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ActionSA's tour of several previously neglected sites in the City of Tshwane today reveals ongoing improvements in service delivery across the City's regions.

In September of 2024, ActionSA leadership travelled to areas in the City where residents suffered from long-term, serious service delivery failures – from sewage spills in backyards to communal areas which had become dumping grounds. The scale of our findings from this fact-finding mission in September 2024 and the emerging reality of widely varied experience of service delivery levels across the City prompted ActionSA to re-assess its position in the governing multi-party coalition of the time.

Today, we returned to these areas to assess the progress made under the leadership of ActionSA Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and her coalition team. This follows a series of engagements with Mayor Moya, during which ActionSA has had the opportunity to evaluate the government's plans to address the significant legacy of service delivery failure it inherited.

Specifically, we travelled to the following places:

1.      Rietgat Sewage Treatment Works: Since August 2021, the plant has suffered severe vandalism, leading to significant infrastructure damage and theft. On 11 August 2023, security guards were held hostage at gunpoint, and cables were stolen, disrupting operations. A new security fence has been erected, and contractors are actively replacing stolen equipment. Repairs will include restoring critical wastewater treatment systems to ensure proper functioning. The facility is projected to be fully operational by 30 June 2025. The project aims to restore wastewater treatment capacity, prevent environmental contamination, and secure long-term infrastructure stability.

2.      Soshanguve Block H: Back in September, sewage was spilling into the backyard of a resident's property here. This resident now lives with more dignity as the sewage spill has been addressed by the City.

3.      Makhaza Sports Ground: This community sports ground is located adjacent to the Saulsville cemetery, with illegal dumping on the sports ground resulting in waste blowing into the cemetery. The previous administration had not invested into the needed maintenance. The City's recent Re A Spana initiative has seen a clearing of illegal dumping on the sports ground, as well maintenance and restoration of the cemetery. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be essential to prevent future illegal dumping and ensure the site remains well-kept.

4.      Soshanguve Reservoir: Water in September 2024 resulted in water leaking down the road and concerns over infrastructure and water loss. Illegal water connections remain an ongoing challenge, as they often contribute to new leaks and system inefficiencies. The City has since resolved this matter, with all leaks being identified and water supply in the area being stabilised. The City will continue to monitor the reservoir and take action against illegal connections to ensure sustainable water management.

Notwithstanding considerable progress in a very short period of time, ActionSA is fully cognisant of the mountainous backlogs of service delivery that need to be addressed before all residents can experience the improvements noted in our visits today.

It is pleasing that Dr Nasiphi Moya, and her team, continue to tackle the difficult work with the humility of knowing how much more needs to be done. However, it is necessary to give credit where it is due, and to acknowledge that today’s visit confirms that Tshwane is moving forward for the first time in a very long time.

ActionSA commends the coalition government for their commendable efforts so far and recognize that there is still work to be done to restore Tshwane to its former glory.

Issued by ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont