The situation here is unbearable, but we are forced to live here in this dumpsite
"The situation here is very bad. As we've seen, the place is dirty," Zuma said during his unannounced visit to the informal settlement, east of Johannesburg.
"Like I've always said, those who are not working have no reason to remain in their positions," he said referring to councillors, who residents accused of neglecting them.
"We don't even know our councillors. The situation here is unbearable, but we are forced to live here in this dumpsite," Christina Maoka told Zuma.
Another resident, Zola Msimango complained about the allocation of houses and about police being hesitant to come when needed.
Zuma walked about the muddy area, as water steamed down the paths, followed by a hundred screaming and ululating people.
He stopped at a communal tap, which was flooded with water, and listened to residents' tales about the drainage pipes not working since their installation.
"We've complained about it, but nothing gets done here. But we are grateful that you are here to witness it firsthand," said a resident.
Zuma said it was important for the government to know all issues at hand so it know which to prioritise.
He also met with the station commissioner of the Tembisa police station, who Zuma said produced statistics of crime and highlighted some problems, including a lack of staff.
He said the police were working with the Community Policing Forum to curb crime.
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