Ten years after a court ordered the City of Johannesburg to upgrade services in Slovo Park, residents still lack reliable water and sanitation. Partial electrification occurred in 2018, but basic needs remain unmet despite recent promises. Community members express ongoing frustration and hope amid slow delivery.
Slovo Park, a township south of Johannesburg between Eldorado Park and Lenasia, continues to face neglect despite the 2016 Melani judgment by the South Gauteng High Court. The court ordered the City of Johannesburg to seek funding under the Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme (UISP) for improvements. As South Africa marked 32 years of democracy in April 2026, residents report minimal change.
Partial electrification reached the settlement in 2018. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements noted installing VIP toilets, 18 communal taps, grading access roads, refurbishing a community hall, and recent smart poles with street lights. However, residents fetch water from often-dry communal taps, mainly at night, and rely on shared pit latrines that overflow in rains.
At the smart pole launch on 7 March 2026, MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene stated, “Bringing the internet to you and access to the internet is bringing dignity to you because without the internet, you have no access to the outside world. Our children have no connection to learning material.” Over a month later, WiFi remains unconnected with cables exposed.
Resident Susan Mkhwanazi (47) described nighttime water collection dangers for single mothers: “It is a challenge even to go out at night and fetch water.” Tshepang Lesie (30), a law graduate unemployed and making furniture, said, “You feel hopeless, because the court judgment and the promises are things that are supposed to bring hope to us and restore our dignity, but we are nowhere there.” Dan Moalahi (50) of the Slovo Park Community Development Forum recalled initial joy after the judgment fading into demoralisation from unfulfilled talks.
Thato Masiangoako of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute noted outstanding water, sanitation, and land for de-densification, with timelines repeatedly delayed. The City referred questions to the department, which said additional water infrastructure is in procurement without timelines.
