Media Statement - 29 March 2012
SOWETO - Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale says there is a need for a complete eradication of single-sex hostels in order to bring back the dignity of the poor, who for many years found themselves living in squalor and exclusion.
He was speaking at the launch of 512 newly build flats for the residents of Jabulani Hostel in Soweto. The launch was also attended by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
“The fact that over R1 billion will be spent on this project indicates government’s seriousness in ensuring that it restores the lost dignity of our people having being subjected for many years to inhumane living conditions,” said Sexwale.
The total project will consist of 1 919 community residential and RDP units and has created a total of 250 jobs for the people of Jabulani. It forms part of government’s long-term strategy of changing the face of this historic township through the provision of sustainable human settlements closer to places of work.
Sexwale said the hostel system, was designed in a way that deprived the majority of black people dignity and a social lifestyle as it was mainly for men and they were not allowed to live with their families in these hostels.
The project, he added will not only provide quality living for its residents but will serve as a shining example of what mixed residential development should look like.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said the completion of the first phase of the project gave hope that the provision of decent human settlements in Gauteng was an attainable objective.
“This mixed residential development we are celebrating today is just next to the Jabulani Mall and the new hospital is two kilometers away conforming to our new approach of ensuring that we not only building rows of houses but human settlements where all social amenities are within the community,” she said.
Upon completion the project will consist of various housing options to address different need of people as it will include social housing and open market GAP units.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS 29/03/12
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