Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale and Local Government and Housing MEC Ntombi Mekgwe have approved the Lenasia Intervention Plan (LIP), this was revealed at the meeting of the Special Lenasia Intervention Team (SPLIT) yesterday evening.

The meeting also heard that the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), Lawrence Mushwana is still to confirm the HRC’s approval of the LIP. Commissioner Mushwana is reportedly studying the plan and discussing it with his senior management and his response was due shortly. After his approval the plan will then be rolled out. The SPLIT was formed after the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing demolished illegally built houses after obtaining a court order. In his intervention, Minister Sexwale set up the team (SPLIT) and insisted that the team must be an‘All-in’ structure where all affected stakeholders will take part in shaping the future solution to the illegal land grabs in Lenasia.

The same meeting yesterday also adopted the minutes of the last meeting of SPLIT, the meeting which adopted the Lenasia Intervention Plan (LIP) which was since sent to Minister Sexwale, MEC Mekgwe and Chairperson Mushwana for final approval. The meeting was adjourned for three weeks to allow the Gauteng Department of Housing and opportunity to come back and present what housing plans and solutions will be undertaken in Lenasia going forward.

This year four people were found guilty of illegally selling government in Lenasia, Lawley and Ennerdale. This includes a 74 year old pastor, Mandla Dlamini, who was given a 3 year jail sentence. Two more suspects, Richard Zikhali and Michael Magodola, recently appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Crimes Court on 95 charges of fraud each in relation to stealing and selling government land for profit in Lenasia. An official of the City of Johannesburg also appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on fraud charges relating to illegal sale of land

Issued by Gauteng Local Government and Housing Department.

For further information contact Motsamai Motlhaolwa on 079 897 2240