The Mntuyedwa family in Tuturha village, Centane, is among thousands of South African families still waiting for government housing assistance, living in a dilapidated mud-and-wood structure that threatens to collapse at any moment.
The elderly matriarch of the family, who relies solely on her old-age grant, supports her unemployed children and grandchildren in the crumbling home. Despite applying for an RDP house years ago, the family remains trapped in poverty, with no progress on their application.
A Home on the Verge of Collapse
The house, which has been deteriorating since 2008, barely withstands heavy rains. The family props up the roof with poles and patches the walls with mud, but each storm washes away their efforts.
“When it rains, I put basins and buckets on top of the bed as I sleep,” the elderly woman said. “This condition makes me very sad. I wish I could be provided with a house.”
Her grandchildren, some of whom were born in the same unstable structure, describe the fear they endure during rainy seasons. “We get very anxious every time it rains because it collapses,” one family member said. “We are forced to move the beds and sometimes sleep together to avoid getting wet.”
Decades of Waiting for Government Help
Nearby, other members of the Mntuyedwa family live in similarly dire conditions, having occupied their decaying home for over 30 years. Despite submitting multiple housing applications, they say they have seen no results.
Local authorities acknowledge the housing crisis but say their role is limited to identifying land for development. “We encourage anyone who qualifies for an RDP house to submit their details to their ward councilor,” a municipal representative said. “The Department of Human Settlements handles the actual construction, based on budget availability.”
South Africa’s Growing Housing Backlog
The country faces a staggering housing shortage, with an estimated backlog of over 2 million homes. The government has prioritized elderly, disabled, and child-headed households, but many, like the Mntuyedwa family, continue to wait indefinitely.
For now, the family’s only hope is that their name moves up the list before their fragile home collapses entirely.
SAT – International
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