Booysens resident angry with the tree inside her house
Victoria is currently residing in Booysens informal settlement, but her stay isn’t what she hoped for as she has been dealing with a tree inside her shack for the past five years.
WHILE some of her neighbours are still waiting for RDP houses, Victoria Mvalesa is more concerned with the gum tree in her shack.
The 56-year-old, who was born in KwaZulu-Natal, Escort, came to Johannesburg to start a family and for better opportunities. Victoria is currently residing in Booysens informal settlement, but her stay isn’t what she hoped for as she has been dealing with a tree inside her shack for the past five years.
She told the COURIER she and her grandchild are struggling to do their chores because the tree is growing through their shack. Victoria said due to the presence of the tree they have limited space in the shack and they can’t even extend it.
“I have never seen such a thing in my entire life. I can’t even say I will go back home in Escort to find myself a house which doesn’t give me headaches. People always ask how I’m coping with this tree inside my house,” expressed Victoria.
How it came about
Victoria said she bought the shack in that state and thought she would be able to cut the tree down, but failed to remove it. All she wishes for now is for the local councillor to intervene.
She is currently living with her granddaughter, who is in Grade Five.
“It’s not safe for my grandchild to live in this condition because we don’t know whether or not this tree will one day collapse. Also, my neighbours are worried because if it collapses, many people will be injured,” said Victoria.
Income
Victoria’s husband died years ago and she has to rely on her ancestral calling to earn an income. She is a traditional healer and people come to her when they are ill and she charges them for her services.
Speaking with the COURIER, Victoria said she loves staying in the settlement but the tree makes it challenging.
Even her clients are complaining about the tree when they come to her.
“This tree will end up destabilising my source of income. I’m appealing to the councillor to please assist me with this,” she said.
Councillor Mongameli Mnyameni said it’s the first time he has heard about a tree inside someone’s house.
“The issue of the tree, which I know of, is the one next to shacks and it poses danger to people staying around it. I have taken City Parks manager there so she could do something about it. She was left with no option because some of the shacks around the tree must be moved for the truck to remove the tree. However, I don’t know anything about a tree inside a house.
“I will try to contact City Parks to come and assist the lady,” said councillor Mnyameni.
