The PAC is likely to look for more
opportunities to promote the illegal occupation of land.
The PAC's position: The PAC, with only 3 seats in the 400 member National
Assembly, is doing everything it can to regain some support (it had 5 seats in the
previous parliament). It has, therefore, played a prominent role in the revelations about
irregularities surrounding the Arms deal, but does this mean much to its potential
constituency. Last week it capitalised on the desperation that many urban poor feel about
the shortage of land and housing and "sold" plots for R25 a piece. This week the
invaders will be moved off the land.The ANC government feels
frustrated as it wants to be the champion of the poor, but providing housing/land is a
complex issue. It is further bedevilled by the lack of capacity at local authority level,
where the delivery has to take place. The ANC is on a losing wicket against the PAC on
this issue. Expect harsh steps against the PAC by government. |
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