Khayelitsha residents march for electricity and sanitation, highlighting daily struggles with safety, dignity, and basic services. Image credit: Tiktok
(The Post News) – Residents from Khayelitsha have marched for electricity and sanitation after living without these basic services for years. Over 500 people from Ward 99, including residents from Endlovini, Nkandla, and New Monwabisi Park, marched to Parliament to demand electricity and safer sanitation.Â
The march took place on Thursday, when the informal settlement residents went to the Cape Town Parliament to fight for their basic human needs.
According to reports, residents have been living without electricity for years and must share one toilet with hundreds of others, creating serious safety risks, especially for women and children. Councillor Lonwabo Mqina told the Cape Argus reporter that previous attempts to get a response from government officials and Eskom were ignored, which prompted the community to march to Parliament to demand urgent action.
Khayelitsha residents march for electricity and sanitation amid unsafe conditions
Reports also highlighted that many of these people have been living in shacks that flood when it rains, which makes their lives difficult during the winter season. Residents have marched for electricity and sanitation because these unsafe and unhygienic conditions continue to put their lives at risk. Most streets are covered in sewage, resulting in their daily life being dangerous and unhygienic.Â
According to the Cape Argus, the residents have been advised to go to the South African Human Rights Commission offices by Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo, to report their living conditions and the violation of their constitutional rights.
In addition, Aviwe Gwe told Cape Argus she has lived in New Monwabisi Park for ten years, describing the issues she has faced during her time in the informal settlement area. She mentioned a few incidents, some being robbery and sexual assault. According to Gwe, the protesters notified the government officials that they may return to Parliament should their needs not be addressed within seven days.
The community’s memorandum contained three main demands. These include a stable power supply, extending electricity to other informal settlement areas namely New Monwabisi Park and Zimampilo, and building new substations to support growing needs.Â
Local African National Congress (ANC) leaders from Ward 99 also showed support for the march, advising that the struggles faced by residents must be taken seriously and raised with government.
Residents from Khayelitsha have marched for electricity and sanitation because access to these services is not a luxury, but a right.
Please share your thoughts contact Thembeka via email: Journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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