The District Six claimants meeting went well in terms of the expectations of the current residents in the area, according to the chairperson of the District Six Community Forum, Anwar Botha. Speaking to VOC’s Breakfast Beat, Botha said many of the residents were satisfied that their concerns and issues were addressed by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti.

He noted that a number of major resolutions were taken during Saturday’s meeting, which included the resolving of outstanding money issues. Some residents were concerned that monies initially paid to the District Six Beneficiary and Redevelopment Trust (D6 Trust) had yet to be refunded.

“The minister actually decided then and there that those people should sign forms, and this week he is going to see that they get their money back, or get the ball rolling for them,” said Botha.

According to Botha, a unanimous decision was taken amongst attendees to do away with sectional titles, and grant all residents full title deeds. The original option would have seen those staying on houses receiving title deeds, whilst those in flats would receive sectional titles instead.

Residents were also given the choice of having a trust oversee and act on behalf of the community, or have a Communal Property Association (CPA) that would deal directly with the day to day issues of claimants and residents. The majority voted in favor of a CPA.

“A CPA is a group made up of the claimant community, and because with the past experience with a trust, the people opted for a CPA,” he said.

During the meeting, Minister Nkwinti gave reasons for the delay in the whole development process, which included the division and disagreement amongst claimant groups.

However, Botha suggested that that since the D6 Trust were not part of the current process, and with few people joining the District Six Working Committee (D6WC), the Community Forum were now in pole position to assist the current group of claimants.

“We as the Community Forum are welcoming people back and we are laying the groundwork for them,” he said.

He added that under the Community Forum, claimants would return to a “vibrant and working’” District Six. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)

Next: The D6 Trust responds to the resolutions