Super blocking to go ahead despite protests

COMMUNITY leaders whose homes were burnt to the ground on Thursday by frustrated residents who oppose “super blocking” in Imizamo Yethu, say they will not be shaken.

A small group of balaclava-wearing men burnt the homes of Lungisa Bezile and councillor Kenny Tlokwe.

Bezile, chairperson of the Masakhane Bantu Housing Forum told Weekend Argus: “Community leaders who have been threatened by the angry residents will not be deterred and scared away by thugs who do not want to see development in the area”.

Bezile arrived at his home after he received calls while in the CBD. When he arrived home, the house was flat on the ground.

Bezile told Weekend Argus he had thought of retaliating but “I cannot allow this small group of people to get the better of me. Similarly, we cannot as community leaders allow a small group of people to hinder the larger community from getting the development they need”.

He and his family are now homeless and have been spending the past few nights with relatives and at the police station.

According to Bezile, a small group of people are against super blocking, which is a process to map out areas in need of services after a devastating fire which left about 15 000 people displaced in March.

“This is a group of about 10 people, among whom are foreign nationals. When we retaliate it will be seen as xenophobia.

“We cannot allow a small group of people to hold us to ransom and the police must take action against them. We will not be silenced and we will not stop trying to get this area developed because the development messes with their plans.”

Mayor Patricia de Lille said on Wednesday that the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement agencies and SAPS “started to remove 52 illegally erected and unoccupied structures in Imizamo Yethu in accordance with an interdict”.

“This is to enable progress with regard to the super-blocking project, and the associated installation of services for the fire-affected beneficiaries.

“The city received reports that two community leaders’ houses were vandalised and burnt.

“These are the houses of leaders who are committed to working with the city to see the super blocking proceed.”

asanda.sokanyile@inl.co.za

A woman looks at the remains of Councillor Kenny Tokwe’s house in Imizamo Yethu.