Shaka’s Head illegal settlement continues to mushroom

The number of illegal shacks on vacant land alongside Shaka’s Head township have doubled since the North Coast Courier reported on the problem in March.

More than 100 shacks now line the P445 (the extension of Ballito Drive) at the entrance to Ballito near Caledon Estate and Umhlali Country Club.

The invaded KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) land has been earmarked for development.

Mkhize said the municipality had approached the court to deal will all land invasions around KwaDukuza.

“We approached the court to evict land invaders and to provide support to those who need illegal squatters evicted from their land. We urge people to stop the invasion.

“The municipality cannot afford to house land invaders while we still have a backlog of residents waiting for their RDP houses,” said Mkhize.

Outgoing Ward 4 councillor, Mlamuli Ndlela, said squatters began building shacks in March last year during the Covid level 5 lockdown.

He confirmed the municipality was planning to remove the land invaders, but could not confirm when this would be.

The illegal settlers cite unemployment and high rent as the main reason for invading municipal land.

Many previously lived in Shaka’s Head, but claim they can no longer afford to stay in the township.

“Honestly, I never thought I would find myself living in such poor conditions, but since I don’t earn much money, I struggling to pay for rent and food. Moving here was the only option I had,” said one squatter who said he was otherwise unable to feed his 3-month-old baby.

Another resident, previously an Uber driver, said he became unemployed since his car broke down and he could not afford to fix it.

“I survive on part-time jobs, but that is not something you can rely on to adequately support your family.”