Mamelodi hostel residents demand better health, service delivery

Residents of the Mamelodi hostels are calling for the urgent redevelopment of the hostel blocks, the restoration of basic services, and the removal of asbestos from structures that pose a serious risk to residents’ health.

These demands were made by residents under the Mamelodi Hostel Residents Committee, supported by community organisations. The group submitted a memorandum of demands to the Gauteng government in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The group gathered on Sunday morning and marched to the Mamelodi Police Station, where they handed the memorandum to Eric Xayiya, Special Advisor to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Committee chairperson Silvestor Rapolai said the demands arise from years of deteriorating living conditions, repeated unfulfilled commitments by the government, and the continued violation of residents’ constitutional rights to dignity, adequate housing, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and a safe environment.

Rapolai said the memorandum is being submitted despite repeated engagements with various government departments, with meaningful progress still not materialising.

“Our memorandum is seeking urgent intervention by the Gauteng Provincial Government,” Rapolai said.

The residents’ grievances included the following:

– Hostel buildings at end of life: The buildings have exceeded their intended lifespan and continue to deteriorate, with leaking water pipes, collapsing sewer infrastructure and unsafe living conditions. Structural deterioration and continuous water losses are linked to neglected infrastructure.

– Asbestos health crisis: Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) erected in 2009 were intended as temporary accommodation for less than one year. Seventeen years later, many residents remain in asbestos structures. Residents say they continue to live under conditions that may expose families to asbestos-related illnesses. Rapolai said the partial removal of asbestos roofing from selected hostel blocks has left residents questioning why the project was not completed across all the hostels.

– Lack of electricity: For years, residents have experienced a shortage of electricity, forcing them to rely on paraffin and other dangerous alternatives. This, residents say, exposes families to fire hazards and unnecessary financial hardship.

– Concerns about newly constructed flats: Residents want the government to investigate concerns relating to recently completed housing developments, including occupation certificates, municipal billing accounts, and overall compliance with applicable legislation and building standards.

– COVID-19 temporary structures: Temporary structures erected during the COVID-19 pandemic remain standing despite their intended temporary purpose. Residents believe these structures are now delaying redevelopment efforts and contributing to crime and other social challenges.

“We therefore call upon the Gauteng Provincial Government to demonstrate leadership through decisive action.”

Rapolai said residents want the immediate implementation of the redevelopment of Mamelodi Hostels into dignified family housing, as publicly committed during the 2025 State of the Province Address.

He added that all residents currently living in temporary residential units should be relocated within three months, and that medical screening for asbestos-related diseases should be conducted within 30 days.

Rapolai said residents also want to know and demand an independent forensic investigation into why previous asbestos removal projects were not completed.

They further called for the removal of all temporary COVID-19 structures and the preparation of the land for permanent family housing.

He said the Gauteng government must prioritise replacing ageing water infrastructure, eliminate leaking water pipes throughout the hostels, and restore a reliable electricity supply for all hostel residents.

Rapolai said residents want a written response from the Gauteng Provincial Government indicating how and when these demands will be implemented.

He added that failure to provide a satisfactory response will compel residents to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful and lawful protest, public advocacy, and other lawful democratic processes.

Receiving the memorandum, Xayiya said all the issues raised were critical and affect not only residents, but also the municipality.

Xayiya said if hostel dwellers lose water because of leaks, the municipality must also bear the responsibility for the losses.

“Asbestos roof replacements are important because [they can cause] a dangerous disease when it comes to the lungs,” he said.

“We will co-ordinate the municipality with all our respected departments; we will come up with a clear plan to deliver,” Xayiya added.

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