A group of families in Mayfield, Marikana, Daveyton, has been left homeless and vulnerable following a sudden eviction from the settlement they called home for the past eight months. Forced from their shelters with no prior warning, these families, many with young children, are now living in makeshift arrangements, desperate for basic needs like food, water, and safe shelter.
The residents of Marikana, who had been staying in this area since March, recall that in August, officials from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) arrived and told them the land wasn’t suitable for residential use, advising them to seek refunds from those who allegedly sold it to them. Determined to resolve the issue legally, the residents opened a case of theft against the sellers. Just days later, a ward councilor and housing officials informed them that they could remain as long as no new people settled in the area, providing a sense of relief that turned out to be short-lived.
“Everything seemed fine after that,” one resident shared. “But then the EMPD returned, dismantling our shacks and taking away our belongings. Our children came home from school to find their homes destroyed, and we had nowhere to go. Some of us were even injured in the chaos.”
Since the eviction, families have been sleeping outside, with children unable to attend school due to the lack of transportation and sanitary facilities. “Children are not happy, they’re bullied by other children where we are now staying. The space is so small they can’t even play comfortably,” one parent explained.
Residents also expressed frustration and confusion upon seeing outsiders farming on the same land they were evicted from, allegedly with municipal approval. They question why the land was deemed unfit for them as citizens, yet is now being used for other purposes. Additionally, many are unsettled by the lack of resolution on the theft case, with suspects reportedly evading court appearances.
Facing threats, instability, and a lack of shelter, the community is urgently calling for assistance. They are in need of tents, food, and a suitable place to live, especially for the sake of their children’s safety and ability to return to school. With little clarity from local authorities, they are left asking: “Why were we promised a place to stay only to be evicted, and why are outsiders allowed to farm while we are left homeless?”
As they continue to seek answers and justice, the displaced residents of Marikana in Mayfield, Daveyton, hope for swift intervention to address their urgent needs.
By Sbongile Sokela
