RESIDENTS of White City in Soweto say they are tired of living in unbearable conditions.
They blame the government for the long grass that is not being cut in their community and feel neglected by the government.
When the SunTeam visited the area, they found that the isolated informal settlement was surrounded by long grass and a bush behind it.
Residents said pupils use the same area to walk to and from school since the open space is just opposite the school.
Resident Bhibhila Diale (44) said there's grass all over, and no one is available to cut it for them.
“The situation is becoming unbearable. This place is now a den for criminals. They come and dump stolen cars here while we also get mugged daily. There's no rest here, and we are constantly fearing for our lives,” Bhibhila said.
She told Daily Sun that they've lived in the area for the past 10 years, yet they still don’t have electricity.
“With so much grass surrounding the area, how can we walk freely, especially when it’s dark? Criminals always come here and use the place as their hiding place. We don’t know what is happening. All we want is for the government to recognise us and come on board to help us,” said Bhibhila.
ALSO WATCH: Ngizwe Mchunu 'attacked'
She pleaded with the government to assist them.
“We don’t receive service delivery like everybody else in the community, and unfortunately, 90% of us here are not working. Living here is bad, and we are staying here because we don’t have a choice. It’s all because of poverty. There are families here, old people included, but no one cares about us,” she said.
The community youth chairman, Xolani Madiba (24), told Daily Sun that the open space poses a threat to residents and, especially pupils since it's located opposite a primary school.
“When thugs commit crime during the day, they run into this place for hiding,” Xolani said.
When Daily Sun enquired with Joburg City Parks, they said they would check who is responsible for the area.
