​​MECs urge illegal site invaders to vacate land in Braamfischerville
By: Rorisang Monyela and Thomas Lethoba
The invasion of project sites by people who build illegal structures within the identified land will not be tolerated by government since it hampers service delivery in Gauteng. Communities also need to join hands with government in addressing the issue. 
The statements were made by the MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management Ms. Tasneem Motara and the MEC of Education and Youth Development Mr. Panyaza Lesufi when they met with the community of Braamfischerville on Wednesday, 09 October 2019, at Braamfischerville Multipurpose Centre, Soweto.
The aim of the meeting was to address the issues relating to the Braamfischerville Primary School construction project following delays caused by some residents who have built illegal structures within the site. Community members came in their dozens to engage government on the matter, suggesting different ideas on how to resolve the challenges that hinders the project from being completed on time.
MEC Motara said some of the people who had illegally occupied the land of the school did not want to move from the land, while others were also seeking compensation for the demolition of their structures.
"The land occupied by the residents was supposed to be used for building toilets, sewage and water pipes. Even if we can continue with this project but without toilets and sewage, the City of Joburg will not give us the occupancy certificate. The learners are also occupying temporary mobile units in the meantime. So, I am pleading with the community to cooperate with us in completing this project on time," said Motara. 
One of the community leaders Joseph Rasetjie added his voice on the matter. "Government should take an initiative to fight illegal occupants in this land, because this affects the development of the project."
A representative of the School Governing Body of Braamfischerville Primary School spoke strongly about the need for timely completion of the new school. "We have been dreaming of a smart school with proper facilities so let's work together for this school to be completed," said the SGB representative.
MEC Lesufi said although communities always had new needs from time to time, the province had recently built five new schools in their area and it was now the turn of other communities. 
"Those who occupied the land of the school should move within 14 days as we do not want to use power and court orders to remove them. We also want to open this new school when the new school calendar starts in January 2020. The learners have to use the new facility," Lesufi concluded.
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