Debate by Cllr Yongama Zigebe on the Alexandra Land Agreement 2016, at the 25th Ordinary Council Meeting of the City of Johannesburg Municipality, at Constance Bapela Council Chamber, Braamfontein on behalf of the UDM and the Minorities

Madam Speaker, Cllr N Mthembu
Executive Mayor, His Worship Cllr Dada Morero
Honourable Members,
Guests in the Gallery
Ladies and Gentlemen

I rise on behalf of the United Democratic Movement and the Minority Governing Parties in the Government of Local Unity in support of the recommendations of this report.

Mandiqale ndizazise Somlomo Ndingu Msimanga, Songo uNonxaskhathali, unyana wamaZizi, OoMtatela, ngenxa yehambo owakhuliswa ngombona wonqarhi, Isizukulwana Sika Ndaba ooBhadela, Kwakunye Noo Ndlangisa.

Umntwana weSithunywa esikhulu, ekhokelwe yinkosi yomoya u Mafuzafulele, Udonga lomona, Mthunzi wabantu, Uvezi ndaba u Gqirha Zwilezwe Radebe.

Madam Speaker, the Month of September South Africa celebrates the rich tapestry of our diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. This is a time to reflect on who we are as a nation, where we come from, and the values that define us. Central to our heritage is the land—land that carries the stories of our ancestors, our African spirituality, and our identity. For many in South Africa, land is more than property; it is a connection to our culture and our roots. It is with this understanding that we address the ongoing struggles in Alexandra, where the promise of land and housing remains unfulfilled for too many of our people.

The UDM and Minority Governing Parties notes that the Alexandra Renewal Project was initiated with the hope of restoring dignity through land and provision of proper and quality housing, but progress has been painfully slow. We recognise the work done, particularly the identification of land in Marlboro, Linbro Park, Lombardy East and other surroundings. This is a positive step, but the delays in transferring this land to the rightful beneficiaries erode the connection between land, culture, and spirituality. Land is not just a commodity—it is part of our heritage, and we must treat it with the respect it deserves. land transfers must be expedited. It is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring a spiritual bond between people and the land. The continued delays in resolving land disputes undermine our commitment to honouring this sacred connection. The fast-tracking of land transfers to ensure that Alexandra’s residents can reclaim their rightful heritage something the 1652 brigade and its beneficiaries (claiming to have not stolen land) have no understanding or appreciation of the issue of land when it comes to the black majority of this country. LAMSELA