Cape Town shack dwellers march in city centre for services

About 100 residents of Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni marched on Friday in Cape Town to demand services. Photo: Vincent Lali

About 100 residents of Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni marched on Friday to the Western Cape premier’s office and the Cape Town mayor’s office at the civic center to demand services.

Covid settlement was started in 2020 during lockdown.

Community leader Bathandwa Gali said that because there is no electricity, people rely on candles, which are a fire hazard.

Gali said they lack toilets and must cross the busy N2 and R300 to relieve themselves on open land. He said people had been injured or even killed in the process.

Community leader Bongile Zanazo said women have also been raped when going to relieve themselves in the field. They dig holes to bury their faeces and it has created an unsanitary environment.

Residents lack tap water and have to fetch water from open sources and boil it. Those who can afford it, buy water at the supermarket, said Zanazo.

Community leader Siphesande Kwangi said they also get water from a water pipe running through Covid, but they are not sure it is potable.

“To do laundry, we collect dirty water from a dam. Our kids have to use the same water to bathe because water is scarce.’’

Ward 114 Councillor Ernest Madikane (ANC) joined the march. He said, “If the Western Cape government is better [than others], they must show it.” He said the Western Cape government shouldn’t refer residents to councillors when they want basic services.

In a memorandum, the residents demanded clean, safe and reliable water for drinking hygiene and sanitation purposes; electrification; the installation of taps or water tankers and standpipes, as well as regular water deliveries; and support with community gardens to “combat hunger”.

The memo was received by representatives of the premier and the mayor.

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