Today I convened a meeting with various players in the national, provincial and local government sphere in a bid to resolve the current humanitarian needs of the community legally evicted from Klein Akker.
Amongst those in attendace were Deputy National Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mcebisi Skwatsha, City of Cape Town mayoral committee member Malusi Booi, as well as provincial Minister of Agriculture Ivan Meyer, Social Development Minister Sharna Fernandez and representatives from the national and provincial departments of Human Settlements. The Human Rights Commission were also in attendance.
"As a first point, this meeting committed to put aside politics and to focus on the serious situation at hand, which involves people's lives and dignity. We all agreed that politics has no place in this matter. I am disappointed to see organisations using this situation to score cheap political points at the expense of vulnerable residents."
"During the meeting, commitments were made by several entities to coordinate the provision of basic services for these residents. Emergency and disaster management will conduct an assessment from a humanitarian perspective, particularly as it relates to potable water and sanitation. The Department of Social Development is in discussion with welfare organisations to address the social services needs of the community."
The meeting also committed to the development of a more sustainable solution. The national government has temporarily made land near to the site available to the residents but a more long term plan is required.
"We have agreed that we must respect the rule of law and allow for assistance to be rendered. I will also receive daily updates on our efforts to provide relief to this community and we will meet again in two weeks time. I want to thank the Deputy Minister and all of those who made themselves available for this meeting, for taking the plight of people in this province seriously and responding," Premier Winde said.