Shack dwellers endorse W Cape DA

Abahlali baseMjondolo had declared its support for the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, but never endorsed the DA in the Western Cape, national leader Sbu Zikode said.

Abahlali baseMjondolo had declared its support for the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, but never endorsed the DA in the Western Cape, national leader Sbu Zikode said.

Published May 5, 2014

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Cape Town - Shack dwellers' movement Abahlali Basemjondolo has publicly endorsed the DA in the Western Cape for the general election, the party said on Monday.

Provincial leader Ivan Meyer said the organisation boasted a national membership of over 27 000 people, and would add weight to the final phase of the Democratic Alliance's election campaign.

The DA had great respect and admiration for the movement, he said. It looked forward to working with the organisation after elections to improve living conditions in areas where the DA governed.

On Friday, Abahlali Basemjondolo publicly endorsed the DA in KwaZulu-Natal for this year's elections.

Abahlali president Sbu Zikode signed the agreement with the DA's provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu in the Foreman Road informal settlement, in Clare Estate, Durban.

The movement was apparently turning its back on the ruling party because of its failure to deliver housing to people in the settlement.

Meyer said the party started talks with the movement two years ago.

More recently, the DA's Khayelitsha constituency leader Masizole Mnqasela had been in discussions with the movement's regional leader Mzoke Poni.

The DA said the common goal was to fight housing corruption, speed up housing delivery, and ensure land evictions were done within the law.

Sapa

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