It’s a tough life for shack dwellers in South Africa
HONEYDEW RIDGE – The plight of a family seeking a better life.
From surviving xenophobic attacks in South Africa and living off a shoestring budget, a Zimbabwean family thought they had seen it all in this country – until their home was completely demolished on 14 March during an eviction in Honeydew Ridge.
Londi Ncube, her husband and their 18-month-old daughter were among more than 250 informal dwellers who were displaced after the Red Ants arrived, unannounced, and demolished every property on a plot in Ward 97.
The family, along with others, had been living at the settlement for a couple of years, some of whom were born and raised in the area during the 90s.
Most families had to endure sleeping on rubble for about three days before the province allocated land and tents.
The cold nights without a roof over their heads did not sit well with the Ncube family, as they feared for their daughter’s health.
After three days, the family decided to pack their remaining belongings and move to Zandspruit, where they would rent a shack.
“I can’t even join the protest because I have a baby who needs my protection. We’ve decided to relocate from this place because our child’s health is at risk if we continue sleeping outside,” Ncube’s husband said.
Bonisile Khuselwa, a community activist said she does not blame those dwellers who were able to relocate and start a new life. However, for others, they still have to deal with the misery, since some of their valuable items were allegedly looted by the Red Ants.
“Some residents can’t afford rent so they still rely on the City for assistance. We are human as well, we can’t be sleeping outside like dogs,” Khuselwa said.
The majority of displaced residents have been moved temporarily to a piece of land on the corner of Hans Street and Hoëveld Road, which has raised a concerns with rate-paying residents in the area.
Meanwhile, the minority such as the Ncube family, has been welcomed in other parts of Honeydew and Ruimsig informal settlements and are about to start over.
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