The two parties agreed to mediation to solve the housing crisis, eNCA reported today.

Earlier, Lenasia residents packed the South Gauteng High Court to hear arguments about the demolitions.

They cheered in excitement as expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema walked into the court, clad in a yellow T-shirt and flanked by former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, who wore a suit.

Resident cheered “kgale rego emetsi” (we have been waiting for you for a long while).

And others whispered: “We are going to win the case … with Julius here.” They snapped photographs and stared at Malema.

The SAHRC, representing the residents, argued that human rights were violated when the demolitions started two weeks ago.

The department said the houses were built on government-owned land which was sold illegally. Buyers were given forged deeds of sale bearing the department’s logo.