Issued by Gauteng Government
21 November 2000
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa noted renewed media report on allegations of corruption in the allocation of low cost housing units in Alexandra.
The allegations include among others the allocation of houses to certain councillors who do not qualify to receive low cost housing.
When the allegations first surfaced in September this year, the Premier, accompanied by MEC for Housing Paul Mashatile visited Alexandra and made a public commitment that all the allegations would be investigated and that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found to be implicated in corruption.
Soon after the visit to Alexandra, Mashatile requested the office of the Auditor General to investigate all the allegations. The investigations have already commenced and, according to the investigators, more than 2000 complaints were received from Alexandra residents.
The Auditor General's office has indicated to Mashatile that it would submit a report on the investigations to the Housing Department by the end of November.
The Premier has noted plans by a group of Alexandra residents to march to the Union Building in protest against the allegations. While the Premier respects the rights of citizens to peaceful protest, he wishes to state that the organisers of the march are fully aware of the investigations being conducted by the Auditor General, and in this regard the march would serve little or no purpose.
Regarding the threat by the protesters to occupy houses illegally, the Premier wishes to warn them that the Provincial Government will not tolerate any violation of the law.
The Premier wishes to reiterate that all allegations will be investigated and, should anybody be found to be involved in corrupt practices, no matter what their positions are, they will be dealt with accordingly.
For inquiries please contact Thabo Masebe at 082 410 8087
Issued by
Office of the Premier
Gauteng Provincial Government