Double-storey shack architecture blossoms in Zandspruit
Almost every corner in the heart of Zandspruit showcases a double-storey dwelling built with strong wooden poles, beams to support the weight, and covered in corrugated iron sheets.
The community of Zandspruit is no stranger to taking the initiative in a bid to improve their living circumstances, whether it’s by force or demand.
With a dream of living in a fully serviced community in a beautiful and secure home, the residents of Zandspruit have defied convention in many ways, as their dreams seem to be in vain. From connecting electricity illegally and building non-compliant structures, nothing stops them from living their best lives.
Speaking of living their best lives, the area has started to see a number of double-storey shacks popping up. They are perceived to resemble the neighbouring suburbs, and are also due to the limited amount of available land.
Almost every corner in the heart of Zandspruit showcases a double-storey dwelling built with strong wooden poles, beams to support the weight, and covered in corrugated iron sheets.
Most of the occupants of these shacks are tenants, some of whom have learnt to live with the possible dangers.
Natasha Machael, who’s been renting one of the rooms downstairs for two years, told Northsider that she is fearful when the room above her is occupied by heavy people. Elias Chazima, who occupies an upstairs room, said he overcame his fears after realising the structure was strong enough to support him and his furniture.
The structure they are referring to has at least 14 rooms, which the tenants rent for a fee of R450 every month. Down the road from this dwelling is another double-storey home, this one occupied by a family of four.
One of the occupants, Thomas Sithole, who was concerned about children falling from the makeshift stairs, said the real risks in Zandspruit are the crime and the illegal electricity connections. “The structure is safe. Children are only dying because of illegal connections, not because of the collapse of structures,” he said.
Ntokozo Shongwe, the owner of a double-storey shack which he has converted into a spaza shop downstairs and a bedroom upstairs, said he got a very knowledgeable person to build him the structure, which has been standing for the past three years. “The structure has been standing for three years. I asked an experienced carpenter to build it for me. Erecting this structure was quite expensive because of the quality material that was needed during the process,” he explained while serving his customers.
When asked if they’ve ever been told to demolish the structures by the City, Ntokozo said they’d never encountered a problem from the municipality.
Ward 114 councillor, Victor Mafinya, said the building of double-storey shacks is discouraged, but it’s difficult to prevent. “It’s quite difficult if the City is not taking charge of the problems in the community. People will continue to do as they please. Last year, one of the double-storey shacks burnt down and I advised the owner not to rebuild it. Fortunately he listened to me, and did not rebuild it,” he explained.
The Northsider consulted a local architect, Almero Retief of Entity Architects in Strubens Valley, who challenged the integrity of the structures. “These structures do not conform to the SANS 10-400 codes that are the guidelines all construction needs to adhere to. They could very well be structurally sound but there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration, such as what preventative fire systems are in place, if any; who would certify these structures, and who would be liable if one of them should collapse and kill someone,” he said.
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