Ms. Thandi Zwane, a pensioner in Extension 33 (also known as Sun City), has lived in her modest RDP home for many years now. However, she has been plagued by relentless flooding and raw sewage seeping into her home. Ms. Zwane says her pleas for help fell on deaf ears for years.
According to Ms. Zwane, she first reported the issue to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality on 12 August 2010. The expected date of resolution was set for 01 March 2011. However, year after year passed without any intervention.
Photo: Document allegedly provided to Ms. Zwane from the municipality
Her home gradually deteriorated: the door was damaged from constant water exposure, walls became damp and crumbled, and furniture was ruined beyond repair. Despite these conditions, she remained in the house, unable to afford relocation or major repairs. "Some nights I stayed up the whole night while it was raining, and the water was coming in through my door, trying to keep things dry," she said.
Ms. Zwane's situation is far from unique. At least four other houses directly surrounding hers face the same issue of water flooding and sewage backing into homes. The broader community of Ext. 33 has for years dealt with failing sewage systems that spill wastewater into yards and run down streets, creating unsanitary and hazardous conditions. Pools of raw sewage often collect near homes and sidewalks, posing serious health risks—particularly to children who play in the area.
On 16 June 2025, Youth Day, the MK Political Party, as part of a community upliftment initiative, invited iNews to witness the repairs they had sponsored and helped implement. Foundations were rebuilt where necessary, the door was replaced, and the damaged walls were treated and repaired. "We don't have a budget for this, we paid from our own pockets, the community and businesses helped, this isn't our job, but we feel we have a responsibility to help this community," said a spokesperson for the party.
"Even though I don't have more than a mattress right now, I know me and my family can sleep peacefully, knowing we won’t wake up to a flooded house or spend sleepless nights trying to keep everything dry," said Ms. Zwane.
Sun City faces numerous challenges beyond just sewage and flooding. Makeshift electricity connections using substandard wiring pose electrocution and fire risks. Crime, vandalism, and rising teenage pregnancies have been linked to the lack of structured recreational facilities and municipal oversight.
Community leaders continue to call on the municipality to take urgent action—from repairing drainage and sewage infrastructure to enforcing safety regulations and restoring dignity to families like the Zwane household.
iNews has reached out to the Msukaligwa Municipality for comment and will report back once a response has been received.