To: News Editors/PR Wires


From: City Of Johannesburg


__________________________________________________________


                 RELOCATIONS IN THEMBELIHLE ARE VOLUNTARY


The  City  of  Johannesburg  said this afternoon, the relocation process in
Thembelihle,  South  of  Johannesburg  is  to be carried out on a voluntary
basis.  This  is  after it was alleged that the City is going to forcefully
relocate   residents   of   the  Thembelihle  Informal  settlement  tonight
(Thursday).


Council  took  a  decision  to  relocate  residents  of Thembelihle after a
geological  study  that was carried out by the former Southern Metropolitan
Substructure  revealed  that the area is dolomitic and therefore unsafe for
human  habitation.  The  city  has  been  communicating  with  the affected
families, informing them about the dangers and urging them to relocate.


Most  people  moved  voluntarily  despite  isolated  and  sporadic  acts of
violence  by  a  small group of protestors. To date 1200 families have been
resettled in Vlakfontein voluntarily and 700 families have already paid the
R115.00 water connection fee, meaning that they are ready to relocate.


Currently  there  are  no  relocations taking place at Thembelihle informal
settlement.  Council  is currently preparing more stands in Vlakfontein and
the  new stands will be available soon. By March 2003 fully serviced stands
(with water and sewerage facilities) will be available.


We condemn all acts of violence and intimidation. Continued dialogue is the
only solution.


    Member of the Media are invited to an Urgent Media briefing on the
           Thembelihle Informal Settlement to be held as follow:


DATE:     Friday,19 July 2002


   TIME:    10h00


VENUE:   Mayor's Parlour, First Floor


      Council Chamber Wing, Metro Centre


      158 Loveday Street Extension


     BRAAMFONTEIN


NB: Members of the media will be addressed by Clr Sizakele Nkosi ? Member
of the Mayoral Committee responsible for housing, Ward Councillor 8 ? Clr
Dan Bovu, Director Housing ? Mr Shimi Maimela, Regional Director for region
                        11 ? Ms Sibongile Mazibuko.


ENDS


                                                        Nthatisi Modingoane


                                                              Media Liaison


                                                              Tel: 407-7354


                                                              Fax: 403-3494


                                                               082 467 9228





                                                    nthatisem@joburg.org.za


                                                       Or visit our website


www.joburg.org.za







Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za

For more information about this wonderful City of ours, please visit our
website : www.joburg.org.za