THE community of Yizo-Yizo informal settlement near Tlhabane in Rustenburg, North West have expressed their frustrations.
During the world TB Day commemoration at Tlhabane Stadium on Friday, 24 March, the residents did not hesitate to speak about their hardships.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, together with North West Premier Bushy Maape and Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, led the commemoration.
The residents said they have lived in the area for more than 24 years and have never received any service delivery, and pleaded with the government for urgent intervention.
South African Student Congress (Sasco) organiser in Rustenburg, Thapelo Ndlovu, said it makes no sense to them to commemorate any disease.
"Our living conditions put us at risk of being affected by different diseases. We need the government to shift their focus and remember people in informal settlements," said Thapelo.
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He said the people of Yizo-Yizo have been living in the area for many years without basic services, such as water and electricity.
Resident Portia Tshetlhane said their standard of living is nowhere near normal.
“Our area lacks water, electricity and proper roads," Portia said.
Another resident, Anna Disebe, said she has been living in the area for more than 24 years and the living conditions have not changed.
“People here use wheelbarrows to fetch water and we live in filthy conditions. We call upon the national government to take immediate action and deliver on the promises they made to us,” Anna said.
Mashatile vowed to visit the area and bring possible solutions.
The deputy president said they were working towards identifying hot spots informal settlements across the country.
He then asked the residents to allow the commemoration programme to continue.
