Emfuleni is a dream betrayed!

Growing up in Soweto can be one of the most exciting experiences and an opportunity for one to learn different cultures and languages (most people learn Sesotho very quick). The history of Soweto is a gem on its own as the township is known throughout the world and has greatly contributed to the economy, making it one of the potential economic hubs of Gauteng. Another untapped potential can be found in the Vaal, carrying so much history that should never be underestimated. At the border between Johannesburg and Emfuleni is where you will find a huge sign peacefully welcoming you to the great Emfuleni that is now my permanent home. The first thing you meet as you arrive is the terrible smell of sewerage, it leaks all over from one street to the other, as if that was all, it’s also in people’s yards too! In one house they opted not open the doors no matter how hot it is.

The family will only open the doors when they go out or when they clean in the morning, but other than that they are forever closed. This is not isolated in Palm Springs (PS). On my visit to my newly found friends in Evaton, Sebokeng and Small Farms, I was saddened. Never did I think people in Gauteng are still living under these conditions, as if they were held in captivity. The sewerage condition is far worse than in PS, the sanitation system is more like you’re somewhere in a rural area, not that I mean it’s good for people of rural areas, but my point is that Gauteng is the economic hub of not only the  country but the continent on its own.

In Sharpeville and Bophelong there is a sewer problem. Sewer is a health hazard, exposure to the types of bacteria and parasites that are normally contained in sewer water can result in conditions like reactive arthritis, potential cancer and in some cases, fatalities. The blood of our heroes and heroines that was spilled in Sharpeville can never be forgotten, they stood for a democratic state where leadership was going to be held to account by the people, they believed that it will bring liberation and prosperity for the African people. Instead, their dreams were betrayed and sold for flashy cars, expensive houses, Gucci, unnecessary foundations and corruption. Its critically imperative that as residents of the Vaal, we must be able to realise the kind of problems we’re facing here, this has nothing to do with mismanagement at all, instead this is a total collapse of leadership and management from Province and National government and it must be seen as a wake-up call to the people. Frantz Fanon once said, “Every generation must find its destiny and fulfil it or betray it”. We must never forget that the power lies with the people and no one will change our lives until we stand up and change ours. Bongani G. Godide is an independent freelance writer, Linguist and Literacy development specialist. He is currently working on a collection of children’s books that will be published in both IsiZulu and Sesotho.