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Residents of KwaKhanyayo in Ward 15, under the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, have taken matters into their own hands. They are rebuilding their road after years of neglect.
The KwaKhanyayo road is badly damaged. It is filled with potholes and deep mud. As a result, many drivers avoid it and use the Mbongweni road to reach town.
The situation has persisted for several years. During rainy days, travelling becomes nearly impossible. Vehicles get stuck, and people struggle to move between villages.
Rain Turns Daily Travel Into a Crisis
In Nontlanga Village, only strong vehicles can use the road. Public transport often stops operating when it rains.
If rain begins while residents are shopping in town, they face another problem. They must leave groceries behind with people near town. They then collect them days later.
Some residents use donkeys or wheelbarrows to fetch their goods. However, items sometimes go missing or return in smaller quantities.
“The road situation is very terrible. It gives us hard times during rainy days,” said one resident.
Community Raises Funds to Fix the Road
The worsening conditions pushed the community to act. During a meeting, each household agreed to donate R10. Car owners also contributed money.
In addition, local shop owners supported the effort. They provided food such as bread and polony during roadwork days.
A car accident on 2 December 2025 further motivated residents to act. The crash highlighted the danger posed by the road.
Broken Promises From the Municipality
Residents reported the issue many times to the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. They were promised graders to fix the road.
The ward councillor visited the site months ago. Residents were asked to record videos showing cars struggling on the road. However, no work followed.
“We no longer seek the municipality’s assistance because they help with nothing,” said another resident.
“This matter was reported many times, and the ward councillor knows about it.”
Using Home Tools to Survive
Residents now use basic tools such as spades. They rent a tractor to collect sand for repairs. They started the project without any municipal support.
Meanwhile, frustration continues to grow. Residents say Ward 15 receives little development.
They claim no RDP houses have been completed in the ward. Foundations were built seven years ago, but no houses followed.
During election periods, councillors promise progress. After voting, residents say communication stops. Since the 2024 elections, only two meetings have been held.
A Community Left to Cope Alone
KwaKhanyayo residents say their daily lives remain difficult. They continue fixing roads without proper equipment or support. However, they remain determined to survive despite the challenges.
