Squatters in Marlboro, Johannesburg, will not be satisfied with council offers of temporary accommodation unless they are told where it is and are able to inspect it.
This emerged on Wednesday at the meeting of area leaders of the squatters following talks with council officials.
Violence flared again in Marlboro on Wednesday morning amid rumours that the Red Ants — red-overall clad security guards employed by the sheriff to enforce court orders — were on their way to move the squatters out.
A woman was hit on her foot by a rubber bullet and had to be taken to hospital when the squatters clashed with the police.
Police threw stun grenades at the group of about 900 squatters protesting their eviction and fired rubber bullets at them when they refused to disperse and started stoning passing motorists.
Calm had returned to the area by 9am.
The squatter-area leades said that although the council told them the evictions will still take place, it has undertaken to hold on, pending negotiations over alternative temporary accommodation.
Ultimately, they want to be given permanent accommodation, they said.
Rhema Church stepped in on Wednesday to help — if needs be.
It offered alternative temporary accommodation for pregnant women and children.
”If they want a place to stay if there is a problem, we are available to help,” said Pastor Thomas Msimango.
Clean-up crews moved into the area early on Wednesday to clear the remains of the blockades set up to keep out the Red Ants.
The squatters were protesting their evictions from abandoned factories they occupy in Marlboro.
While the evictions were suspended on Tuesday amid their protests, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo remained adamant the evictions will go ahead.
The squatters will be moved to an emergency temporary shelter in the city, he said, but did not disclose when this will happen.
”The City of Johannesburg does not evict people just for the sake of eviction. The safety of all the residents is a priority for Johannesburg,” he said.
The squatters were living ”under health-threatening conditions” in the 16 buildings they were illegally occupying in Marlboro.
”There is no water, sanitation, electricity or emergency fire exits in the factories.
”The City of Johannesburg served notices on these occupants in January 2003. High court action was instituted. The court order was granted and the occupants were notified,” he said. — Sapa