About 70 shack dwellers of Phase 1 Area 11 informal settlement, who live next to 300 toilets without houses, protested in Kariega on Wednesday.
Shack dwellers from Kariega blocked the R334 on Wednesday, demanding houses promised to them eight years ago by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
In 2013, the municipalitybuilt 300 toilets in Phase 1 Area 11, but the houses that were supposed to be built never materialised, despite repeated promises in 2017 and 2023.
The municipality moved about 100 people to the site in 2017 as part of a bucket toilet eradication initiative. Several families built shacks next to the toilets, which had become badly damaged and vandalised since they were built. The settlement has since grown.
Protest leader Sinothando Gedze said on Wednesday that most of the residents are elderly or disabled, and some have died due to living in harsh conditions.
“One of our fellow comrades was knocked to death by a speeding vehicle on his way to relieve himself in the bush because his toilet was not flushing. We are sick and tired of living in these conditions.”
Mthuzimele Dlamini, 55, in Area 11 since 2017, said, “A grave would be better than my shack. There are rats, frogs, because when it rains, the whole area gets flooded.”
Dlamini repaired his toilet’s plumbing himself, but it still has no door, window or roof.
On Wednesday afternoon, police asked protesters to clear the road. They agreed on condition that mayco member for human settlements Thembinkosi Mafana address them.
Mafana arrived after 2pm with senior officials, including human settlements executive director Tabiso Mfeya, regional director Zweledinga Nkayitshana, and ward councillor Sabelo Mabuda.
Mafana promised residents that human settlements’ officials will return next Wednesday with forms for residents to fill out to apply for housing.
He also committed to having monthly meetings with the residents.
Gedze said they will protest again should the officials not show up next week.
Mthuzimele Dlamini, 55, in Area 11 since 2017, said, “A grave would be better than my shack. There are rats, frogs, because when it rains, the whole area gets flooded.”
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The #JusticeForWorkers movement advocates for fair labor practices and workers’ rights.
Wild Hair
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”
Digital Goddess
France: You have two cows. You kill them, throw away everything except the filet mignon, and make cheese with the leftover Pasteurized milk.