NKANDLA, KwaZulu-Natal — As the November local government elections approach, residents in northern KwaZulu-Natal are warning political parties that their votes are on the line due to a persistent Nkandla service delivery crisis. Communities report that years of neglected basic infrastructure have left them desperate for meaningful change, with many threatening to shift their political allegiances in the upcoming polls.
Access to clean, reliable water remains a critical challenge for the region. For an elderly resident the wait for running tap water has stretched over two decades. She now relies on harvested rainwater or her nephews to bring supplies. While nearby streams and rivers are used for washing and gardening, she strictly saves her limited rainwater for essential cooking and drinking, noting that life has become increasingly difficult without municipal water.
Housing backlogs are equally severe, with some locals waiting more than ten years for government-provided homes despite repeatedly submitting applications ahead of election cycles. Among them is a 19-year-old, who cares for three underage children in a single-room structure. With the children’s mother searching for work, the family is living hand-to-mouth and relies on neighbors for food. During heavy rains, the makeshift roof leaks, though neighbors recently helped patch it with grass.
The frustration extends to broader infrastructure deficits across the district. One community member from a local rural area highlighted the complete lack of access roads, noting they receive municipal water only once a month. The absence of schools, proper housing, and basic development has forced many to relocate. “We feel neglected,” the resident stated, emphasizing that despite voting in every election, their area remains forgotten by those in power.
Addressing the backlash, Mayor Nonhlanhla Nzuza acknowledged the severe challenges but clarified the division of governmental powers. According to Nzuza, bulk water provision, major road networks, and human settlements fall under the jurisdiction of the district and provincial governments, rather than the local municipality’s competency.
Despite these jurisdictional constraints, Nzuza noted that the district municipality purchased water tanks in July to alleviate the crisis, though a shortage remains because some areas still experience dry taps. The mayor added that the local municipality continues to roll out smaller infrastructure and small business support projects across its 14 wards to assist the community.
Nevertheless, the communities of Nkandla remain hopeful that the upcoming local government elections will usher in a new leadership committed to resolving these deep-rooted failures and bringing tangible development to the region.
