To : News Editors and PR Wires



24 June 2002


                               Media Release


                      Thembelihle Informal Settlement


Early  this  morning,  sporadic  acts  of  violence occurred in Thembelihle
Informal  Settlement.  Protestors  barricaded the K43 road next to Lenasia.
This  was  allegedly  in protest against Council's decision to relocate the
people  of  Thembelihle  from  a  dolomitic  area  to  a place of safety in
Vlakfontein.


Council took this decision after a geological study that was carried out by
the  former Southern Metropolitan Substructure revealed that Thembelihle is
dolomitic   and  therefore  unsafe  for  human  habitation.  Following  the
publication  of  the  report,  we  began  communicating  with  the affected
families, informing them about the dangers and urging them to relocate.


It  is  regrettable  that  certain  elements  within  the community seek to
politicise and ride on the tide of a potentially volatile situation.


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


Early  in  the  evening, we received reports indicating that order has been
restored.  The  Johannesburg  Metropolitan  Police  is  on stand-by for any
eventuality.  Barricades,  burning  tyres and debris have been removed from
K43. We will relocate 50 people tonight and the remainder will be relocated
at a later stage.


For more information, please contact:


Kgotso Chikane


Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor


Tel: 407 7558


Fax: 339 5704


082 464 9446




Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 378 6977
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za

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