×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

A community divided

LIVING ON BORROWED TIME: Busisiwe Mtolo does not know that her leaking tap could lead to her being swallowed by the ground. Water and dolomite do not mix.
LIVING ON BORROWED TIME: Busisiwe Mtolo does not know that her leaking tap could lead to her being swallowed by the ground. Water and dolomite do not mix.

BUSISIWE Mtolo is confused about whether or not to agree to be relocated before her shack is swallowed by the ground.

Mtolo, 72, and thousands of other families have built their shacks on dolomitic land.

Residents at Thembelihle are divided on whether they should be moved from the dangerous area or defy the government's call to be relocated.

"I honestly do not know what to do," Mtolo said.

"The government says we must move but our leaders say we must stay.

"I do not even know how dolomite affects my living here."

Mtolo has been living in the area since the 1980s.

"My late boyfriend Israel Maduna and I were among the first group of people to arrive in the area. Some people have died while living here.

"We have been told that we live on dolomitic land, but I do not know what is happening. There seems to be little movement," Mtolo said.

She said what was even more confusing was that toilets had been built in the area.

"Some flush while others do not. If we are not supposed to be here, why did the government build toilets for us?"

There are four shacks in her yard near the Golden Highway.

Two belong to her sons, Vusi and Master, one is hers, which she shares with her 16-year-old son Mzwakhe, while two men rent the other one. There is a tap next to the gate. It leaks, which poses danger to them.

Dolomite dissolves in water. It is like salt and water.

The dolomite under her feet can dissolve in the blink of an eye and she could be swallowed by the ground.

"I am unemployed and cannot afford to pay rent. But now that you [Sowetan] are here, I am starting to believe that this place is dangerous.

"If officials were to arrive today and say I should move, I would."

Mtolo's dream is to get an RDP house that her children can call home. She registered for a house "in 1994 or 1995. I have forgotten".

"I use a primus stove to cook. Sometimes when I do not have money for paraffin, I make a fire outside.

"I vote each time, but I do not get help from government. All I want is a house," Mtolo said.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.