WATCH: Govt makes big promises after Marry Me deaths!

RESIDENTS gathered to hear what the government has for them.

Many residents left their homes to listen to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, and other government officials regarding crime, service delivery, formalisation of Marry Me informal settlement, business and employment opportunities.

The community imbizo was hosted at the informal settlement on Wednesday, 2 April.

Lesufi said: "I want to thank those who gave us information to get those who did what they did."

He said that they were heartbroken about what happened.

The Premier stated that the land was previously private but has now been taken over by the government.

He thanked Tshwane municipality for buying the land.

"The municipality is starting the process to formalise and identify the beneficiaries. We are begging you, people of Marry Me. If you say you are a beneficiary, don't go and get your uncle or aunt from Limpopo or Eastern Cape to bring them here."

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Lesufi said the beneficiaries would be South African first, and the rest would follow later.

"Even though we are giving houses to everyone, we have different categories of houses we are giving people. We have people with disabilities, elders, backroom dwellers, and others who are low earners. Even though the first prize is to give people RDP houses, we want to buy land and service it. We give you land, and you build your own house," he said.

Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, acknowledged that the province is facing a backlog.

"We are not building enough RDPs or subsidised houses. It has reduced over time. We have to balance what we provide as subsidised houses, and those houses people will pay for."

She emphasised that once a person has been given a house, they should not rent it or sell it to foreign nationals.

"If we find out you have sold or rented the house before eight years, we will take the house back," said Motara.

Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said: "The formalisation of Changing Spot is coming in July 2025. We are not changing beneficiaries. We don't have people who will sell you stands. If you are a beneficiary, you will get what is due to you."

She mentioned that a rubbish removal service would be introduced in the area to address the issue of rubbish.

"We are bringing a solar high mast. Service must come to the people. The chemical toilets must be cleaned two times a week," said Dr Moya.

Mosala Raboko, a resident, said: "Premier, you owe me a lot. The problem of Marry Me has affected Sunvalley informal settlement."

Kedibone Sesoko (53), who lost her son Philemon Katlego Sesoko (37) and has another family member in hospital after they were shot and stoned, questioned how the families of those who lost their loved ones would benefit.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni also addressed the residents.