In Khutsong, Carletonville, families are facing a terrifying and unpredictable reality as sinkholes swallow their homes, leaving entire communities in crisis. This alarming disaster has forced many residents to relocate in a hurry, leaving behind houses that are beyond repair. These sinkholes, which often appear after heavy rainfall, are the result of water triggering the formation and expansion of dangerous pits in the ground, wreaking havoc on homes and lives alike.
The ongoing sinkhole issue, which has plagued the area for years, is primarily attributed to damaged sewage pipes that municipal authorities have allegedly neglected. The land in the West Rand, particularly around Khutsong, is made up of dolomite rock, making it especially vulnerable to sinkholes. Despite the long-standing nature of the problem, many homes have been severely affected, with some completely disappearing into the earth, while others have sustained structural damage, including crumbling walls and large holes in yards.
Community members, who have witnessed the destruction firsthand, are calling for urgent intervention from local and national authorities. Isaac Meno, the ward committee leader, explained that the problem did not start recently but has been ongoing for years. He emphasized that the issue began when roads were built over the area, with municipal authorities reportedly ignoring the deteriorating infrastructure. “We want the government to come and fix the broken pipes they put underground and build a proper tarred road. The government forgot about the dream of developing townships,” Meno said. Despite the widespread damage, many residents refuse to leave their ancestral land, even as the risk of further sinkholes looms.
One such resident, Mable Motlhakwana, recounted the terrifying moment her home was compromised. “I was about to sleep, and the moment I got into my bed, I felt a strange movement. When I looked at my walls, they were cracked,” she said. “It was in the evening, and when I stepped outside, it was chaos. We would like to ask for help and donations to fix our homes.” Motlhakwana’s experience reflects the panic and devastation many families are feeling as their homes crumble around them. With eight homes already demolished and several others at risk, the community’s future remains uncertain.
Merafong municipal spokesman Temba Fezani acknowledged that the sinkhole problem has been an issue since 2015 but expressed limited knowledge of current plans to address it. While funds for repairs have been released by Disaster and Emergency Services, the community is still waiting for the full-scale intervention they desperately need. As sinkholes continue to threaten lives and livelihoods in Khutsong, residents are left hoping for swift and effective action to prevent further devastation.
