POOR COMMUNITIES TO PROTEST AT OPENING OF LEGISLATURE

Issued by African National Congress Western Cape

7 February 2000

Five communities, led by ANC branches, will tomorrow make their grievances to the provincial cabinet known when Premier Gerald Morkel opens the Provincial Legislature.

More than 500 people are expected to participate in a placard demonstration in Wale Street, Cape Town. The grievances of these communities vary:

• About 50 people from Lamberts Bay will want to know from Education MEC Helen Zille why the schools in that community cannot be integrated. One school can be converted into a high school since children from both historically white and coloured communitishould travel to high schools elshwere.
• The communities from Macassar, Lwandle and Strand will demand that the provincial government release land for housing. About 150 to 200 people are expected.
• The people from Bloekombos in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein are still awaiting word from the Oostenburg Council and the provincial government about a plan to relocate people occupying premises where a school is meant to be built. About 300 people are expec.
• The Thabo Mbeki squatter camp in Crossroads will demand water toilets and land. They have had several meetings with the authorities where promises to this effect was made. About 150 people are expected.
• Following their recent protest at the Silverstream beach, the communities from Mamre, Atlantis, Witsand and Pella are now taking their demand - to have free access to the day camping facilities - to the provincial legislature. About 50 people are expec.

The Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC Western Cape are fully in support of the efforts of these poor communities to have their grievances addressed.

For any media enquiries, contact Provincial Media Officer Gert Witbooi:
082-570-9118.