Listen to the conversation below
Paulshof residents rise against suburban decline – OMNY.fm
Paulshof residents growing concerns – Primedia Plus
John chats to Albert Gumbo, a longtime resident and former chairperson of the Paulshof Residents and Ratepayers Association. Residents claim that crime, lawlessness, and bylaw violations are getting out of hand, and a growing community-led petition urges the City of Johannesburg to act immediately.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Decline in quality of life: Residents highlight a rapid deterioration marked by lawlessness and a rise in various problems
- Illegal and disruptive activities along the riverbanks (Braamfontein & Sandspruit spruits):
- Loud spiritual rituals (drums, shouting), noise pollution
- Animal slaughter with carcasses left behind
- Litter waste, posing environmental and health risks
- Unattended fires, raising fire-safety concerns
- Public nudity during rituals
- Expanding informal settlements along the riverbanks:
- Linked directly to increased crime (theft, break-ins)
- Illegal informal businesses operating (reinforced concrete manufacture, waste recycling)
- Occupation of sensitive land without waste management
- Illegal hawkers and street traders, especially along Witkoppen Road:
- Operating without permits
- Contributing to litter, public drinking, and general disorder
- Taxi-related traffic violations:
- Illegal U-turns, red-light violations, parking on sidewalks, wrong-side driving
- Inaction by visible Metro police
- Toxic fumes and environmental damage from informal recycling:
- Burning plastics to extract metals, releasing hazardous fumes
- Polluting river and green spaces with litter
- Petition and political recognition:
- A petition is calling for urgent intervention from city and provincial authorities
- Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokopa visited residents ~3 weeks ago, supports the petition, and emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement
Please sign the formal petition here – Enforcement of Bylaws in Paulshof & Surrounds
The petition outlines specific demands for enforcement and accountability:
- Immediate intervention at riverbanks—to enforce noise, pollution, decency, and fire laws.
- Enforcement action against informal settlements—plus increased policing to curb crime.
- Regular removal of illegal hawkers and associated disorder.
- Zero-tolerance traffic enforcement targeting taxis by Metro police.
- Investigation and halting of illegal burning and polluting by informal recyclers.
