Mams hostel dwellers embrace long-awaited upgrades after years of neglect

Residents of Kingsley Hostel in Mamelodi can breathe a sigh of relief over the Tshwane metro’s recent intervention to improve their living conditions after years of neglect.

Kingsley Hostel is a three-storey men’s dormitory hostel with a capacity of 3 120 beds that was built in 1978 to accommodate municipal workers.

It was resolved by the Tshwane Council in 1999 to also include non-municipal workers.

The MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, visited the Mamelodi hostels to inspect the conditions of the structures on August 19.

Led by the hostel leaders, the inspection started at Kingsley Hostel and concluded at the temporary family units in Block O.

During the oversight visit, hostel leaders raised issues of blocked sewerage and storm water systems, vandalised infrastructure, including the toilet system, invaded family units, problems with electrical equipment, uncollected refuse, security, and asbestos roofing.

According to Kingsley Hostels Residence Committee Deputy Chairperson Sepamo Bilico Phaahla, they have always looked forward to visits from the metro.

“We are very happy with the interventions brought forward by our municipality to help improve our living conditions.

“They have promised to renovate the whole roof, which was built in 1978. The MMC also promised to replace the old, leaking pipes, which have been leaking for over 15 years,” said Phaahla.

However, Phaahla raised concerns over security issues and living conditions at the hostels.

“We do have security, but they are no longer working like they used to. There is no longer order, people are not protected, and thieves can come in and do whatever they want, and leave freely.

“The roof is leaking, and at any time it could collapse and hurt people. We are also struggling with water, the whole of Kingsley.

“They have since provided us with water tankers, but they are not working,” he said.

Mamelodi Ward 38 Councillor, Sauls Ratau, said he approached the metro for interventions after receiving many complaints from the hostel residents regarding their poor living conditions.

“During my visit to the hostel, I realised that service delivery was indeed poor. I had to approach Tshwane, so that they can refurbish the hostels before conditions become worse and resemble those of other neglected hostels like in block A, G, P and S, as most of them are not maintained,” he said.

Ratau said he believes the oversight from the MMC will revive the hope of the residents.

“So far, I have seen little improvement and it looks promising.”

According to Maluleka, the maintenance work has been carried out over the years, including 25 flush-toilet systems and energy-saving lights being installed, and stoves being fixed.

Maluleka said the metro has developed an Urban Development Framework (UDF) approved by the council in 2024 for the redevelopment of the hostel precinct, which includes Kingsley Hostel.

“This will also include its integration into the broader urban fabric through mixed housing development.

“The Mamelodi Hostel UDF is a comprehensive response aimed at developing the hostel and adjoining areas into an integrated human settlement, providing housing opportunities for various income groups in the area.”

Maluleka further stated that the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements also agreed to undertake the Hostel Emergency Major Repairs Programme for the hostel.

“Mamelodi Hostel was identified as a high priority for redevelopment in Gauteng. Three critical works will focus on repairing electrical infrastructure, structural damage… and the stormwater management system,” said Maluleka.

He also urged the residents to refrain from vandalising government infrastructure and illegally occupying municipal structures.

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