THEY’VE seen other kasi residents take to the streets and get help because of their protest action.
Yesterday, gatvol residents of Beverly Hills squatter camp near Ga-Rankuwa, north of Tshwane took to the streets and barricaded a road with rocks and a big metal container, and burned tyres. They said they were tired of being treated as if they didn’t exist.
The squatters claimed they have been living in the area for 15 years but they still hadn’t received any services.
Community leader Moya Ngwenyama said they were only recognised during campaigns for votes. “Our shacks will soon sink because we’ve dug holes to make toilets.
“We live like animals.”
Angry Fostina Shabangu said they wanted to be treated like other citizens.
She said the only way citizens were heard was through protests. “We don’t enjoy blocking people from getting to work but this is the only way to get government’s attention.”
Councillor Jabu Rammushi said the residents signed petitions before the local government elections last year about the issue.
“They were in the process of getting stands but after the elections everything just stopped.”
Rammushi said they had also had a meeting with the housing department and Eskom when they were told they would be helped, but till today, nothing has happened.
Ga-Rankuwa police spokesman Captain Matthews Nkoadi said police were monitoring the protest.