Phoenix organisations slam DA visit

PHOENIX organisations have slammed DA leader John Steenhuisen’s visit to the area, saying he was divisive and had excluded most organisations which were already rebuilding.

Steenhuisen and his party held a media briefing in Phoenix yesterday and launched a programme to unite, rebuild and protect communities throughout the province which were shattered by the unrest and looting that rocked KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng three weeks ago.

Sham Maharaj, from All People of KZN, said it was a pity the DA came in so late on the matter.

“Steenhuisen has excluded most community organisations. He has picked and chosen who he wants to work with. He is just dividing the community,” Maharaj said.

He accused the DA leader of leaving out people and organisations central to the relief programmes in the area.

“We commend Police Minister Bheki Cele for coming in early. Where was Steenhuisen all this time? He has just showed up and is further dividing the community,” said Maharaj.

Reniel Reddy, from All Lives Matter, said they were also not part of the DA rebuilding programme.

“Our organisation is composed of community members who came together. We want peace, harmony and unity among all races. We do not want to compromise what has been achieved so far,” Reddy said.

Alice Govender, a Phoenix community activist, said she was denied entry into the meeting. “I was told it was for the ward 52 Exco and the DA leadership.” |