Residents of Covid informal settlement near Mfuleni blocked sections of the N2, R300 and Old Faure Road on Monday, 5 October, demanding water and toilets.

According to GroundUp’s report by Vincent Lali, protesters used burning tyres and debris during their fourth protest in a week.

Residents say appeals went unanswered

Nearly a year ago, residents marched to the offices of the Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier, handing over memorandums requesting basic services.

Community leader Bathandwa Gali told GroundUp that residents had expected senior officials to visit and explain what assistance they could provide. He said the community had lived there for six years without water services or chemical toilets.

Residents say they must cross the busy N2 and R300 to relieve themselves on open land. They told GroundUp that people had been injured or killed while making these crossings.

One tap and fears for safety

Resident Zandile Ntsabo said households depend on a single tap installed by the community for drinking water, cooking and laundry.

Slow water flow creates long morning queues as residents prepare for school and work. According to Ntsabo, some elderly residents pay young people R10 to fetch water using wheelbarrows and trolleys.

The lack of toilets also leaves residents fearing for their safety.

Andiswa Charlie told GroundUp she experiences sexual harassment while relieving herself beside the N2. Ntsabo described an incident in which a man approached her 14-year-old daughter while they were using nearby bushes.

She said they now use buckets inside their shack and empty them into a hole.

Police reopen roads

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said officers dispersed Monday’s crowd. No arrests were made and no injuries were reported during the police response.

Twigg confirmed that the roadway had reopened and that law enforcement would remain in the area.

Premier’s Office spokesperson Regan Thaw confirmed receipt of the memorandum and said it had been referred to the Western Cape Department of Local Government.

GroundUp said the City of Cape Town’s response would be added once received.