Tshwane Metro Police summoned to put a stop to AfriForum’s repair work
Slap in the face of volunteers who want to improve city, says civil rights group
The civil rights organisation AfriForum had to stop repair work on a giant pothole in Centurion today (29 January) after the Tshwane Metropolitan Police was called in to put a stop to this voluntary repair work.
The pothole in question, on the corner of Kort and Theodore Streets in Kloofsig, Centurion, has been reported to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality for repair on several occasions over the past six months, but without success. After a successful joint cleaning project here, despondent residents of this suburb approached AfriForum’s Centurion neighbourhood team on 20 January for help with the repair of this giant hole.
The neighbourhood team, made up of local volunteers, immediately agreed and began repairs this morning. However, the group’s work was cut short when a group of workers from the metro arrived to repair the very same pothole. These workers insisted that AfriForum suspend their work.
While Dewet Ungerer, AfriForum’s coordinator for Pretoria South, tried to clarify the matter, the Tshwane Metro Police was called in and the AfriForum team was forced to leave the scene.
This action, Ungerer believes, raises serious questions about the metro’s priorities. “AfriForum understands that the metro is under pressure to deliver the necessary services in a timely and efficient manner. We also understand that there are systems according to which they operate to get their work done, but today’s actions are a slap in the face of volunteers who, with the best intentions for this city, have been chased away,” emphasises Ungerer.
He stressed that AfriForum is involved in the repair of potholes across the country almost daily. It is always ensured that the right processes are followed and that high-quality products are used for the repair work. In addition, these projects are undertaken with the necessary expertise.
“The actions of the Metro Police are strange, especially given that the mayor and his committee extended a hand of cooperation to civil organisations. Yet these types of incidents are taking place at grassroots level, which is not in the spirit of cooperation. AfriForum will discuss these incidents with the mayoral committee member, Grandi Theunissen, and the mayor, Cilliers Brink,” adds Ungerer.
According to him, AfriForum is aware of 12 other sinkholes in Centurion that were also reported to the metro some time ago but have not yet been repaired. “There is no shortage of work in this metro, yet communities that are willing to mobilise themselves and carry out repairs are being brushed off. The metro should instead reconsider their approach and join hands with community organisations so that a better future can be built together,” believes Ungerer.
Ungerer adds that, where possible, AfriForum still wants to and will cooperate with the Tshwane Metro. However, AfriForum will continue to undertake community projects that benefit the community without delay.
