DA calls on the SAHRC to investigate KwaMashu pit latrines

Issued by Marlaine Nair, MPL – DA INK Constituency Head
05 Jun 2023 in Press Statements

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has written to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to request that they investigate the unsanitary and inhumane conditions that residents in Bester, KwaMashu are subjected to due to the eThekwini municipality’s failure to maintain pit latrines that were built almost 30 years ago (view here).

We have also taken the fight on behalf of residents to the Provincial Legislature.

In a Notice of Motion (view here) , the DA called on the Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and newly appointed Human Settlements MEC Sipho Nkosi to urgently intervene in the matter to restore the dignity of the residents of Bester, who had resorted to using buckets to relieve themselves as a result of having overflowing pit latrines which had not been serviced for more than six years.

In spite of the ANC-led municipality being fully aware of the matter nothing has been done to assist residents. Instead the ANC in eThekwini are more interested in erecting giant statues amounting to R22 million, rather than assisting real people in desperate need. This just confirms that the ANC is out of touch with reality and the needs of the people.

We have called on the South African Human Rights Commission to urgently investigate this matter and take action on behalf of these vulnerable residents. In 2024 the people of Bester will have an opportunity to fire the ANC government and elect a DA government that cares for their wellbeing.

The DA will continue to fight on behalf of all residents.