was born in Alexandra and I was born in Alexandra. I’ll die in Alexandra,” says one of the resident.

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