Chapter 5

Riverlea as a Case Study

Context of the Case study

The context in which this research is conducted is a small, ex-mining town, Riverlea. It lies about 10km south-west of Johannesburg CBD. This town was selected due to its proximity to multiple sources of toxic exposure. It is placed alarmingly close to three large mine dumps and five gold tailings dams, as well as the biggest commercial node on the African continent, along with its supporting industrial area.

The residents of Riverlea must continually report waterpipe leaks and flooding in the streets that often seep into their homes. This is accompanied by the spectrum of problems caused by water damage such as damp rot and animal infestations. The inhabitants suffer a great deal of misfortunes related to the surrounding mine dumps, such as health issues, toxic soils and illegal mining activity that take place in the abandoned shafts and tunnels which exist beneath their homes.

The town of Riverlea needs large-scale reparative intervention and will benefit greatly from implementation of restorative commons.

A Brief History of the Mining Town

Riverlea was established in the early 1960’s as a region dedicated to a large coloured community of JHB under the Group Areas Act. Duly, many factors of underprovided service delivery apply to this town. The town population, as per the 2011 census statistics, ranges between 15 000 and 20 000 people. Located close to the George Harrison Memorial Park in Langlaagte, which is said to be the site of discovery of the largest goldfield on earth; a park which has since fallen into disrepair. Further history of the town is rather under-documented within the academic space and much of the heritage of Riverlea is held by the community and individuals who grew up there. The town has produced many great thinkers, professionals, and politicians. To name but a few; ANC activist – Ignatius Jacobs, nationally renowned actor – Zane Meas, businessman – Jeff van Rooyen, and renowned writer – Chris van Wyk who captures many embodied experiences of his childhood life in Riverlea through eloquent tales.

figure 18 : Locality Map, Community and surrounds, Riverlea Johannesburg. by: Z. van der Walt.

Riverlea is described by some as a community at risk. (Els, 2017) The many risk factors that members of the community have to face in their day-today lives have far-reaching impacts on the fortitude of the people. A great presence of these obstacles was found by conducting the Health Environment and Development Study through the Riverlea Outreach Project. This project was undertaken by the collaborative efforts of the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Medical Research Council, and the City of Johannesburg.

Social Risk factors include:

Health issues, with prevalence of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension – possibly due to surrounding mine dumps and certainly due to smoking dependence. Addiction to street drugs and alcohol inhibit a sense of personal clarity and morale. Lack of sanitary provision and education on hygiene pertains to dignity. Lack of resource and education regarding livelihood sustainability obstructs prospects of financial independence. Lack of early childhood development in terms of gross and fine motor skills affects skill development in adult life. Lack of trust in the community is amplified by the stark separation between Riverlea proper an Riverlea extension. Little to know social support creates the perception of carelessness from governmental and other influential entities. Compromised safety and security creates an air of unsustainable vulnerability. Zama-Zama mining activity scares away policing authorities to act out in their protective capacity, for these individuals are armed and ruthless.

Economic risk factors include:

Food insecurity due to lack of means to execute sustenance farming, along with incapacitated natural soil to sustain nutrient rich plants. Job insecurity brings a sense of hopelessness for tomorrow. Inability to acquire personal belongings like spectacles and shoes, to support an individual in daily tasks. Low-cost housing with all its construction flaws and now financial means to apply to “DIY” projects. Dependence on government grants as an unstable constant that needs facing every single month. Rodent infestation causes damage to property and contributes to health risks. Illegal dumping may be symptomatic of mal-education or a under emphasized importance of spatial cleanliness. Toxic exposure to mining activity has been illuminated in the previous chapter. (Els, 2017) (T. deWet, L.Patel, M.Korth, C.Forrester, 2008)

figure 19 : Flooding in Riverlea 01 photographed by: Community Member

figure 20 : Flooding in Riverlea 02 photographed by: Community Member figure 21 : Flooding in Riverlea 03 photographed by: Community Member

figure 22 : Flooding in Riverlea 04 photographed by: Community Member

figure 23 : Zama-Zama Miners at George Harrison Park. Remnants of the first mine founded in JHB. photographed by: Z. van der Walt.

figure 25 : Tunnel under train tracks. one of two routes to take from Riverlea Proper to Riverlea extension. Also noted as a crime hotspot. photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June2021 figure 27 : Community members creating food garden on new berm, constructed by the Patriotic Alliance photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021 figure 29 : typical outdoor lavotory stall. photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021

figure 24 : Zama-Zama Mine shaft at George Harrison Park. photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021

figure 26 : Bridge over train tracks. one of two routes to take from Riverlea Proper to Riverlea extension. Also noted as a crime hotspot. photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021

figure 28 : Entrance gate to a kind, inviting community member’s home. photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021 figure 30 : typical backyard in Riverlea extension.photographed by: Z. van der Walt. June 2021 18