THE Dakota Beach informal settlement has been trending online lately after its aerial photo had people talking all over the country about its close proximity to the ocean and the splendid sea views its inhabitants enjoy.
The sprawling settlement lies on the eastern edge of Prospecton, between the Amanzimtoti Golf Course and Isipingo Beach, along Ernest Clokie Road. It started developing around 25 years ago from sporadic structures into the bustling community it is today.
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In 2021, the then-Ward 90 councillor Sunil Brijmohan said the Dakota Beach residents will be relocated to a more suitable place as that area was not intended to be a human settlement. Over the years, it has experienced a number of disasters that have ranged from fires to flooding, and the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti has always reached out to lend a helping hand. The club has also ‘adopted’ a local crèche that it regularly assists.
The Lions Club of Amanzimtoti’s spokesperson, Lion André Beetge, said two shipping containers were bought and donated by the club and converted to classrooms for the Lindokuhle crèche.
“The community is part of our outreach projects, and we frequently hand out food donations to the residents,” said Lion André.
Mqapheli Bonono, the deputy president of Abahlali Basemjondolo, which is an informal settlement dwellers’ association, said many promises have been made by the government to relocate the people of Dakota Beach to more suitable land.
“People cannot be left to live like that because it is the same circumstances that brought them here. The ongoing political crisis within eThekwini is preventing the city from moving forward with the promises it has been making. These residents will have to exercise their right and engage with the powers that be so that things can be expedited,” said Bonono.
eThekwini was not available for comment at the time of publishing.
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