By: Ntombizethu Gcaba

A group of people, who were living in abandoned buildings which are set to be demolished on the Bluff, are worried they are going to be homeless.

For almost seven years, the ‘Ghost House’ and ‘Isiqalo Court’ have been home for people who say they do not earn much and cannot afford to pay rent.

Thandi Mthembu, a mother who has found shelter in the Ghost House, said that she had been living in the building for six years.

“I started living here after the people I worked for told me they didn’t want any kids in their yard. This place has become like a home to us, we don’t know what will happen to us,” said Mthembu.

Isiqalo Court resident, Nelly Gumede ,said that she lives in the building with her boyfriend and two children.

“We have to wake up early in the morning to go ask for water from our neighbours in other buildings,” said Gumede.

It is still unclear when these buildings will be demolished but the land has already been put up for sale.

Anna Hoffman, who is one of the people selling the land, said that the buyer for the building will decide what to do with the people who live there.

“Legally no one is meant to live in any of these buildings because no one has any formal written proof that states they are supposed to be there. This is based purely on a business decision and it is unfortunate that it had to affect people,” she added.