The IFP demand answers from the eThekwini Municipal Mayor, James Nxumalo about why his office has taken for so long to complete the investigation into the living conditions of fifteen families living in Umlazi’s W section who were forced to move from their homes due to natural disaster spanning 10 years, remain sheltered in a dilapidated building which was once a bakery.

“After 10 years Mayor James Nxumalo’ s office is still investigating this matter according to the statement made by Ward 82 councillor, Amon Dladla. The eThekwini municipality has violated basic human rights by not delivering basic services to its community. This proves that houses in eThekwini are for certain individuals not for all residents,” said IFP’s eThekwini Municipality Executive member, Cllr Mdu Nkosi.

“Every South African deserves to live in dignity and should be able to access clean water, electricity, sanitation and housing. The mayor must account for why they are repeatedly under-delivering despite having enough money to provide settlements where necessary. The mayor needs to give a clear plan of action that will end the indignity of being homeless in eThekwini,” continued Cllr Nkosi.

“The IFP believes that housing policy should make it affordable for South Africans to have the dignity of a home, regardless of their income bracket. We will fight tirelessly to ensure, those in need are not left homeless due to the municipal and governments inaction and negligence,” concluded Cllr Nkosi.

The IFP will continue to interrogate this matter in Exco meetings till suitable answers are provided by eThekwini Municipality. In addition, we demand that these families must be provided with houses without any further delay.