LISTEN: Gauteng MEC quells Eersterust unrest

The community, east of Pretoria, embarked on protests - blocking entrances and exits with burning tyres on Wednesday.

A 60-year-old man reportedly died from inhaling teargas.

While demands for land and housing sparked the protest action, community members say they are also facing several other issues which haven’t been dealt with since the end of apartheid. 

Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements Uhuru Moiloa visited the area on Friday.

“I have presented a solid plan on the desk of the premier and in that program, we have identified 139 000 sites that can be serviced and made available across Gauteng for people that want to build houses for themselves, the mayor of Tshwane, has asked for 30 000 of those sites,” said Moiloa. 

He requested community leaders to appoint at least seven people to work with his office in identifying all the challenges faced by the community and find solutions.

Moiloa appealed for calm and committed to return to the area in two weeks to give the community feedback.