Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jacques van Rensburg and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will take urgent steps to ensure the removal of asbestos roofing in residential homes across the Kopanong Municipality.
We are calling for a comprehensive municipal audit of asbestos housing, immediate engagement with provincial and national governments to secure funding, and the prioritisation of affected households in future housing upgrades.
Despite the well-documented dangers of asbestos exposure, including increased risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory illnesses, many households in Kopanong remain trapped under toxic roofs, a legacy of past housing policies that must now be urgently addressed.
The DA calls on the Kopanong Municipality to take a proactive stance by:
- Advocating for the complete removal of asbestos roofing in all municipal housing stock.
- Engaging with provincial and national government to secure funding for safe, modern roofing replacements.
- Prioritising affected households in any future housing upgrade initiatives.
- Conducting a comprehensive audit to identify and quantify the extent of asbestos roofing within the municipality.
It is unacceptable that in 2025, residents are still exposed to life-threatening materials in their own homes.
The DA believes that every citizen deserves to live in a safe and dignified environment. We will continue to champion this cause and hold the municipality accountable until decisive action is taken.
The health of our communities cannot wait.