Ward 21 – From riches to rags

“Ward 21 is split into one area that is very wealthy and another which can be regarded as the lowest form of civilization.”

Those were the words of Ward 21 Councillor Tommy du Toit as he drove through the narrow, dirt roads of the Sinqobeli settlement, buried deep in Upper Tongaat.

The area is made up of more than 1 000 mud houses, self-made toilet systems and tin shacks as creches. Du Toit said although he visited the area often, he was still taken aback by the living conditions.

“These people have no water and no electricity. About 90 per cent of them are unemployed. Ward 21 now consists of areas South of Ballito Drive, Driefontein as well as Sinqobeli.

“I find it to be a real eye-opener to see how in one ward, there can be three areas that differ so much. Zimbali is a wealthy area with big houses and fancy cars, Driefontein is slowly developing and here we have this forgotten area where people struggle every day for basic services. Only 15 km from the wealth of Zimbali, these people are dirt poor.”

Du Toit said that for now, KwaDukuza municipality planned to build only one formal house in the area. He added that sometimes the residents from Sinqobeli go months without receiving water from the Ilembe municipality.

“Normal cars can barely get through these roads. I do not know how the water trucks get through. Sometimes they do not receive water and they have to look for rivers close by to find water. This means walking long distances.”

Three creches have been opened to cater for the growing amount of babies in the area. However, these children could go a whole day without being fed as their parents cannot afford to feed them three meals a day.

“There are a lot of problems that need to be addressed in this Ward. My first priority was to go about finding funding and donations to get lunch for the children. Pick n Pay in Ballito will be donating food to one of the creches. I appeal to any organisation or person who is able to help to come forward and contact me.”

Du Toit can be contacted on 082 563 7221.

>>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

>>> Looking for a church? Check out our Churches on the North Coast feature. 

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.