Protesters march to ANC HQ

[Necuno]

Johannesburg - Police had to form a human chain on Wednesday outside the ANC's Luthuli House headquarters as protesting Johannesburg inner-city residents handed over a memorandum of their grievances.

"We demand that the ANC lobby for debt write-offs, as most debts are inherited or caused by administrators and managing agents," the memorandum read.

"The ANC must develop a comprehensive strategy to protect the elderly and vulnerable from evictions."

The memorandum demanded that a task team be set up to look at the evictions, intimidation and high rentals being experienced by community.

Inner-city indaba

The protesters also demanded that he ANC convene an inner-city indaba on housing-related issues before the end of January.

The residents gave the ANC 14 days to respond to their grievances.

The march began at the Joubert Park art gallery, and ended at Luthuli House.

Residents were protesting against evictions, the private security company which carried them out - the so-called Red Ants - intimidation by police and water and electricity cuts.

"For the past 10 years we have lived under threat. Different people came and claimed to be owners of buildings or flats demanding money," said Johannesburg Inner-City Residents Association spokesman Moses Ka Moyo.

He said residents had also received fake court orders.

'We live in a pigsty

"We demand protection from the ANC."

A disgruntled resident, Sifiso Nkomo said: "We pay high rentals but we live in a pigsty. We also have rights that are being infringed upon. For the past ten years we have lived under unfavourable conditions, this must end."

The protesters toyi-toyied and chanted liberation songs. They carried placards reading: "Leave Hillbrow Alone"; and "ANC protect our human rights".

The First National Bank on Sauer street closed its security gates as protesters moved towards its entrance during the march.

Accepting the memorandum, ANC head of security Bongani Zuma assured the protesters that the ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe would receive their grievances.

"It's not because you (protesters) are being disrespected. The ANC is the congress of the people. It is here to listen to you and give you platform for your grievances.

"I assure you that I will deliver this memorandum to Mantashe's office".

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2429016,00.html

 

[Hoof-Hearted]

AHAHAAHAHAHAH! I especially liked this bit :

"The ANC is the congress of the people.... "

 

[ToxicBunny]

Love that statement about "the ANC is the congress of the people".... just so funny.

I would also love to know what these guys classify as high rents?

 

[daveza]

"We demand that the ANC lobby for debt write-offs, as most debts are inherited or caused by administrators and managing agents," the memorandum read.

I will definitely vote for the ANC if they write off my debts.

WTF do they mean ' debts are inherited ' ? I'm sure most of the debts are inherited by not paying your rent !

Viva free board and lodgings !

 

[Devill]

I will definitely vote for the ANC if they write off my debts.

WTF do they mean ' debts are inherited ' ? I'm sure most of the debts are inherited by not paying your rent !

Viva free board and lodgings !

Did you not know that the white man gave the black man debt as a parting gift after a[artheid was abolished?

 

[grayston]

I will definitely vote for the ANC if they write off my debts.

You're so easily led. I would only vote ANC if they wrote off my debts and gave me a new BMW.

 

[KillerX]

You're so easily led. I would only vote ANC if they wrote off my debts and gave me a new BMW.

Or atleast a 100% zulu boy T-Shirt and some snacks and refreshment at the annual rally

 

[Vitowe]

Or atleast a 100% zulu boy T-Shirt and some snacks and refreshment at the annual rally

Will also need a pair of Ray-bans, SOTA cell phne and free airtime for life. Maybe even a white chick.