Bizarre but Brilliant: Limpopo Homeless Family Turns Abandoned Reservoir into a Shelter

By Rihlelo 

Limpopo – In an extraordinary tale of resilience and resourcefulness, a homeless family in Limpopo has captured national attention after turning an abandoned concrete reservoir into their makeshift home. The dry, neglected structure—unused for years—has been repurposed by the family into a safe haven amid their struggle for shelter.

The family, whose names have not been disclosed for privacy reasons, discovered the round reservoir on the outskirts of a rural village in the Vhembe District. Once used to store water for agricultural or community purposes, the reservoir has long since fallen into disuse. Now, its once-forgotten interior shelters a family of five who say they had nowhere else to go.

“It was better than sleeping under the trees”

A local community member, who often brings donated food and clothing to the family, spoke about their determination. “They didn’t break into anyone’s home or steal. They just used what was already abandoned. It was better than sleeping under the trees or in the rain.”

The inside of the reservoir has been swept clean, and the family has added makeshift furniture—mostly items gathered from nearby dumping sites. A tarp partially covers the open top, shielding them from direct sun and rain.

Despite the harsh conditions, the space now functions as a home: sleeping mats, a small cooking area, and even a section for storing their few belongings have all been neatly arranged within the concrete cylinder.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

Images and videos of the makeshift home surfaced on social media earlier this week, sparking a wide array of responses. While many were shocked at the extent of the family’s poverty, others praised their ingenuity.

“They took an abandoned piece of infrastructure and gave it new purpose. That’s survival. That’s innovation in its rawest form,” one Twitter user commented.

Another user posted: “It’s a disgrace that in 2025, families are still forced to live like this. The government should be ashamed.”

Indeed, the story has reignited debate over the country’s housing crisis, particularly in rural Limpopo where informal settlements and homelessness remain major challenges.

Municipality Responds

The local municipality confirmed that the reservoir had been decommissioned over a decade ago and has not been in use since. Municipal spokesperson Thabang Mokoena said they were “surprised” to learn that a family had occupied the structure.

“We were unaware of the situation and have now dispatched our social development unit to assess the condition of the family and explore possible assistance,” Mokoena said. “It’s not a suitable or safe place to live, but we do commend their will to survive.”

He added that while the municipality does not condone informal habitation of public infrastructure, they understand the desperation that may have led to the decision.

Social Workers Called In

The Limpopo Department of Social Development has since visited the site and interviewed the family. According to the department, the family had been homeless for more than six months after the breadwinner lost their job during the pandemic's lingering economic effects. With no income and no relatives willing to take them in, they resorted to living wherever they could find shelter.

“We are in the process of placing the family on the provincial housing waiting list and have initiated steps to provide them with temporary food parcels and access to a local clinic,” said departmental spokesperson Nomsa Nkosi.

A Glimpse into Broader Struggles

This story highlights not only the personal plight of a single family but also the systemic issues facing thousands of others across the country. According to a 2024 report by Stats SA, over 14,000 people in Limpopo are either homeless or living in unstable shelter conditions.

Human rights organizations have urged the national government to fast-track land redistribution and subsidized housing developments, particularly in under-served rural areas.

“This is a perfect example of how people are forced to adapt when the system fails them,” said housing rights activist Themba Mahlangu. “It’s inspiring, yes, but it also speaks to how far we still have to go in ensuring basic dignity for all citizens.”

Hope Amid Hardship

While their living conditions remain precarious, the family says they are grateful to have a roof—albeit an improvised one—over their heads. The father told local reporters that he still dreams of finding stable work and sending his children to school.

“We just want to live like everyone else,” he said. “We don’t want to be pitied. We want a chance to build something better.”

For now, they continue to live in the reservoir, accepting donations from concerned residents and community groups. Though the structure is not ideal, it has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the ability to make something out of nothing.