Future of Wolvespruit informal settlement dwellers hangs in the balance

The future of over 250 wetland dwellers at Wolvespruit informal settlement on the corner of Delmas Road and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, east of Pretoria, remains uncertain.

Some inhabitants of the wetland area have mentioned intentions of not relocating, while others have expressed intentions of moving should the opportunity arise.

The legal battle over the future of the Wolvespruit informal settlement has been ongoing since its establishment in 2018, and has now spanned many years and numerous court cases.

The settlement’s inhabitants received their latest eviction notice in 2022, but this was quickly challenged by human rights groups.

Residents of neighbouring suburbs Wingate Park, Elarduspark, Moreleta Park and Erasmuskloof have been calling for the informal settlement’s removal for several years.

The residents said their property values had decreased because of the informal settlement while the ecology also suffered.

Rekord spoke to a dweller at the site who stated firmly he had no intention of relocating.

Thabang Maluleka said he is one of the longstanding members of the community who have been there since its establishment.

Maluleka said he was happy in the area despite not having access to services such as clean water, electricity and ablution facilities.

“This place is close to industrials and prospect opportunities, which is the main reason we chose to live here,” said Maluleka.

He told Rekord the metro had approached them in 2022 to relocate them to The Orchards in the north of Pretoria.

“I am not willing to move to The Orchards as it is far from town, far from opportunities and in this area we are able to walk to work.

“What opportunities are in The Orchards? The city should try another area where we will have opportunities close by.”

Maluleka said since then then city has not reached out to them again.

He said the residents in the neighbouring suburbs blame the informal settlement dwellers for every criminal activity in the area.

“We do not steal from residents but we are only here to make ends meet.”

He alleged that criminals would come from Mamelodi to steal in the area, then run to hide in the bushes in the settlement and then “we get blamed for that”.

Another wetland resident, Marry Mathoto, said they haven’t heard from the city since December 2023 about their relocation.

“Following various empty promises, the city finally took us to view a place in Mamelodi in December 2023, but nothing has materialised.”

Mathoto said they last heard from the city in December, despite the relocation promise of January.

“They promised to move us at the end of January, however here we are still with no news.”

She said they had have to buy water in five-litre bottles at the petrol stations and get food from donations.

Tshwane said it is still committed to relocating the settlement.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city has instituted a court application for the eviction of the occupiers of the Wolvespruit informal settlement.

Mashigo said the city approached the court for an application of eviction, which was brought on an urgent basis, however the court found the matter was not urgent.

“This matter is still pending before court as the human rights lawyers opposed the matter on behalf of the land invaders.”

He said the city had to file a replying affidavit on opposing others instituted on behalf of the illegal occupiers.

Mashigo said no service can be provided in the area as the city is proceeding with the eviction process.

“The land area is within a flood line and not habitable for human settlement, as there is a stream that runs through the area.”

Mashigo said it is illegally occupied and the dwellers have indicated that the area is convenient for waste sorting and closer to their places of work.

“It is not a typical informal settlement and was never declared an informal settlement in line with upgrading of informal settlement strategy.

The illegal occupants have built their shelters with plastic and cardboard materials which make it vulnerable for fire.”

He said it is incumbent on landowners to ensure their properties are protected against land invasion and instigate the necessary eviction procedures in a timely manner should their properties be invaded.

Local ward councillor Andrew Lesch said there are people who are willing to move voluntarily.

Lesch said should the dwellers persist on not moving, this will cause a rapid growth of the settlement.

“If all the people are not moved and the land secured, others will again occupy the land. The circumstances under which the people live at Wolwespruit are not suitable for any residential purpose.

“The adjacent land is earmarked for development that will benefit the community. The development cannot start before all the people are removed from the land.”

The Lawyers For Human Rights organisation seeks to force the metro to provide alternative accommodation, possibly with serviced stands for all inhabitants and not just South African citizens.

Lawyer under the land and housing programme, Louise du Plessis, said the organisation opposed the eviction and a case is still pending.

“Parties did try to get together to discuss a possible solution, but it did not work out.”

She said all that was left is to wait for the pending court case.

ALSO READ: Lengthy legal process to remove Wolwespriuit informal settlement

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