Residents of the Chief Albert Luthuli informal settlement in Benoni remain displaced and living in the open a week after a multi-disciplinary operation led to the demolition of hundreds of structures.
The operation, conducted by the City of Ekurhuleni, targeted Zama Zama illegal miners and undocumented migrants. City authorities stated that the illegal miners had been operating near the settlement and had moved into the community. However, many residents insist their homes were destroyed even though they were not the intended targets.
Families report severe disruption to their lives, with children unable to attend school and residents forced to live in makeshift open-air structures. Humanitarian conditions on site have sparked growing frustration, as promised alternative accommodation has not been provided.
The City of Ekurhuleni has maintained that the demolitions were necessary to clamp down on illegal mining activity. No further official response has been received by residents or media inquiries seeking updates.
Many of the affected residents were relocated from the Bapsfontein area approximately 16 years ago. They were given temporary space in the settlement with assurances of eventual access to RDP housing, but they say they have received no further communication on permanent settlement.
A resident described the desperate situation, pleading for housing as soon as possible and highlighting the lack of toilets and basic services.
Ward councillors and city officials have not provided the community with clarity on what will happen next. Residents continue to call for urgent solutions to address the undignified living conditions they face.
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