'Just for now' becomes years for Mamelodi residents in asbestos shelters

702's Bongani Bingwa speaks to Zamantungwa Mbeki of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Listen below:

It's 'just for now'.

That's what nearly 1,000 residents in Mamelodi who have been living in a cramped, temporary shelter made from asbestos were told years ago.

But 'now' has dragged on, and still, no real homes are in sight.

The City of Tshwane says delays in a promised asbestos housing project are due to a contractor dropping the ball.

As a result, the original R52 million budget is now slashed to R20 million.

So, no new houses, no relief, and no answers until maybe 2026, if more funding comes.

So, who’s watching over the people when the promises fade, asks Bongani Bingwa.

 The SAHRC has been on site and says it's a human rights violation.

"Not only is the right to housing violated, but there are also socio-economic challenges."

- Zamantungwa Mbeki, South African Human Rights Commission

Mbeki says they witnessed issues with the shower and bathroom facilities and also inadequate access to water.

"So when we have a challenge like this, when we look at a challenge of housing, we also have to see the ancillary rights that come with the right to housing."

- Zamantungwa Mbeki, South African Human Rights Commission

Mbeki says the presence of asbestos must also be assessed in connection with residents' rights to health.

It's a dire situation, she adds.

"I think the people have given up hope."

- Zamantungwa Mbeki, South African Human Rights Commission

Scroll up to audio player to listen to the full conversation.