Gauteng govt keeps promise of emptying Randgate hall that's housing displaced families

The Gauteng government has kept its promise of emptying Randgate community hall, where more than 600 people were living after being driven away from their homes by Zama Zamas.

Last week, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi committed to relocating the affected families within seven days.

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EWN understands that the residents from the Sporong informal settlement in Rand West have either returned to their homes, relocated to government shelters or RDP homes.

For more than two weeks, the Randgate community hall was a hive of activity with more than 600 people - young and old - living in it.

Today, the hall stands empty and all its gates are locked.

A resident who lives near the hall, Charlene Erasmus, said following the visit by the Gauteng government, the affected families started returning to their homes gradually.

“We didn’t have any problem as a community with them staying here, they didn’t make noises, there were no problems. We were actually concerned about them going back for their safety.

“I spoke to a lot of people who stay around the boxing club [hall] and they didn’t have any problem with them at all. They were sad to see them go because when they were here, we actually felt safe as well.”

In the meantime, national government said there will be a permanent police presence at Sporong informal settlement to ensure residents feel safe.