Kwa-Mazibuko hostel residents accuse govt of neglect, threaten not to vote

JOHANNESBURG - Kwa-Mazibuko hostel residents in Katlehong are threatening to abstain from voting in May, as they accuse government of neglect.

Home to over 1,000 people, living conditions at one of the biggest hostels in the province continue to deteriorate 30 years into democracy.

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Residents lambasted government for failing to upgrade and rehabilitate the squalid and overcrowded hostel as they’ve promised for many years.

Leaking taps, filthy ablution facilities, and broken windows have become a norm for residents at the Kwa-Mazibuko hostel.

Women have resorted to the bucket system to relieve themselves, as toilets have become unbearably filthy to use.

The main man in charge at the hostel, known as “Induna”, Njabulo Hlabisa, said these are all concerns that have prompted residents to boycott upcoming elections.

“It really hurts that politicians always beg us to vote for them but neglect us after the elections. Maybe they think we're mentally disturbed. How can they leave us to live in squalor?”

Sewer spillages surround the hostel's neglected park, but this has not stopped toddlers from enjoying the swings and slides.