GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The situation remains tense in Thembalethu after illegal protests started this morning.
Police are still monitoring the situation and journalist, Zolani Sinxo, reports that the protesters are demanding that the municipalitity come to Thembalethu to address them.
Richard Shumi, chairman of the Thembalethu Business Chamber, says the protests that erupted this morning (12 July) could have been avoided if better consultation had taken place. “According to my information the protests were sparked by the George Municipality’s recent attempts to demolish informal structures in the area,” said Shumi. “The municipality should consult with the people through public meetings and offer them alternatives.”
He says communication is key to understanding and mutual respect.
But, according to George Municipality Director of Housing and Planning, Steven Erasmus, an extensive consultation process regarding housing developments in Thembalethu did indeed take place. “Over the years we have had numerous Imbizos and even appointed a communication firm. The relevant information from council goes via the ward councillor to the housing beneficiary liaison committee to the people.”
He says the municipality also responded to the list of grievances received from a group of informal dwellers on 27 June. Earlier in June the group prevented the demolition of their illegal structures in Zone 8 by blocking the roads with burning tyres. The municipality backed off on June 6 as the safety of the sheriff and demolition staff could not be guaranteed by the public order police.
Erasmus says the illegal structures are built on land that is due to be developed for low cost housing as well as in wet, low lying areas where the dwellings overflow when it rains.
Watch a video below.
Read previous articles:
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news' 
