Lindiwe Sisulu hands over 200 homes to mining community in Marikana
The minister says once completed, there will be 2,600 housing units made available for mineworkers.
JOHANNESBURG - Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says she's proud that the African National Congress is fulfilling its promise of providing adequate housing for South Africans.
Sisulu is currently in Marikana handing over houses as part of government's plan to revitalise mining towns.
In 2012, 44 people were killed in the North West town during a protracted strike.
There's heavy police presence in Marikana as Sisulu and other government officials hand over at least 200 completed properties to the Rustenburg mining community.
Sisulu says once completed, there will be 2,600 housing units made available for mineworkers.
"After the disaster of Marikana, we committed ourselves to ensuring that people, who work for whichever sector, have decent living conditions because that is what government had committed to in 1994. We were appalled at the conditions we found at Marikana, and we resolved that we are going to start with Marikana."
The councillor and leaders of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union and South African National Civic Organisation are currently at the local community hall, briefing the mining community of the criteria that will be used to decide who will occupy the housing project.
The minister says while the new project has been met with excitement, some mineworkers have come forward with grievances.
Union representatives are optimistic that the new policy for housing subsidies is more inclusive.
They moved to the local community hall, where they discussed the way forward with some prospective occupants.
Police remain on high alert amid proceedings.
