Tensions are rising in the Shaka’s Head informal settlement with residents rejecting a proposed relocation to Vlakspruit, calling it a “human dumping ground” with no real infrastructure.

The socialist shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo represented the squatters at a community meeting with the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) last Saturday, July 5, where the municipality laid out their plans for the relocation. KDM has reportedly committed to building basic toilets and providing water tankers.

Abahlali baseMjondolo area chairperson, Ongama Mncameni, described the meeting as “long overdue” and accused the municipality of pushing ahead without meaningful consultation.

“There are no plans to build decent houses. These human dumping grounds are not places for people to live and flourish, they are places where people are kept out of sight and expected to survive at a bare minimum,” said Mncameni.

He argued that the informal settlement residents have made significant progress in self-governance and in building community infrastructure. Relocating to an area with no electricity, water or transport, he said, would severley worsen their living conditions.

The land currently occupied in Shaka’s Head has been earmarked for the development of a clinic and high school. Residents have been engaged in a legal battle with KDM for the past three years over the matter.

The shack dwellers’ movement also accused the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) of spearheading efforts to have them evicted. However, Docrra chairperson Deon Viljoen denied the claims.

Also read: Shack numbers surge in Shaka’s Head illegal settlement, delaying court battle

“What concerns us is the violation of municipal by-laws regarding noise, pollution, illegal dumping, lack of sanitation, safety and security, unlicensed trading and illegal connections to electricity and water supply. These concerns apply not only to this area, but across the wider Dolphin Coast,” said Viljoen.

“All residents of KwaDukuza are required to abide by these by-laws. No person is above the law, regardless of where they live or their income.”

Viljoen added that Docrra has consistently raised the issue of inadequate affordable housing with KDM and continues to press for effective solutions.

The eviction application is expected to be heard in the High Court in October. KDM had not responded at the time of publication.

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