A small grove of trees in Erica Drive, Schuinshoogte, Newcastle, hides a secret. A secret which poses moral and social implications on the area.
Hidden from passers-by, six men now call a small piece of land in Erica Drive their home. “I have been living here since January this year. It isn’t an easy life, but we try to survive,” says Mfawethu Mbatha.
However, living in absolute squalor, no ablution facilities in sight, the question is, why will anyone choose a lifestyle like this?
“We have reported these men to both the municipality and police. While municipal and police officials removed the squatters’ possessions and broke their shelter down, they simply keep coming back. Officials even went as far as to explain to the men why they can’t live there. Their living conditions are not hygienic at all,” claims one resident in the area.
The resident further feels these men pose a possible security risk. “I am not saying they break into homes in the area, but some of their belongings are surely stolen.”
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But, Mfawethu says this is a lifestyle none of the men chose voluntarily. “I came to Newcastle looking for work. I didn’t find employment, so now we live here. We collect scrap metal to get money for food.”
Mfawethu expresses his dismay in officials trying to remove him and other squatters. “We were all in town yesterday, August 22. When I got back, I saw some of our belongings were set alight. I don’t know who did it. But, they burned some of our blankets and the shelter we use to protect ourselves from rain.”
With the seasonal spring rains expected, Mfawethu and his friends are now looking for alternative ways to secure themselves from the elements.
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But why not leave? Why continue living in Erica Drive?
“I think people are crying about us being here, because of some of the rubbish. But, if I get a chance, I will clean it up. I like this place. I would love to get a job and have a nice place to stay here. The others and I will even keep a look out for burglars, reporting them to the police.”
With Mfawethu and his companions finding solace in their surroundings, what are your thoughts? Should these men be assisted in finding employment and a home? Do you think they should be allowed to continue living in Erica Drive? Or do you think they should be removed, yet again?
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One Response
NO they should NOT be allowed to live there! We have laws and bylaws in this country. For starters it is not hygienic! Everybody else has to abide by the law. They should go back to where they came from.