DURBAN — The KwaDukuza Municipality has undertaken the significant demolition of more than 50 informal structures at the Magebhula settlement, located near Shayamoya in Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal. This action has resulted in the displacement of over 400 residents.
The incident that occurred on Thursday has elicited significant outrage among community leaders and residents, who perceive that their concerns have been overlooked by local authorities.
Residents have articulated the challenging circumstances they currently face, with numerous individuals forced to sleep in open fields following the demolitions.
“We were evicted from our homes by the municipality. As I speak to you, we find ourselves in a state of distress, Simo Ngcobo, a resident of Magebhula.
In the context of ongoing disputes between the residents and the municipal authorities, some individuals have commenced the reconstruction of makeshift shelters to offer protection for the most vulnerable members of the community.
“One shack has been reconstructed to provide shelter for children and a few adults who are most in need, Mandla Sibisi, a resident whose home was demolished.
Initially, municipal police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrived at the location to implement the eviction; however, they subsequently withdrew following negotiations with community leaders.
Thoko Mkhize, a resident who experienced the loss of her home due to the demolition, expressed her profound frustration.
“We are being victimised by the KwaDukuza Municipality. I have lost the house I built with my hard-earned money. This is painful,” said Mkhize, who purchased the plot from another resident in 2019 and built a four-room house by 2020.
Among those facing challenges is Ntombi Samani, a mother of five. She relocated to the area in an effort to alleviate overcrowding in her previous residence and to evade the financial obligation of paying rent.
Samani, who depends on child support grants and a modest monthly income of R1,500, articulated her aspiration for independence, stating, wanted my own space with my children.
In opposition to the assertions made by the community, Sifiso Zulu, the spokesperson for the KwaDukuza Municipality, stated that the shacks were purportedly constructed in contravention of a court order prohibiting occupation.
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