PEOPLE LIVE HERE
On June 2, members of the Red Ants arrived at the community of Bekezela in Newtown, and enforced a brutal eviction on behalf of Prasa. Bekezela, which means “perseverance” in isiZulu, embodies its name. Residents obtained a high court judgment allowing th
1. HOME FROM HOME
The community of Bekezela is on the old stand of Bekezela College, situated under the M1 highway in Newtown. Around 2001, it is alleged Prasa took control and accommodated members of their security staff on the premises.
2. WINTER’S TALE
Nhlanhla Khumalo arrived in Johannesburg in 1993, and was a student at the Bekezela College. After the school closed in 2001, he and a group of former students took up accommodation in a building adjacent to the property.
3. SHADOW PEOPLE
In 2011, Nhlanhla Khumalo obtained a court order allowing him and others to occupy the land. He then extended an invitation to the community living under the M1 to use the premises, providing homes and reducing crime.
4. ‘WHERE I LIVE’
The evictions earlier this month, initiated by rail agency Prasa and executed by the Red Ants, saw 16 people hospitalised. The ownership of the land is contested by the residents and Prasa. Sonto Buyambo is a recycler and decorator.
5. AGAINST THE WALL
Resident Itumeleng Malatsi is passionate about music and works as a DJ and events manager. He hopes to start an internet radio station in the near future. The eviction left his events sound system damaged and much of his goods stolen.
6. LEFT HANGING
Taps are available within the bounds of the community, as are portable toilets, which are cleaned twice weekly – these initiatives were led by Khumalo, viewed as a father by many here. The community is not supplied with electricity.
7. A LITTLE COLOUR
Lucia Khumalo, the wife of Nhlanhla, makes traditional hats and skirts to bring in some income. The hats are made using recycled cardboard, with purchased material and beads. Lucia can make 50 hats a day which she sells at a shop.
8. RECOUPING VALUE
With many members of the community working as recyclers, Khumalo is looking toward starting an NPO on the premises, which will provide basic service delivery and recycling services and a possible materials recovery facility.
9. BONDS OF LIFE
Sipho Dlamini, a former resident of Bekezela who regularly visits here, earns a living as a car guard. He is still active within the community and believes government should take a stand as to the position and future of Bekezela.
10. WILL TO SURVIVE
The residents are struggling to rebuild their lives and are appealing for any help: legal aid, food donations, warm clothes and blankets.