MEMORANDUM OF GRIEVANCES OF THE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF EERSTERUST.

Nelson Mandela stated that "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign!" Our constitution further emphasize that "the people shall govern". It currently seems like the residents of Eersterust, the only so-called "Coloured"/Khoi community in Pretoria, were and are excluded from this. Therefor we state unequivocally  that:

Eersterust was established in 1961 as a "Coloured" township. This township was the result of forced removals of our people from places such as Highlands, Riverside, Claremont, Lady Selborne, Eastwood and the last place from where our people were removed, the Cape Coloured Reserve. The last mentioned place after all these years still lies dormant. As a "defeated", minority and degraded group, our people had to accept the draconian laws of Apartheid and the forfeit of property. They had to start from scratch. The battles made them stronger, because they stood up, worked harder, gave their children education and fought tiring battles to establish the flourishing community of Eersterust, developing it as the best "Coloured" township in the land. This progress was seen on different spheres, such as education, economical, sport, as well as politics. Then came 1994. The euphoria after the elections soon dwindled. Why? Reality kicked in! They soon found out that they were not " free" and not part of the "rainbow nation". They were and are still regarded as "sell-outs" due to their "leaders" participating in the then Tri-cameral Parliament. Due to their new oppression after 1994, they are now in a more pathetic and vulnerable position as before 1994.

Why? What did their new found "freedom" brought them? Only affliction, regret and disillusionment. At best! Worse oppression! Why?

1.  Forfeit of Community Property 

After 1994 the community is much poorer, as they have forfeit most of their valuable community properties and assets. The assets stated below could have been used for the upgrading of the community (unemployment rate of 40%, especially among the youth). These properties include.

- Andries Snyman Old-Age home;

- The first Community Hall which is currently being vandalised and in a dilapidated condition. This Hall should have been declared as a museum;

- Masada (which could have been a skills-training centre);

- The first creche of Eersterust (could have been utilised as a ECD Training centre);

- All vacant land which was earmarked for housing for our people (last houses were built more than 32 years ago) are now in private hands.

- The first shopping-centre of the community (currently in a dilapidated condition);

- Our schools are currently confiscated by people from other communities (Norridge Park Primary School)

- First clinic and other municipal buildings.

ii No Improvements since 1994

When comparing and visiting our neighbouring community, Mamelodi, it is evident that Eersterust as a community, stagnated as it were not important to the powers be. It can be proved that for the past 22 years not a single house were built for the people of Eersterust. This resulted in squatter-houses mushroomed in every backyard. What does this overcrowded and overpopulated community reveal? Can it be part of a strategy to geniusly effect racial genocide or breed an inferior group? When comparing Eersterust with our neighbouring Mamelodi, Mamelodi became a giant of progress expansion and opportunities. Thousands (if not millions)  of houses were built. They have a Vista University as well as other educational institutions. The Municipality are functioning from there. All urgent services are rendered from there, which means that the residents of Eersterust have to go there (because they are now " inferior to their new Masters") or to town for much needed services. Our people are disregarded also when it comes to employment. Most of the places where our people previously worked, are now taken by people from Mamelodi or town. This include places such as the Municipality (still managed by White people), Library, Clinic even our schools (Norridge Park Primary School are dominantly owned by learners and teachers from Mamelodi), the same with our Secondary Schools. Our civic centre are not available to the residents of the community. Why? Freedom or oppression or racism?

iii   Escalation of social problems

When taking all the above mentioned in consideration, it is understandable why the Eersterust community are caught up in a spiral of degradation. The community is well-known for the following:

- High percentage of alcohol and drug abuse (as well as smuggling);

- Unemployment (estimated at 40%)

- Teenage pregnancies (just to get SASSA grants);

- Car hijackings (as a way of survival);

- Different forms of other crime (housebreaking, cable theft, robbery of scholars);

- High percentage of early school dropouts;

- Low self-esteem especially among the youth;

- Etc! (This list is much longer)

In the light of the above situation, we as the RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF EERSTERUST  demand the following:

1. That all vacant land of the community currently in private hands, be confiscated and given back to the community so that houses can be built for our people (People's Housing Project for working people who could afford loans).

2. That our schools be given back to our community, so that our children who were denied entrance, be accommodated and that our educational standards be upgraded and restored to previous glory.

3. We have a Technical Secondary School (Prosperitus) that was built to upgrade the technical skills of our children. The school are fully equipped with all the necessary equipment, but needless to say, another "white elephant". This school if managed properly, could have delivered numerous artisans in Eersterust alleviating skills shortages as well as unemployment especially among our youth.

4. That our community assets such as the old clinic and municipal-offices which were sold to private entities, be confiscated and given back to the community, so that a skills training centre specialising in soft- skills be developed to address skills shortages among the girls (youth).

5. That proper opportunities be set in place in order to create a sustainable township economy in our community (we don't need parks, we need industrial parks and tourist attractions which will stimulate job-creation and a township economy). Plan is available!

6. We would like to have insight information on the community's budget, as well as being part of all decisions made on behalf of our community (budget, employment, tenders, development, etc). We opt for a committee of the community for the community.

7. Our roads infrastructure dates back to the 60's and 70's. During peak hours the road infrastructure are totally incapable of handling the enormous volumes of vehicles. When will the main roads be upgraded to two lanes with robots?

A-part-hate was immoral & inhumane, forced assimilation is destructive and Nation suicide.

We therefore appeal to you as the Mayor of Tshwane to urgently intervene in order to prevent unnecessary conflict and destruction. We expect an answer within 10 working days of acceptance of this document.

Regards,

THE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF EERSTERUST

Acceptance of Memorandum: Mayor Kgosientsho Ramakgopa

 

Signed:...............................................................................................

Signed on behalf of the Association:....................................................

Residents Association of Eersterust

Date: 17 May 2016   Place: Eersterust      Time: 12:02

Copies will be forwarded to:

The Premier: The Honourable Mr. David Makhura

The Ward-Councillor: Mr I. Singh