ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07 MARCH 2020

City Welcomes Dismissal of Abahlali Basemjondolo's Application To Declare As Unconstitutional Demolition Of Shacks During The Course Of Covid-19 Lockdown

The eThekwini Municipality is pleased by the Durban High Court's verdict today on the aforesaid matter, laden with disinformation aimed at ruining its image.

The metro has on numerous occasions urged Abahlali Basemjondolo to refrain from encouraging and condoning land invasion that has become synonymous with the City to the detriment of much needed development. 

Reacting to the ground breaking court ruling, eThekwini Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda, said Covid-19 does not mean that there must be a holiday in respecting the laws of the country.

'It is unfortunate that while we are working tirelessly to flatten the curve of this scourge, some groupings in our society, capitalise on this challenge facing the country to break the law. As this sphere of government, we will unwaveringly clampdown on any unlawful conduct including land invasion. We are a caring municipality hence we have mobilised resources to provide shelter to over 4000 homeless people all over the City. 

Over and above that we have ensured that we meet the needs all our residents living informal settlements, hostels and transit camps to protect them against contracting this lethal virus. Why would we then demolish shacks that are occupied by the poorest of the poor. We still maintain that shacks that were demolished recently, were unoccupied, some of which were partially built, and we acted within the ambit of the law. I am happy that even our courts have vindicated us. Against all odds stacked against us, we will eventually restore the dignity of all our residents in informal settlements whether affiliated to Abahlali or not and we are very proud of our giant leap forward in this regard since 1994' said Kaunda.

The eThekwini Metro, appeals to the leadership of Abahlali Basemjondolo to permanently desist from clutching at straws to vilify the municipality, yet evidence is there for everyone to see that the welfare of residents in informal settlements, is elevated high on the City's aggressive development agenda. 

We wish to thank the law abiding residents who came forward to support the City in its opposition to the application by unlawful land invaders. Residents are called upon to report to the authorities without fail, any signs of land invasion, where they rear their ugly heads.

Media Enquiries: Mluleki Mtungwa 060 974 1140 and Msawakhe Mayisela 0609664220