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The African National Congress (ANC) dismisses with contempt, reports by the Democratic Alliance, in the Greater Roodepoort area, that the development of the Princess Informal Settlement will adversity affect the value of the adjacent suburbs and that the presence of these communities in the area will bring crime.

This statement by the DA Councillor is racist, discriminatory and downplaying the social and economic problems that the Princess Informal Settlement residents are currently facing.

As the ANC Zonal Committee of Greater Roodepoort, we also noted with sadness the unfortunate situation that occurred at this settlement wherein thirty five (35) shacks were destroyed by wild-fire and families are displaced in this freezing cold season.

Through the DA councillor’s recklessness and indeciseveness, the community has been denied one of their fundamental rights that of having a roof over their heads.

We call upon the DA to ensure that they address the plight of this community with immediate effect and stop playing cheap politics.

Failure by the DA to respond to our call, the ANC will approach the Human Rights Commission to investigate human rights violations by the DA led councillor in this area.

As the ANC, we will continue to condemn any action by anyone including the DA, who violates the Bill of Rights, as enshrined in our Constitution, that South Africa belongs to all who leave in it, Black and White and their rights to have decent living areas.

We will further engage the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng government for the speedy development of the Princess Informal Settlement.

Furthermore as the ANC in this zone, together with civil society organisations will continue to support the destitute families and rally support for assistance from various institutions, such as government , non- governmental organisations and churches, to list but a few. We also make a call for all other civil society movement including non-governmental organisations to assist this community.