The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has announced that it will prioritize an investigation into the dire living conditions at the TRU temporary male hostel in Mamelodi, where hundreds of men have been stranded in asbestos structures for over 16 years.
A Legacy of Broken Promises
The hostel, built in 2009 as a temporary relocation site, was meant to house men for just six months before permanent family units were constructed. However, 16 years later, about 800 men—some as young as 18—remain trapped in deteriorating asbestos structures, with no proper sanitation, broken toilets, and uncollected garbage filling the air with a foul stench.
Residents, many of whom are contract workers or unemployed, say they have been abandoned by the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng provincial government.
“We feel dumped in here. We no longer live like human beings—we live like animals,” said one resident. Another, a 50-year-old who has lived there since the relocation, lamented: “Every year when elections come, the councilors promise to fix it. But nothing changes.”
Health Risks and Neglect
The asbestos structures pose severe health risks, with some residents reporting respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis (TB). The lack of proper sanitation has forced men to rely on the bucket system, exacerbating health concerns.
Broken street lights and stolen infrastructure have also made the area a hotspot for crime, with drug addicts reportedly stripping buildings and even stealing the perimeter fence.
Failed Projects and Missing Funds
The promised family units were never built. A contractor initially laid foundations but abandoned the project, leaving residents in limbo. Officials admit that mismanagement played a role.
“There were challenges with a contractor who disappeared,” said a council representative. “We followed the money, and investigations are ongoing. Now, we are working with the housing department to allocate a budget and address this crisis.”
Human Rights Commission Steps In
Frustrated by years of neglect, residents turned to the SAHRC for intervention. The commission will probe the failed project, including the alleged misallocation of funds, and submit its findings to the City of Tshwane with recommendations.
“One would wonder where the money went,” said an advocate for the residents. “There was a budget for family units—why has nothing been done while people suffer in asbestos buildings?”
A Glimmer of Hope?
While officials claim new plans are underway, residents remain skeptical after years of empty promises. For now, their hopes rest on the SAHRC’s investigation, which could finally bring accountability—and perhaps a long-overdue solution to their suffering.
