Living in a house 50 metres from the ocean is a dream for many in Cape Town.
But it has become a nightmare for a retired teacher and her family who are often unable to access the property or their vehicles, suffering thousands of rands in damages and loss due to sand dunes.
Faheema Majiet, 63, of Cape Cod Road in Macassar, has lived at the residence for the past six years and has sent numerous letters to authorities, including the ward councilor Peter Helfrich and the City of Cape Town, which she said has fallen on deaf ears.
Instead, Majiet has been left to foot the bill for contractors to remove the sand.
Just a week ago, 70 wheelbarrows were used.
She is depressed and often not able to leave her home, which is barricaded in sand.
Her garage has been damaged and her car cannot enter the premises while the wind continues to blow, causing damage.
The City yesterday said in their response: “The City is looking into the particulars of this inquiry.”
Majiet said she had made numerous attempts for help but has been left to clear heaps of sand herself.
“I have many grievances with regards to service delivery, which our councillor of ward 109 is well aware of, but somehow it does not matter to him.
“As you are aware the south-easter wind blows continuously from the ocean and it is fierce on this side.
"I normally have the sand removed myself but now with the wind continuously causing havoc for weeks on end, the sand has accumulated into sand dunes on the pavement, the road and my two driveways.
"On February 12, 2025, my son logged a request to the City to have the sand hills removed.
“On February 27 he went to the sub-council offices in Macassar to follow-up.
"The councillor’s secretary informed him that the ticket is closed because the City does not remove sand from pavements and roads on the beach and that the residents have to remove it themselves.
"In order for me to do this I will require thousands of rands for a bulldozer to remove the sand.
"I understand that sand belongs on the beach, not on the roads and pavements.
“I desperately need help because I am not even able to enter my house and physically and mentally exhausted from the stress this has caused me...not even mentioning the damage these sand dunes has caused to my property.
“I am pleading in desperation for help from the authorities as I believe as a taxpayer and a Western Cape citizen I deserve the City Of Cape Town to assist me.
“Now the sand has blown onto both driveways and pavements breaking one garage gate and went as high as both boundary walls.
"Our vehicles are not able to drive and (get) into our garages and it’s very difficult to walk outside as our feet sink deep into the dunes."
She added that City workers were forced to dig with a spade to reach her water meter.
Emails and Whatsapp messages to the councillor went unanswered on Wednesday.
Community activist, Christian Stewart, questioned why so-called poorer coastal communities were ignored.
"By highlighting the disparities in how the City of Cape Town responds to issues in different areas, specifically comparing the swift response to sand-related problems in Gordon's Bay to the neglect of similar issues in Macassar beach.
“My key concerns include: sand accumulation: excessive sand in yards and entrances, making it difficult for residents to access their properties.
“Lack of maintenance: inadequate cleaning and maintenance of the area, including the absence of diggers, loaders, and trucks.
“Inequitable service delivery: the perception that the City of Cape Town prioritises more affluent areas, like Gordon's Bay, over less affluent areas like Macassar beach.
“Safety and security concerns: insufficient lighting, lack of cameras, and inadequate policing, making the area vulnerable to crime and accidents.”
Majiet said their home was also exposed to crime elements such as drugs and prostitution as there were no lights in the street.
Cape Argus