By Anita Dangazele
The people of Topblock in Nqanqarhu, Eastern Cape, feel they haven’t benefited from South Africa’s democracy.
The Topblock informal settlement started in 1994 when South Africa gained freedom from apartheid.
Many residents were farm workers who lost their jobs when democracy came. Because of this, many have never had IDs or birth certificates.
Children born in the community also don’t have birth certificates and haven’t been registered for social grants.
The residents don’t have access to clean water, proper toilets, roads, or clinics.
Community leader Elias Mqunyana explained the tough situation.
“People here must wake up as early as 2am to get clean water. We fight over water every morning. There are only three pit toilets, but they’re full, so we have to use the bush,” he said.
Mqunyana said most people in the community are unemployed.
“Young women here often feel they have no choice but to give themselves to men just to get food. Many young girls have at least three children, have never had jobs, never attended school or received social grants.
“We are begging the government to help us; this is no way to live.”
Before the elections, the community protested to get the government’s attention.
“The mayor of Elundini local municipality told us to vote, promising help after the elections, but we’ve heard nothing since,” Mqunyana said.
DA MP Baxolile Nodada tried to help the community in 2020 by bringing in an international NGO that provides sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
However, the municipality blocked these efforts, saying they would move the residents to proper housing, but that hasn’t happened.
Elundini municipal manager Jack Mdeni has promised to respond to Scrolla.Africa’s questions and his response will be added once it is received.
Pictured above: DA MP Baxolile Nodada visiting the community of Topblock, along with the Sulabh International School of Action Sociology and Sociology of Sanitation – South Africa.
Source: Supplied
