South Africa: Lenasia Demolitions - the Tokyo Factor

analysis

The Lenasia demolitions took an unexpected turn on Monday, as protestors gathered early in the morning to stage a service delivery-like protest. By 11:00, around 200 people had convened peacefully at the Lenasia Civic Centre singing struggle songs, waving placards and raining a cacophony of complaints on any media willing to listen. They were waiting for Minister Tokyo Sexwale, whose performance was a mixture of peacemaking, theatre and stump speech.

“We wanted those houses to be demolished,” said a Lenasia resident who didn’t want to be named. “It’s because those houses are making the price of our houses go down.” He was one of the protestors who said they were renting their properties or have legally purchased homes through bonds.

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