Red Ants destroying business at Mamelodi Hostel accompanied by TMPD photos supplied
By Apson Sepadi Makaung
SebataKgomo Civil Movement
The 27th of April is celebrated across South Africa as Freedom Day a symbol of democracy, dignity, and human rights.
But for the residents of Mamelodi Hostel, this date represents something very different: cruelty, violence, and deep injustice.
On the 28th of April 2026, the community of Mamelodi Hostel was subjected to forced compliance and loss of control over their own space.
A group identified as the so-called “Red Ants,” acting under the authority of the City of Tshwane and in the presence of SAPS and Metro Police, carried out demolitions within the hostel.
Residents witnessed the destruction of small business structures livelihoods that families depend on in what appeared to be a selective and discriminatory operation, despite the fact that many structures within the hostel are informal.
This comes at a time when poverty and unemployment are already crippling the community.
Even more concerning is the role of government itself.
Millions of rand reportedly over R64 million were spent on the construction of shack structures without proper consultation with residents.
Some of these structures have since deteriorated or been repurposed into unsafe and harmful environments, including alleged illicit activities.
To make matters worse, some of these structures contain asbestos materials, posing serious long-term health risks to residents.
These are not just policy failures — they are violations of dignity, safety, and basic human rights.
As the SebataKgomo Civil Movement, we strongly condemn these actions.
We call on the City of Tshwane and the government at large to:
– Immediately halt all unjust and inhumane demolitions
– Engage meaningfully with hostel residents
– Provide safe, dignified, and adequate housing
– Respect the rights and livelihoods of all communities
Freedom cannot exist where people are treated as disposable.
The residents of hostels in Mamelodi and across South Africa deserve the same dignity, protection, and opportunity as every other citizen.
Freedom must mean justice for all not suffering for the poor.
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