House Hunting in Guguletu

In as process I can only compare to shopping for a garden shed, I went house hunting yesterday with Sister Yvonne and Nomasone. It's literally shopping - we drove down a seemingly main road in Guguletu, stopping at various points to wander through semi-completed shacks. They all use 2x2 lumber for the frame. Siding ranges from all-zinc ("zinc" meaning corrugated metal, like some Americans would use for patio roofs or barn walls), to flat metal that looked like tin or aluminum, to wood. They were all one-room, in sizes from 8'x8' to about 9'x12'. They all included a door and at least one window (I don't want to think about how hot a tin room with one window would be in the summer when it's 95 degrees and sunny). None of the "models" had roofs, but they would be complete when delivered.

Prices ranged from R2,000 to R4,000 ($285 to $570) depending on size and seller. You really had to shop around - one block could be 10-20% less than the previous one. Prices also included delivery and set-up, which would take about 3 hours.

We also looked at a used shack in Thambo Square, a settlement not far from JL Zwane. It's behind a woman's house and she is currently renting it out. The owner is opening a creche (nursery/daycare) and needs the space. It was big, about 12'x16' with an internal wall making for two rooms. The price was right, R2,000, but we would have to arrange delivery and set-up which could add R500-1000 rand. It also has asbestos in it, which I'm concerned about. We'll see what ultimately happens next week.

We also had a problem crop up with the plot where the shack is going. The woman who owns the plot also has a shabeen, an unlicensed bar. Given that Nomasone's daughter will be moving in, this is not a good scenario and, in Yvonne's words, it would irresponsible of us to put a shack there. So, Yvonne is on the hunt for a new plot. She thinks one of the HIV support group members has a spot and will speak with her next week. I'm still hopeful we can get everything done before next week's public holiday and long weekend.

More to come.