On Thursday morning, dozens of former rail line occupiers protested by blocking the R300 in Cape Town with burning tyres. These individuals, relocated from shacks built on unused railway lines in Nyanga and Philippi, are demanding reliable electricity and improved services from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the City of Cape Town.
They were moved to Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla Village in December 2023 to facilitate rail line restoration, but the relocation was intended as a temporary measure. Despite previous protests for water supply, which led to the installation of standpipes and portable toilets, residents are now facing inadequate sanitation services and a lack of formal electricity.
Community leader Lizo Magebe reported that many households are informally connecting to nearby electricity sources, often leading to unstable power supply. Resident Phumlani Sibewu expressed that repeated attempts to engage PRASA have been unsuccessful, making protest their only effective means of communication.
PRASA acknowledged the installation of water and sanitation facilities but indicated that permanent relocation plans are in progress. The City of Cape Town has not responded to inquiries regarding electricity provision.