HUMAN Settlement Minister Tokyo Sexwale has visited Kokstad, IN KwaZulu-Natal, to listen to grievances of the community, especially those living in shacks.

Sexwale's visit yesterday was in line with the government programmes to eradicate shacks in the country.

The lack of proper houses, dump sites posing a danger to the community and people dying in shacks due to fires, were the key challenges that dominated the visit.

Bhambayi councillor Willem Bhengu said Kokstad alone needed more than 1000 RDP houses to completely clear up the housing backlog that has been a source of distress.

Bhambayi township is near the Kokstad dump site, which has become a source of food for destitute residents.

More than 10 children are reported to have died after eating poison foodstuff from the dump site.

Addressing residents, Sexwale assured the community that their plight would soon be a thing of the past.

Sezwale urged community members to work with the local municipality and government to ensure the betterment of their lives.