Dear Residents,
The months of March and April were spiritual months for both the Muslim and Christian communities. The Muslims observed the fast of the holy month of Ramadan, and Christians
observed the fast of Lent and Easter. Below is my report for the month of April 2025,
- Streetlights – Although teams are working on street lights in our ward, we still have challenges with the speed at which street lights are being restored. Our ward is allocated two days per month for street light repairs, as is the case for all wards in our region. Streetlights in Bengal, Katmandu, Lucknow, parts of Emerald, Cuprene, 13th Avenue, Cinnamon streets, and most of the streets in Whiteblocks were restored in April. The current illumination of our ward stands at 68%, compared to 38% in October 2024. I am
constantly raising the issue of streetlights. Another challenge is the streetlights that are
burning during the day, a common issue throughout the city, with officials attributing it to a lack of budget for parts required to control street light timing. I sent a list of streetlights
that are burning during the day to the Director of Electricity to prioritise. - Sewerage and Water Leaks – This remains the biggest challenge facing our community. Leaks are taking longer than the promised 72 hours to be repaired, which is unacceptable due to health risks and water loss. I met with the Director of Water and Sewage and requested that we re-examine the system used to repair these leaks. Teams need to be more flexible; for example, when a team is in Ward 61, they should prioritize repairing leaks within the ward before moving to the next ward. This matter will be discussed at the next regional councillors’ forum in May.
- Potholes – Some good news on the pothole front: the City was granted a license to produce its own high-quality asphalt in March 2025, which will aid in the availability of materials to repair potholes. However, the weather remains a challenge, with rainfall continuing intermittently in March and April. The local community organization Laudium Disaster Management is also assisting with pothole repairs.
- Civic Centre – Repairs and maintenance to the Civic Centre by both the Council and community members continue. In April, I spent R15,000 on repairs to the Council Lounge and Boardroom, an area used weekly by community organizations such as the Laudium Gating Committee, House of Honour, and the Community Police Forum. A local community member who wishes to remain anonymous refurbished the entrance of the Civic Centre and repaired the toilets. The council has revamped some offices and is waiting for doors and windows to replace broken ones. The famous orange chairs have been relocated to the Erasmia Community Hall, ensuring both community halls have adequate seating for functions.
- IDP Meeting – Once again, public participation in the IDP budget process meeting was poor. Despite efforts to mobilize attendance, including arranging buses for Itireleng residents and distributing pamphlets, participation remains low. These meetings are crucial for residents to provide input on the municipal budget. Not a single resident objected to the municipal property valuation roll at the meeting.
- Laudium CHC and Clinic – I met with the Clinic Board responsible for Clinics in Regions 3 and 4 to discuss the structure and representation of the Laudium CHC and Clinic. A new board will be announced after consultation between the ward councillor, MEC’s office, facility manager, and municipal health department. We need to restore the Laudium CHC to a facility that the community can be proud of.
- Community Outreach – On April 1, 2025, the ANC secretary-general and I celebrated our birthdays at the Laudium Civic Centre with nearly 1,500 residents from all over Tshwane in attendance. Various community organizations and individuals benefited from gifts, including blankets, medical equipment, school shoes, and food parcels. We will continue with community outreach programs in May. The two cakes were donated to the community residents of Laudium.
- Illegal Buildings/Businesses – I continued reporting new illegally constructed buildings and businesses to the City of Tshwane. Many of these businesses were fined for unpermitted use, with fines ranging from R7,000 to R12,000 per month. However, municipal courts have not taken action against buildings without proper plans and rezoning. I have also requested for a multi task team raid on illegal dwelling and businesses in both the formal and informal sectors.
- Gating – I arranged a meeting between the City of Tshwane, the Laudium Gating Committee NPC, town planners, and engineers to discuss the application to discuss the application to legalize gates in Laudium. A community meeting will be held on May 7th to discuss gating. I am requesting and encouraging the community to attend in large numbers.
- Whiteblocks meeting – I have called for a meeting with the Whiteblocks community on May 10th to discuss their challenges. The meeting is to take place at 3pm at the Laudium Community Centre. The illegal shacks, Sewerage leaks, debt relief and Amnesty program and the white house is on the agenda for the meeting.
- SASSA – We continue to assist residents with SASSA applications and queries. Ms. Sai Padyachy is based in my office and can be contacted for assistance. SASSA will resume there weekly visits to Laudium on Monday 5th May 2025.
- Sports – Ward 61 hosted a successful soccer tournament over the Freedom Day weekend. Almost 100 teams from all over the province participated and was hosted by Laudium Football Club.
- Debt Relief and Amnesty – Residents can still benefit from the City’s debt relief and amnesty program until May 31st. For more info on this program please visit my office at the Laudium Civic Centre. The debt relief program is for residents that are in areas and the Amnesty program is for residents that have tempered illegally with their meters. Many residents have benefited already from these programs.
- Cameras – Two cameras were installed in Laudium to aid crime prevention. One at the entrance of Laudium (KFC) and the other at the entrance of Itireleng. These cameras are monitored by the Provincial government and are a crime deterrent. A project of Premier Lesufi.
- Itireleng Housing – I met with the MMC of Housing to discuss the challenges faced by the informal settlements. The MMC has promised to look into the long-term solutions for Itireleng.
- Hennops River and Geraardsville – Together with Cllr Ramjee and Cllr Marike, we met with the community of Hennops River and Geraardsville to discuss the new shacks being illegally erected on the M26. The Meeting discussed the way forward in the removing these shacks from M26, greenbelt zone. I was requested to set up a meeting with the MMC of housing to discuss a way forward. I am waiting for a response on the way forward.
I will continue to do my best as ward Councillor to make Ward 61 a better place forall.
Contact Number: 0645037483
Cllr Naeem Patel.