Shaka’s Head land invasion sees shacks mushroom on municipal land

Vacant KwaDukuza municipality land earmarked for development near Shaka’s Head township has been invaded by squatters.

KDM spokesperson Sipho Mkhize said the municipality would not tolerate land invasions.

“There will be planned operations to remove them now that we are on Lockdown Level 1.

“While people may cite many challenges it is unfair that they commit illegal acts,” said Mkhize.

Ward 4 councillor Mlamli Ndlela, said the illegal dwellers started building shacks in March last year, during level 5 lockdown.

“They argued that they have lost their jobs and others got their salaries cut,” said Ndlela.

The Courier visited the area last week and found that more than 50 shacks had been built and more were being prepared.

According to the invaders, they had left the Shaka’s Head township because they could no longer afford rent.

Nokuthula Dlamini stays with her husband Sbusiso and their 4 children.

“We survive on the R1 300 child support we get and my husband depends on piece jobs.

“That is not enough to pay rent as well as buy food, so we came here,” said Nokuthula, who is unemployed.

Mzwandile Khumalo, who works at one of the estates in Ballito, said he had been earning R3 500 a month but due to Covid-19, his salary had been reduced to R1 500.

“How will my brother and I survive with that money in the township?

“It was better than I stopped paying rent and came to live here.

“We are not doing this because we are disrespecting the law.

“Some of us are desperate because the money we get is not enough to rent or pay for transport, so we find a place near our workplace,” said Khumalo.

They said they collect water from the standpipes in Shaka’s Head township.

After dark they use the bush or nearby sugarcane field for toilets, or those of neighbours in the township.