Diepkloof hostel residents warn politicians not to use their plight as a bargaining chip

SOWETO - Diepkloof hostel residents are demanding an end to what they’ve described as hollow promises ahead of elections, with some warning politicians against using their plight as bargaining chips. 

This was after Johannesburg officials made commitments to the community during a visit to the hostels in June 2023, where they witnessed first-hand the deplorable living conditions.

This visit followed weeks of disruptive protests by residents.

On Monday, the community once more took matters into their own hands by blocking roads in response to ongoing service delivery failures.

For years residents have had to survive without water and electricity supply while their homes have become dilapidated.

Hostel leader, Sanele Msibi, questioned why they should endure squalid conditions when politicians don't. 

"These houses are collapsing with people inside. No, it can’t be like that and Panyaza [Lesufi] would never live in a house like this. They came here and made promises and they said they're waiting for the budget. When the budget comes, they disappear."

Another leader, Wiseman Ngubane, explained that the sanitation situation was no better, with 70 mobile toilets shared by many residents.

"They put a bucket system here, it’s dirty and sometimes they take a long time to come and clean it and lately it’s been very hot and so it smells so bad here."

Police opened a case of public violence after a JMPD vehicle was pelted with stones during Monday morning’s protest.