ALBERTON residents took to the streets on Tuesday, 22 August and marched to the Department of Human Settlement offices in Ekurhuleni.
Resident Themba Shandu said he signed a sale deed and is waiting for his stand at extension 34 in Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni.
“Some people have occupied the land, while the rightful owners are still in the dark. The department must evict those people and give the stands to the owners who have title deeds of sales,” he said.
He said they are tired of renting, yet they have their place.
“We spend a lot of money paying rent. We must be given land to build houses for our children.”
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Sbongile Nkosi from Extension 14 in Palm Ridge said she had a certificate proving she owned the stand.
“Our stands were allocated in 2018, but until now, we don't have stands. We are fed-up. One of our neighbours had died due to the stress while waiting for the land. I don’t qualify for a bond house and RDP. We can build houses from our own pockets,” she said.
“Every time we meet the housing department officials, they tell us stories."
She said they take advantage of them because they are poor.
“If they don't respond to our memorandum within seven days, we will take action.”
Rapid Land chairman Pheello Moloi said some stands were developed to cater for those who don’t qualify for RDP houses.
“The process of allocating people is very slow,” he said.
Resident Phumzile Mazibuko said the former Gauteng Premier David Makhura promised them heaven and earth, telling them they would get 10% subsidies.
“I’m renting, paying R2 500. I could use the money to build my own house. We are tired of waiting.
"Our children have grown up. We need to build them houses,” she said.
