Lungani Zungu
For the people of Umhlathuzana near Clairwood, the 27 years of democracy has not improved their lives.
They still don’t have houses, water or electricity.
“It’s only promises and promises. No delivery,” said Mlondolozi Solani, a resident of more than 14 years.
Solani said the ANC remembers that they exist during election years and this year is no different.
“Some ANC people came here over the weekend and I told them that I will not vote for them until we get basic services,” said Solani.
Solani lives in a one-room corrugated iron shack that does not have running water or electricity.
The residents have to get water from a nearby river and use candles to light their homes.
“This is the life we are living here. It is painful,” said Solani.
What raised the ire of residents is that there is electricity for the Clairwood neighbours, about two kilometres from them.
Solani, and the other destitute residents said they would not vote for any party in the November elections.
“We have been voting since 1994, but our lives are still the same. We should keep our vote.”
An equally angry Thulani Ngcobo agreed.
“We want houses, running water and electricity. The government has failed to provide any of the three.”
He said they held a series of protests, but their pleas landed on deaf ears.
“Instead of providing us with electricity, the ANC gave us T-shirts,” said Ngcobo, who has been living in the informal settlement for over 16 years.
“No one wants to listen to us. They dish out promises but never deliver.”
Ngcobo lives with his girlfriend and their two children, aged five and seven.
Durban mayor Mxolisi Kaunda promised better services to communities that were still without basic services.
