Still Waiting For Water
Drum English|7 May 2020
QwaQwa residents say they continue to have limited access to running water in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, but the municipality maintains headway has been made
Siya Tsewu
Still Waiting For Water

For years they have been fighting for one of the planet’s most precious resources. Every time the taps ran dry they were told it’s because of the crippling drought which has plagued the region.

Yet for the residents of Phuthaditjhaba (QwaQwa) in the Free State it was clear that it wasn’t just the drought – chronic mismanagement also led to the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality reaching Day Zero last year.

It was hard to imagine things could get worse. But then Covid-19 came to South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a countrywide lockdown, calling for everyone to wash their hands.

And for a brief time it was good news for the residents in this town because the taps were finally opened as a result of the president’s call. But it didn’t last long – and the community is fed up.

At the end of March the municipality hosted a ribbon-cutting party to open taps in the area and even Free State premier Sisi Ntombela attended, says resident Motlogelwa Moema, who is unimpressed by these actions. “Why did they need to have a party to open taps?

“If they could open taps to fight the virus, why were they not opened before?

“This municipality doesn’t take people seriously because even the taps that were open that day – it wasn’t for everyone – it only lasted for a few days.

“We still don’t have running water. There are JoJo tanks that were supplied but most people are still forced to queue every day for a truck that stops in designated areas to provide residents with water.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 7 May 2020-Ausgabe von Drum English.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 7 May 2020-Ausgabe von Drum English.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS DRUM ENGLISHAlle anzeigen
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 Minuten  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 Minuten  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 Minuten  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 Minuten  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 Minuten  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 Minuten  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 Minuten  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 Minuten  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 Minuten  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 Minuten  |
9 July 2020