Ekurhuleni housing corruption intensifies
by Cllr. Mabenkenyane Thamahane — DA Shadow MMC for Human Settlements in Ekurhuleni
Date: 21 January 2021
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is calling on the ANC and coalition appointed Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mzwandile Masina, to address issues of maladministration, corruption, illegal evections and the unlawful occupation of RDP houses in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE).
Housing is a basic human right enshrined in our Constitution and the people of Ekurhuleni are effectively being denied this right by the lawlessness and ongoing housing corruption that the Department of Human Settlements fails to address.
The recent housing corruption in Katlehong was exposed on a reality show, Skhipha ama Files, on the Moja Love Channel. On the show, two men that are allegedly ‘ANC Comdrades’ were arrested for selling RDP houses for R50 000. It is quiet obvious that the said men are working with corrupt city officials to carry out this illegal operation.
The ANC appointed MMC of Human Settlements, Cllr. Lesiba Mpya, was seen on the Skhipha ama Files show saying he would investigate this matter. However, these are empty promises as MMC Mpya has been promising for years and Ekurhuleni residents have grown tired of empty promises and the lackluster approach from the ANC Coalition government in Ekurhuleni.
Frustrated residents from all over Ekurhuleni have requested the assistance of the DA, as city officials continue to enrich themselves at the expense of deserving beneficiaries. We, as the DA, have already requested numerous investigations into the rampant housing corruption in Ekurhuleni.
In 2018, an Anti-Housing Corruption Task Team was formed in the CoE. The Task Team was set up after multiple complaints regarding corruption related to human settlements in the City. Mayor Masina bragged in the media about the Task Team’s rapid response. Yet, in 2021, housing fraud is still flourishing. Where is your Task Team, now, Mr. Mayor? And why is housing corruption still so rampant in this ANC Coalition-run City?
On the Skhipha ama Files show, MMC Mpya publically declared that his department will investigate this matter and the DA will hold him accountable. The MMC must produce a report with all his findings. Furthermore, he must report to Council and the residents of Ekurhuleni how this matter will be remedied. We will be approaching the Public Protector’s Office requesting a full investigation on the housing corruption that is plaguing the Metro.
The DA will not sit back while the people of Ekurhuleni suffer under the failing ANC Coalition government.
Cllr. Mabekenyane Thamahane
DA Shadow MMC for Human Settlements in Ekurhuleni
