By Nkululeko Dunga
EFF Provincial chairperson
The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng strongly condemns the inhumane and unjust eviction of residents from Thembelihle Village in Tshwane.
This ruthless displacement of nearly 200 tenants, including women and children, onto the cold and rainy streets is a shameful display of state-sanctioned brutality against the poor and working-class.
This violent eviction, carried out under the guise of legal enforcement, is a direct attack on the fundamental human rights of the affected residents.
The EFF in Gauteng rejects the callous and heartless approach taken by the authorities and the so-called Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), who have prioritized financial interests over the dignity and well-being
of the people.
The EFF demands urgent stakeholder engagement to resolve this crisis and ensure that the residents of Thembelihle Village are immediately reinstated in their homes.
We call on the Thembelihle Residents Association NCP, the BRPs, the Department of Human Settlements, and the City of Tshwane to engage in a transparent and people-centered solution that prioritizes the needs of the vulnerable residents rather than corporate greed.
The EFF finds it alarming that the High Court, which should serve as a beacon of justice, has facilitated the mass displacement of residents without due consideration for their socioeconomic conditions.
We demand an immediate review of the court’s decision and the circumstances under which this eviction was authorized.
The judiciary has a duty to ensure that its decisions are not only in line with the constitution, but they are also in the best interests of our people and in protection of basic human rights.
It is also worth noting that, while part of the reasoning behind the eviction is failure to pay bills, the residents of Thembelihle Village have been living without basic services such as water and electricity.
Even more concerning, are the allegations of overcharging of the already economically strained residents on rates and taxes by the City of Tshwane.
The EFF will take a closer look into this and ensure that it is corrected as we do not believe in a revenue
enhancement strategy that is targeted at the already financially burdened residents.
The EFF reiterates its unwavering commitment to fighting against landlessness and homelessness.
The crisis at Thembelihle Village is a reflection of a broader systemic failure by the ANC government, which continues to neglect the land and housing needs of the poor while protecting corrupt landlords and capitalists.
We will not stand by while our people are thrown onto the streets like animals.
The EFF in Gauteng demands the immediate intervention by the Department of Human Settlements to secure alternative housing for affected families while a permanent solution is negotiated.
We further call for a moratorium on evictions in all social housing projects until a comprehensive housing plan is implemented.
The EFF also demands for urgent provision of basic necessities, including food, blankets, and medical support to the displaced residents in Thembelihle village.
The Gauteng provincial government must demand countability from Yeast City Housing and Business Rescue Practitioners for possible mismanagement of funds meant to sustain the social housing project.
The poor and working class must not be treated as easily disposable entities in the name of profiteering and the benefit of a few private interests.