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.
Denne historien er fra 7 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra 7 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
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
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘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
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
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
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
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest