A shocking crisis is unfolding in Cape Town, where gangs are demanding exorbitant fees from municipal workers, hindering essential repairs and leaving residents in dire straits.
The Price of Safety: R10,000 for a Chance to Fix Sewage Spills
Gangs in certain areas of Cape Town are extorting municipal workers, demanding R10,000 or more before allowing them to enter and fix burst pipes and sewage overflows. This extortion has created a dangerous situation where poor residents suffer the consequences of unaddressed infrastructure issues.
A Stench That Won't Go Away
Dr. Zahid Badroodien, Cape Town's water and sanitation political head, describes the situation as a constant headache. The foul smell of sewage permeates communities, forcing families to keep their windows and doors shut even during the scorching summer heat. He emphasizes that the problem won't be resolved until these areas are safe enough for his team to work without risk.
Red Zones: Too Dangerous for Municipal Officials
The city has identified "red zones" where crime is rampant, and municipal officials avoid these areas due to the high level of danger. Badroodien explains that their staff cannot perform essential repairs without putting their lives at risk. Residents in these areas face the brunt of the crisis, with taps running dry for hours and sewage spills becoming a common occurrence.
A Visit to Makhaza: Knee-Deep in Raw Sewage
An IOL news team visited Makhaza, Khayelitsha, and witnessed residents wading through knee-deep sewage. The unbearable stench clung to the air, with blocked drains flooding streets and invading homes. Residents like Aphiwe Mhlungu and Sibongile Dlamini expressed their frustration and exhaustion, feeling humiliated and abandoned.
The Impact on Daily Life
Mhlungu described how the stench was so strong that his family couldn't eat some days, and the kids couldn't play outside. Dlamini echoed these sentiments, stating that they were tired of living in such conditions and calling for prompt action.
A Complex Web of Challenges
Badroodien acknowledged the residents' plight but highlighted that crime, extortion, and sabotage were increasingly hindering their work. He shared an example where workers were approached and told they needed to pay R10,000 to fix a sewer pipe. City workers are also targeted for their equipment and sometimes face hijackings or get caught in gang gunfire, especially in communities like Manenberg.
A Tough Stance: No Protection Money
When asked about paying protection money, Badroodien was firm in his response, stating that the city would never engage in such practices. He emphasized the importance of reporting extortion and the city's support for its operational teams through its law enforcement agencies. However, this often leads to delays, and in some cases, work has to stop entirely due to security concerns.
Prioritizing Staff Safety
Badroodien stressed that staff safety is a top priority and that no team member should risk their life while doing their job. He vowed not to send teams into red zones without the necessary support.
Beyond Extortion: Vandalism and Sabotage
The problem extends beyond extortion attempts, as Badroodien highlighted instances of vandalism and deliberate sabotage of infrastructure. He described incidents where water pipes were damaged for taxi access, toilet doors were stolen for use as front doors, and plastic pipes were removed and sold on the roadside. Such acts of sabotage often resurge during politically tense periods, and Badroodien predicts more issues as the next election approaches.
A City Report Confirms Vandalism
A City of Cape Town report confirms that toilets installed in informal settlements are being vandalized or removed after installation. The September 2025 Water and Sanitation Performance Monitoring Report tracks service delivery and reveals that while the city exceeded its targets for providing new taps and toilets, some of these may have already been vandalized or removed.
A Broader Problem: Extortion and Gangsterism
Benedicta van Minnen, chair of the Western Cape legislature's police oversight committee, stated that extortion and gangsterism are prevalent in Cape Town. She highlighted that more than 75% of the province's crime occurs in the city. The police's plans are under-resourced, with staffing levels far below what is needed. This shortage of officers and detectives impacts their ability to address the issues effectively.
The Need for Oversight and Action
Van Minnen emphasized the need for more boots on the ground, stating that the responsibility lies with the police, supported by law enforcement agencies in the city. She believes that monitoring and oversight are crucial, and they are calling for investigative powers to be given to law enforcement and the metro police to supplement their work.
Blame Game: Thugs vs. Systemic Issues
Sandra Dickson from STOP COCT argued that not all the blame can be placed on the thugs. While Cape Town's tap water is largely safe to drink, meeting national safety standards, river and vlei water samples fall short, with only 57.5% meeting the minimum E. coli safety standard. This means that more than 40% of water samples contain unsafe levels of faecal pollution, making the water unsafe for recreation, animals, and human contact.
Sewage in Open Canals: A Hidden Danger
In Mitchells Plain, including the Khayelitsha stormwater system, none of the water samples met the E. coli safety standard. The report reveals that sewage is being conveyed through the stormwater drainage system, effectively flowing through open canals and ponds instead of proper sewer infrastructure. ActionSA claims that the city pumps raw, untreated sewage into its coastline daily, impacting beaches and ocean life.
A Call for Action: Addressing the Root Causes
As the crisis deepens, with gangs demanding exorbitant fees and residents suffering the consequences, it's clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed. Addressing the root causes of crime, extortion, and infrastructure sabotage is crucial to finding a sustainable solution. The city, law enforcement agencies, and the community must work together to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents.
