In the shadow of the Marlboro Gautrain station, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most affluent regions, the cardboard and hardwood shacks of Setswetla informal settlement stand in stark contrast to the mansions of its neighboring suburb of Sandton.

Situated on the banks of the Jukskei River, the informal settlement is a boiling pot of cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. Community leader Brian Mahlangu spoke to SABC News about life in Setswetla since the dawn of the democracy.

In the shadow of the Marlboro Gautrain station, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most affluent regions, the cardboard and hardwood shacks of Setswetla informal settlement stand in stark contrast to the mansions of its neighboring suburb of Sandton. Situated on the banks of the Jukskei River, the informal settlement is a boiling pot of cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. Community leader Brian Mahlangu spoke to SABC News about life in Setswetla since the dawn of the democracy.

The Democracy Gauge is a show designed the South African audience at the heart of it. This is a show where the viewers tell it like it is.

The Democracy Gauge is a show designed the South African audience at the heart of it.

Democracy Gauge

Democracy Gauge: Brian Mahlangu

Masilo Machaka is an avid Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana, Proteas, and Springbok supporter and a recognisable face in the stands.

Machaka can often be seen on our TV screens, singing and dancing during football, cricket and rugby matches.  A passionate sports fan, who hails from Botlokwa in the Limpopo province.

After matriculating, Machaka came to Johannesburg seeking better opportunities and greener pastures.

He says soon after his arrival in Johannesburg he discovered that there were vast opportunities in the sporting world.  “Back then I was supporting Kaizer Chiefs and I was only supporting football as rugby and cricket was not our thing as black people. After arriving in Joburg and realising there are opportunities in other sporting codes, I decided to venture into sports that's why I am also supporting cricket and rugby."

He reckons that while strides have been during the country’s democracy there are gains yet, there's still some work to do.

Masilo Machaka is an avid Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana, Proteas, and Springbok supporter and a recognisable face in the stands. Machaka can often be seen on our TV screens, singing and dancing during football, cricket and rugby matches.  A passionate sports fan, who hails from Botlokwa in the Limpopo province. After matriculating, Machaka came to Johannesburg seeking better opportunities and greener pastures. He says soon after his arrival in Johannesburg he discovered that there were vast opportunities in the sporting world.  “Back then I was supporting Kaizer Chiefs and I was only supporting football as rugby and cricket was not our thing as black people. After arriving in Joburg and realising there are opportunities in other sporting codes, I decided to venture into sports that's why I am also supporting cricket and rugby." He reckons that while strides have been during the country’s democracy there are gains yet, there's still some work to do.

'There are gains yet, there's still some work to do'

A former North West police officer, based in Klerksdorp, who was allegedly suspended from his duty in 1991, is still struggling to get his suspension lifted, 28 years later. The man says, he has knocked virtually on all doors, and seemingly, no one is prepared to listen. He says, at the dawn of democracy in 1994, he was optimistic, his problem, would be resolved, but says, his hopes were soon, dashed, when those in authority, also turned their backs against him.

George Mbathu, contends that, since his suspension, in 1991, he was never accorded a departmental inquiry, which is required by law, when a SAPS member is suspended. As far as he is concerned, he is still on suspension, and ought to be reinstated, since he has not been found guilty of any offence by the SAPS.

A former North West police officer, based in Klerksdorp, who was allegedly suspended from his duty in 1991, is still struggling to get his suspension lifted, 28 years later. The man says, he has knocked virtually on all doors, and seemingly, no one is prepared to listen. He says, at the dawn of democracy in 1994, he was optimistic, his problem, would be resolved, but says, his hopes were soon, dashed, when those in authority, also turned their backs against him. George Mbathu, contends that, since his suspension, in 1991, he was never accorded a departmental inquiry, which is required by law, when a SAPS member is suspended. As far as he is concerned, he is still on suspension, and ought to be reinstated, since he has not been found guilty of any offence by the SAPS.

Democracy Gauge: George Mbathu

Faldielah Gamieldien (50) from Grassy Park has been working on Adderley Street since the age of 15 – where she sells flowers. Gamieldien took up this job because her mother had to work alone for 9 children. “It wasn’t easy, so I had to leave school,” she says.

Gamieldien says she is ashamed of what South Africa has become. And because of this she wants no association with the current government, and even to a large extent the country.

“I am a citizen of the flower market, not from South Africa,” she says.

Faldielah Gamieldien (50) from Grassy Park has been working on Adderley Street since the age of 15 – where she sells flowers. Gamieldien took up this job because her mother had to work alone for 9 children. “It wasn’t easy, so I had to leave school,” she says. Gamieldien says she is ashamed of what South Africa has become. And because of this she wants no association with the current government, and even to a large extent the country. “I am a citizen of the flower market, not from South Africa,” she says.

Democracy Gauge: Brian Mahlangu

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