Cape Town Families Say City Has 'abandoned' Them

Families who were moved to a temporary relocation area TRA in Gugulethu, Cape Town 12 years ago say theyve been abandoned there, and fear that it has become their permanent home.

They were relocated to the TRA by the City of Cape Town because the dilapidated Masonwabe Hostel they were living in was demolished for being dangerous and uninhabitable, according to the City.

Situated behind the Gugulethu police station, its hard to miss the rows of white Masonwabe TRA structures within a fenced off area. When people were first relocated, about 80 families were housed at the TRA. Now there are about 136 structures, the City recently confirmed.

Andile Ngcwangu had moved there from the hostel. Inside, his home looks incomplete. There are exposed steel frames covered with what looks like a sheet for insulation and zinc. Theres a small bathroom inside with a toilet and sink.