The recent flooding near Alexandra Cemetery has once again revealed the dangers of life along the Jukskei River.
Although the water rose on Cheetah Street, away from the Jukskei riverbanks in Setswetla, the incident underscored the vulnerability of residents in Setswetla and other informal settlements, whose homes stand precariously close to the river.

Some families in Setswetla, driven by desperation for shelter, have built informal structures on land that is neither safe nor suitable for habitation, and with each heavy rainfall, they face the possibility of being swept away. Past floods have already destroyed homes in the area, and the threat remains constant as the rainy weather conditions persist.

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City of Johannesburg authorities acknowledged the severity of the problem. Regional director Thaba Makgafela explained that the city had sought a court order to evict residents from the flood line. Housing officials did an enumeration, and the court instructed the city to mark the flood line, which has now been completed, yet relocation remains a challenge. “In Alex, we do not have land that is available to accommodate people. We do not have space where we can actually relocate them.”

The issue carries legal implications for the city, at least according to Makgafela. Although residents knowingly built along the riverbanks, he said the city could still be held liable if a disaster occurs. “Legal has also advised human settlement that if something was to happen, as the city, we might actually be held liable. So, it is a risk that sits with us.”

Economic Freedom Fighters proportional representation councillor Patricia Mabidilala previously told Alex News that relocation alone will not solve the problem. She said preventative measures must be introduced to stop future construction along the riverbanks. “They must build something. That way it would show that if you build beyond the demarcated area, you are on your own.”

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Mabidilala warned that if the area is left vacant after relocation, new informal structures will inevitably appear, forcing the city into a cycle of repeated interventions.

The problem is compounded by residents who deliberately dump construction rubble into the river to create artificial land, as this practice obstructs the river’s natural flow and places structures directly in harm’s way. Makgafela confirmed that some prominent individuals in the area are known to engage in this activity, although he did not want to name them.

Now, as heavy rains continue, the danger remains concerning. Residents along the Jukskei River are faced with the fear of losing their homes, while city officials face the burden of potential liability.

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