The South African Human Rights Commission has subpoenaed Limpopo’s provincial minister of housing, Mahwene Semenya, and Lepelle Nkumpi’s municipal manager over the eviction in May of more than 200 families from Lebowakgomo.
”The commission approached the MEC to intervene on May 18 and June 17. The MEC failed to cooperate with the commission,” reads a commission statement released on Friday.
It is alleged the families were not given adequate sewage and water facilities at their new homes at Turfpan and Kalakbelt, 21km from the former Lebowa apartheid homeland capital.
”On inspection of the site by the commission it was found that there are no adequate pit latrines or water supply,” reads the statement.
”Only 17 tents, some with holes, were erected for the 237 families, resulting in more than three families being accommodated in one tent.”
It also said that the municipality had not taken measures to provide for people with disabilities, the sick and the elderly, and that the move had interfered with the schooling of children.
The two officials are scheduled to appear before the commission on Tuesday, at Turfpan in Lebowakgomo. — Sapa