Try GOLD - Free
Veteran still fighting for place to call home
Cape Argus
|November 26, 2025
GARY Barnes, a military veteran who joined the struggle for South Africa's liberation in 1983, said he has been waiting for more than two decades to receive a house.
The frustrated former soldier described the emotional toll of years spent navigating the housing system.
"It's painful to think that after everything I have done for this country, I might not even have a place to call my own," Barnes said. "My story could disappear, and my sacrifices could be forgotten. I have devoted my life to this country, yet I'm still waiting for something as basic as a decent place to live."
Despite his decades of service, Barnes said he has been repeatedly sent from pillar to post whenever he inquires about housing. He currently rents a backroom in Bonteheuwel and survives on his old security pension grant.
This story is from the November 26, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus
Cape Argus
Strand woman achieves her motherhood dream
\"I JUST wished to be called Mom.\"
2 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Nobody is buying the old Cape Exit fantasy
EVERY few years, when South Africa is struggling and the national mood is raw, the same idea resurfaces in the Western Cape dressed up in new language, polished by social media, and sold as \"democratic self-determination.
4 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Olivia Dean’s journey: from niche to notable
TURN on any pop station and soon enough you'll hear Olivia Dean's megahit Man I Need.
4 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Inside Bobby Motaung’s journey at Chiefs
FEW FIGURES in South African football have been as visible, as debated and as misunderstood as Bobby Motaung.
3 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
UWC scientists create low-cost cancer and TB test
SCIENTISTS at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) have developed a low-cost, highly sensitive, rapid screening test that could significantly improve the early detection of cancer, tuberculosis, and long Covid-19 - all considered as major public health challenges in South Africa.
2 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Voters losing trust in lazy officials
ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji says the ANC cannot campaign effectively while it continues to deploy \"lazy\" councillors, mayors and ministers, warning that communities are frustrated and losing confidence in the party.
1 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Salah, Mane, Osimhen aim to deny Morocco
THE Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semifinal stage and a tournament devoid of shocks now offers up two mouthwatering ties with hosts Morocco looking to see off the challenges of their fellow continental heavyweights.
3 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Teyana Taylor shines as Hollywood's latest superstar
TEYANA
1 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Ramaphosa's reckoning with ANC's failures
PRESIDENT'S JANUARY STATEMENT
2 mins
January 13, 2026
Cape Argus
Urgent call for vaccinations as measles cases rise in Dunoon
TARGETED OUTREACH
2 mins
January 13, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size