The Laudium Sun has received a number of reports that the ANC-led Tshwane Council is deliberately turning a blind eye to the mushrooming of informal settlements around Erasmia.
This follows residents of Erasmia expressing deep concern and fear regarding the expansion of a squatter camp, overlooking the M26 road which passes through Erasmia. Residents claim that the local authorities are accommodating thousands of illegal squatters by not taking the necessary steps to stop the expansion of these squatter camps, which many fear will lead to a spike in crime and further strain on local resources in the area.
One of the areas where new illegal settlements are believed to be taking place, is the area known as the Ridge, which is part of the ancient Magaliesberg Mountain Range, locally referred to as Schurveberg and Cornwall. The area holds geographic and ecological significance — making the set-up of squatter camps in the area even more controversial.
Karl Anton, a concerned resident of Coert Street in Erasmia, told the Laudium Sun, “I’m extremely worried. I’ve heard from reliable sources that the government and the Tshwane Council are encouraging or deliberately turning a blind eye to thousands of squatters planning on settling in the Schurveberg area. If this happens, the crime rate in Erasmia will reach alarming levels. I’ve decided to leave the country and my main reason is the uncontrollable crime in Erasmia and its surroundings. This area has become unliveable — not only because of rising crime, but also due to politicians fighting for their own greed and power. To gain votes, they want to bring more people into this already stressed area. It’s heart breaking to see how politicians can sell out their own communities. I strongly oppose the establishment of any new squatter camps or the expansion of squatter camps here, which even has electricity. Even though I’m leaving the country, my heart remains with Erasmia and I urge fellow residents to raise their voices and oppose this plan.”
Karl added, “I’ve experienced multiple break-ins at my home, all linked to the nearby squatter camp. Imagine the consequences if more squatters move into the area. What’s worse, some locals have started buying and renting out shacks for profit. This, to me, looks like a massive scam involving wealthy individuals from Laudium and Erasmia, who are investing in these camps and profiting from rent — all with political backing. This must stop. We demand justice for Erasmia and urge the government to immediately stop with action, not mere words, the mushrooming of informal settlements in the Erasmia area.”
Ridwan Akbar, a resident of Fortuna Street, Erasmia shared similar concerns, “I can’t understand how the Tshwane Council is turning a blind eye to the expansion or formation of new squatter camps on top of the existing one. The local Councillor has no empathy for us. We already lack basic services and adding more informal settlements will worsen the situation. Crime is rising and even the security gates have failed us. They restrict our movement without offering real safety. We demand accountability and firmly oppose any further expansion of squatter camps in this area.”
Imtiaz Mohamed of Sonneblom Street, Erasmia told the Laudium Sun, “Instead of upgrading services in Laudium and Erasmia, the Council seems to be focusing on expanding squatter camps or allowing new ones, as there is no action from them to stop the expansion. This is nothing but political manoeuvring to gain votes. It’s truly sad to see our own leaders turn against the communities they’re supposed to protect. If these squatter camps are allowed to grow, Erasmia will become even more dangerous. We must raise our voices and demand better leadership. The people currently in power are failing us. Enough is enough — we cannot accept decisions that compromise our safety and well-being. We are tired of talks about talks. Why were these squatters in Erasmia allowed to build shacks in the first place? Why is the Council not taking any action against the squatters and even allowing the expansion of these illegal squatter camps?”
