Coloured communities hopeful after meeting with MEC
Leaders from coloured communities in Gauteng say they are hopeful following a meeting with MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.
The meeting follows recent violent protests in areas such as Eldorado Park, Ennerdale, Lawley and Kliptown, which resulted in looting of several shops and damage to property.
The department decided to call a massive Indaba with over 30 former coloured communities in Gauteng to deal with the challenges they face.
Nkosi-Malobane says coloured communities are faced with challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
"The issues that will be discussed will be on how we deal with gangsterism as well as drugs in those community. We will also look at how we deal with housing challenges as well as safety and policing services," says Nkosi-Malobane.
One of the community leaders, Shalim Ismael, says this meeting has given them hope.
"This time around we are part and parcel of the implementation team. We will make sure that whatever comes out of the Indaba will be implemented. We will also put ourselves in the firing line to make sure that we monitor and evaluate the progress of what we have agreed upon," says Ismael
Another community leader, Cyden Marais, says they are pleased to have met with the MEC and will report back to their communities.
"We will ensure that all relevant information is brought to the people and that all stakeholders involved in our community are made aware of the Indaba," says Marais.