The Democratic Alliance (DA) continues to fight informal settlements residents across Johannesburg. Tjovitjo Settlement has long been denied basic services and formalisation, even though funding and laws exist to protect residents’ rights. This neglect is causing political tension and threatening democracy.
Through council sittings, Section 79 Committee meetings, motions, and written questions, the DA has held the Government of Local Unity (GLU) accountable. These are not political demands – they are residents’ constitutional rights.
The DA has highlighted failures in providing water, sanitation, and electricity, both in the Human Settlements Committee and on the ground. In July last year, a Motion on Formalising Informal Settlements was submitted to council but was ruled inadmissible by the GLU, leaving residents without change.
Chronic government inaction has led to rising tensions. The DTT Development Task Team has threatened that if the settlement is not formalised by June, political parties will be barred from campaigning from 1 July, and voting may be blocked by November.
The DA condemns these threats. Democracy must not be held hostage.
The party urges the Department of Human Settlements to use available funds to upgrade Tjovitjo, providing water, sanitation, electricity, tenure security, and dignity to its residents
