One thousand residents of a disused factory in Wynberg, Johannesburg, are facing eviction by Alexandra Plaza Pty Ltd, which intends to develop a shopping centre on the site. Some have been living there for more than 20 years, and they have built homes and a community there under difficult circumstances. Despite promises by the ANC government to support the residents, the development application was supported by an affadavit from local ANC councillor Leslie Khumalo. The Provincial Department of Housing warned the residents not to be “arrogant”, and refused to comply with the legal requirement to find alternative accommodation, because “there are no houses”, instead offering to provide them with “three pieces of zinc”. The residents are challenging the eviction in court. To assist, visit <http://www.apf.org.za>.

From Green Left Weekly, April 27, 2005.
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