A large group of housing activists gathered outside Premier Alan Winde’s official residence early on Monday morning. They were demanding that he address them after “numerous failed attempts to engage”. Photo: Matthew Hirsch
By Matthew Hirsch first published at GroundUp – IN SUMMARY:
- Protest Outside Premier’s Residence: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s official residence, demanding action on housing issues. Protesters raised concerns about a 600,000-unit housing backlog in the Western Cape, a housing crisis.
- Protestor Demands:
- Release provincial-owned parking sites and Tafelberg site for social housing.
- Transparency in the 353 Main Road public participation process.
- Weather and Police: Despite heavy rain and police presence, the protesters persisted, singing struggle songs.
- Failed Engagement Attempts:
- Buhle Booi (Ndifuna Ukwazi) said repeated attempts to meet with the Premier failed, prompting the protest.
- Booi criticized the government’s conditions for meetings and accused the state of failing the housing system.
- Premier’s Response:
- Winde wrote to Reclaim the City, stating he wouldn’t meet until they condemn illegal occupations of housing sites.
- He emphasized that developing these sites would help address spatial apartheid and provide dignity to those in need.
- Activist Response:
- Karen Hendricks (Reclaim the City) said protesters went to the Premier’s residence because he refused to engage.
- Mzwethemba Sofika (activist) vowed not to leave until they got answers.
- Government Criticism:
- Tertuis Simmers (MEC of Infrastructure) criticized activists for hindering housing efforts through unlawful occupations.
- Winde said activists were misleading the public and causing division instead of working together for housing solutions.
