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Woensdag, 1 Maart 2017 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | epos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za
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#We♥Tyger launches our March drive!
Backyarders in Kuils River during prostest action on Thursday. PHOTO: DESIRÉE RORKE
IINTERNATIONAL FUNDING: WAITING FOR STATEOWNED LAND TO BUILD HOUSES
‘We need land’ DESIRÉE RORKE @dezzierorke
T
housands of backyarders from Kuils River are on tenterhooks while awaiting answers from provincial authorities about vacant state-owned land in Oakdene that might house new homes for them. They have the money; they only need the land. In about six weeks’ time they will receive ample international funding from the UK to start building houses under the auspices of Habitat Commune, but without the land secured, their hopes of homes could be shattered. The organisation identified the land of approximately two hectares on the corner of Nooiensfontein and Opstal streets in 2009. “We started negotiations with the provincial government back then on possibly making the land available for us to build on. We had meetings with minister Bong-
inkosi Madikizela, and the ball started rolling. He said he would do an audit and send officials to meet with us. It never happened. Through the years we were sent from pillar to post and our pleas even turned in the premier’s office, but still we are waiting,” says Thys Markgraaf, chairperson of Commune Habitat. With R2 billion of international funding on its way to South Africa specifically for housing, it’s now crunch time, he says. “We desperately need homes. Some 1 640 backyarders, some of whom have been backyarders for three decades, are registered with the programme,” he says. Last year they handed a memorandum to the City of Cape Town. They say this was also ignored. “We marched to their offices to hand over the memorandum to a Mayco member, but a clerk was sent down to receive it. We are still waiting for a response and have now written to the public protector for help.” On Thursday evening they took to the
streets in another protest action. “The last we heard from the province is that they were busy with an audit on the land. What that means, we don’t know. That was three years ago,” he says. Markgraaf says they hope to build at least 200 low density houses on this land, for a start. “We suggested that Gap Housing be developed on the land with R350 000 being made available for each of our members. The process of course will be driven by provincial government in partnership with the community. “We are at our wits’ end. What are we to do?” When TygerBurger approached the City of Cape Town for answers, the newspaper was swiftly referred to the Western Cape Department of Public Works and Transport. TygerBurger is still awaiting comment from this department. V What is your opinion on this issue? Let us know at briewe@tygerburger.co.za.
With our successful February campaign behind us (see page 2), we are looking forward to welcoming on board a possible new radio partner as of next week as we tackle this month’s #We♥Tyger campaign together! In celebration of 21 March, or Human Rights Day, we at TygerBurger and our sister publications (People’s Post and City Vision) have decided to turn the whole month of March into our own Human Rights Month for our very special campaign. All of us have socks, scarves, an extra beanie, umbrella, blanket, coat or jersey lying around in a cupboard somewhere, right? So, all our readers have to do this month is to clean out their closets in aid of organisations that focus on people living on the streets of Cape Town. Of course we await your nomination at Donate your preloved briewe@tygerclothes to Cape Town’s burger.co.za. street people. At the end of the month we will be giving these donations – responsibly – to the organisations that service people living on the streets, as was nominated into the top spots by you, our readers. So, when the first nippy fingers of winter start becoming a reality, Capetonians with and without a roof over their head can be snug and warm. We will help rid you of all your pre-loved clean, untorn, whole and still decent – so no missing buttons or zips or holes, please – clothing and shoes, and we’ll even collect it from your doorstep when we’re in the area. Just let us know where! Look out for all our collection options, or bring your contribution along when you participate in the Tyger Run at Meerendal Farm on 21 March, where our boxes of kindness will be waiting to be filled with your black bag of pre-loved clothing! Remember: Don’t just nominate, but pak jou kas uit! V Collection points are: Our offices in Edward Street, Bellville; Vangate Mall in Athlone and through our ar eabased reporters who will collect (provide an ad dress) and at Meerendal on the day.
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