Download PDFA recent survey was conducted by Khanya College in Eldorado Park, Kliptown, Slovo and Klipspruit West. Khanya staff conducted a nine-day survey, which revealed significant challenges that residents face daily.
Among other things, the survey aimed to understand the living conditions and challenges faced by individual households. The survey covered various housing types, including informal settlements, ownership houses, backyard dwellings, council houses, and flats. Before a more detailed analysis of the results is published, the preliminary findings highlighted big struggles in the communities.
Unemployment and food insecurity
Unemployment was cited as a leading issue, contributing to increased crime rates and a conducive environment for gangsterism and gang violence, which remains a major problem faced in these communities. Many residents struggle to access basic needs, with households reporting a lack of food. The survey found that meat is a rare food in many homes in the areas.
Poor service delivery at local clinics
Community members expressed frustration with local clinics, citing issues such as rude and unhelpful staff and language barriers that make it difficult for residents to communicate with staff members. Other problems were long waiting hours, constant lack of medication, misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment, as well as unhygienic conditions, and insufficient staff. These concerns highlight the need to improve clinic management, staff training, workshops, and resource allocation to restore trust and provide proper healthcare.
Some healthcare concerns
The survey revealed that community members mostly suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and arthritis. However, there is a notable silence around HIV/AIDS, as many individuals do not feel comfortable sharing their status due to stigma and fear of judgement. This points to the need for sensitive support and awareness campaigns to educate communities and encourage open discussion and testing.
These survey findings will be presented to community councillors to inform them about the living conditions of residents so that they can intervene to improve living conditions and address these challenges. Residents’ input will help shape strategies aimed at improving service delivery and creating economic opportunities.
This article was submitted on 31 March 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
