Kwa-Thema – The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is aware of the structural challenges in the Deep Level area. This follows an article in last week’s African Reporter, which reported that many houses in Deep Level are falling apart after years of deterioration.
A site visit was held in May 2025 to ascertain the exact challenges faced by residents and to chart a way forward,” said Zweli Dlamini, the city’s spokesperson.
He explained that the units were previously owned by the mines and donated to the government. The residents said the houses have been falling apart since the 1990s.
“The provincial government issued title deeds to some residents. Thus, a portion of the units is owned by residents, and they are responsible for fixing them,” he added.
Manana Senthunse does not know why her yard is sinking, but fears the house will sink one day. PHOTO CRED: Xoliswa Kali
Dlamini said a budget had previously been approved to repair stormwater channels and direct water away from the units.
This followed residents’ reports that one of the major issues is the location of the houses on a slope. When it rains, they have to open their front doors to allow water to flow through and exit on the other side.
“Unfortunately, this work could not continue because the residents blocked the contractors from working. They demanded that repairs be done to the housing units instead of the stormwater drains and pipes.”
“Currently, the city does not have any projects to remedy the challenges on-site. However, structural integrity assessments will be conducted in the 2025/26 financial year to determine the condition of the units and the appropriate remedial action,” he added.
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