Minister to visit the city’s informal settlements

By Ofentse Mokae
06 August 2009


Human settlements minister Tokyo Sexwale will visit the city’s informal settlements today.

Sexwale will be accompanied by his deputy Zou Kota-Frederick’s to the Joe Slovo and Delft areas, to hear first-hand from residents about conditions in these areas.

The minister started his visits on Monday in Johannesburg areas, as part of his fact-verifying programme.

The minister, who was also born in an informal settlement, visited Diepsloot outside Johannesburg.

Special advisor to the minister Chris Vick says the visits will touch all seven major metropolitan areas.

“These visits in all major metropolitan areas are aimed at allowing the Minister to hear first-hand from residents about their living conditions,” said Vick.

Vick says the minister regards the upgrading of informal settlements as a priority, and his visits are part of a process of confirming the facts, rather than relying on hearsay.