Historic Fochville site in danger as illegal dumping continues despite community pleas
The once-scenic veld behind the Gert van Rensburg Stadium in Fochville, Gauteng, is now an unofficial dumping ground, sparking outrage among residents. Despite multiple reports and pleas from the community, the Merafong City Local Municipality has yet to take any meaningful action.
The area, known for its quiet beauty and cultural significance, contains the ruins of ancient Sotho-Tswana settlements, which date back over 300 years. According to research conducted by archaeologist Mark Steven Anderson in his 2009 doctoral thesis at the University of Cape Town, this region was home to a thriving community that farmed, herded cattle, and accepted refugees during a turbulent period of Southern African history.
However, this vital piece of South Africa's pre-colonial heritage is now being buried beneath piles of building rubble and household waste. Shockingly, eyewitnesses have previously reported municipal vehicles contributing to the illegal dumping.
'We have asked the municipality so many times to help, but have given up because they just don't seem to want to do anything about the problem,' said Corne van der Merwe, a concerned resident. Another local, Johan Knell, highlighted the tragic irony: 'By the looks of it, thousands of people stayed here hundreds of years ago, and now no one seems to care.'
Despite being made aware of the issue last year, and again recently, the Merafong City Local Municipality has not erected 'No Dumping' signs, fenced off the area, nor enforced any waste management bylaws. Calls and queries by the local media continue to go unanswered.
Environmental degradation, public health concerns, and the irreversible loss of cultural heritage now hang in the balance.
Why This Matters
The site reflects the legacy of the Sotho-Tswana people, who lived in the area until the 1820s.
It holds archaeological significance as a potential educational and tourism asset.
Its current state could result in the permanent loss of historical artefacts and cultural knowledge.
What needs to happen
Residents are urging:
Immediate clean-up of the site.
Installation of no-dumping signs and surveillance.
Intervention from the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) or relevant government departments.
Recognition of the area as a protected heritage site.
Until such measures are taken, the community fears that a unique piece of South Africa's history may be lost forever under heaps of waste.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Historic Fochville site in danger as illegal dumping continues despite community pleas
The once-scenic veld behind the Gert van Rensburg Stadium in Fochville, Gauteng, is now an unofficial dumping ground, sparking outrage among residents. Despite multiple reports and pleas from the community, the Merafong City Local Municipality has yet to take any meaningful action. The area, known for its quiet beauty and cultural significance, contains the ruins of ancient Sotho-Tswana settlements, which date back over 300 years. According to research conducted by archaeologist Mark Steven Anderson in his 2009 doctoral thesis at the University of Cape Town, this region was home to a thriving community that farmed, herded cattle, and accepted refugees during a turbulent period of Southern African history. However, this vital piece of South Africa's pre-colonial heritage is now being buried beneath piles of building rubble and household waste. Shockingly, eyewitnesses have previously reported municipal vehicles contributing to the illegal dumping. 'We have asked the municipality so many times to help, but have given up because they just don't seem to want to do anything about the problem,' said Corne van der Merwe, a concerned resident. Another local, Johan Knell, highlighted the tragic irony: 'By the looks of it, thousands of people stayed here hundreds of years ago, and now no one seems to care.' Despite being made aware of the issue last year, and again recently, the Merafong City Local Municipality has not erected 'No Dumping' signs, fenced off the area, nor enforced any waste management bylaws. Calls and queries by the local media continue to go unanswered. Environmental degradation, public health concerns, and the irreversible loss of cultural heritage now hang in the balance. Why This Matters The site reflects the legacy of the Sotho-Tswana people, who lived in the area until the 1820s. It holds archaeological significance as a potential educational and tourism asset. Its current state could result in the permanent loss of historical artefacts and cultural knowledge. What needs to happen Residents are urging: Immediate clean-up of the site. Installation of no-dumping signs and surveillance. Intervention from the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) or relevant government departments. Recognition of the area as a protected heritage site. Until such measures are taken, the community fears that a unique piece of South Africa's history may be lost forever under heaps of waste. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Graduation celebrations or cultural chaos? Expert weighs in
Education activist slams use of traditional weapons at graduations, calling for more respectful cultural expression on university stages. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has voiced his concerns over what he describes as 'chaos masquerading as cultural celebration' on university graduation stages. Autumn graduation ceremonies for various South African universities in 2025 are scheduled between April and May. The University of Witwatersrand [Wits] undergraduate graduations took place from 25 March to 3 April 2025, while the University of Cape Town held its Autumn ceremony on 31 March to 4 April 2025. While graduations continue at other institutions throughout the year, Makaneta urged institutions to rein in disruptive traditional practices during ceremonies. Cultural celebration Makaneta on Wednesday criticised the growing trend of graduates bringing knobkerries, assegais and other traditional items onto the graduation stage. He argued that the practice poses safety concerns and undermines the dignity of the event. 'As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, it is essential to reflect on the conduct of waving knobkerries and assegais at our graduation ceremonies,' Makaneta stated. ALSO READ: Frustration mounts as higher education websites remain offline for days 'Waving knobkerries and assegais can be perceived as intimidating or threatening.' While acknowledging the importance of cultural expression, he called for a more measured approach that balances tradition with safety and decorum. 'We love African celebration, but some of the things that we see on the graduation stage are no longer celebration but chaos,' he said. Order must prevail Makaneta emphasised that the well-being of professors, guests and fellow graduates must be the top priority. He warned that traditional dances and displays of weaponry during ceremonies can cause unnecessary delays and create discomfort for other attendees. 'Our graduation ceremonies are a celebration of academic achievement and cultural diversity. 'Let us ensure that these events remain a source of pride and joy for all attendees, while also promoting a culture of respect and safety,' he said. ALSO READ: Soweto schools disrupted after student's tragic death He encouraged students to express their heritage in safer, less disruptive ways. 'We urge our graduates to reflect on their actions and consider alternative ways to celebrate their achievements. There are many ways to express cultural pride and joy without compromising safety or disrupting the ceremony,' Makaneta added. Institutional responsibility The activist also urged universities to set clear guidelines protecting the integrity of graduation ceremonies while honouring South Africa's diverse cultural backgrounds. 'Graduation should be a sacred moment. Graduates should be encouraged to respect the stage and to respect others who are waiting for their names to be called,' he said. 'Traditional dancers must also respect the families who have travelled long distances to come and witness the graduation ceremony of their child.' NOW READ: DUT denies claims of Nsfas registration portal closure
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- The Citizen
Blind SA celebrates 200 years of Braille with renewed commitment to accessibility and literacy
Blind SA celebrates 200 years of Braille with renewed commitment to accessibility and literacy As the world marks the bicentenary of Braille, Blind SA is proudly honouring the legacy and transformative power of this tactile system with a renewed call for inclusivity, literacy, and technological innovation for people with visual impairments across South Africa. Founded in 1946, Blind SA has long championed Braille as more than just a reading and writing tool but advocated for it as a vital instrument for independence, education, and equality. With deep historical roots and a progressive outlook, the organisation remains at the forefront of Braille advocacy, education, and production in the country. The Brialle manager at Blind SA, Ofentse Manyane, said that Braille is not a relic of the past but it's a bridge to the future. 'It empowers individuals to access information, engage with their communities, and live independent, meaningful lives. As we commemorate 200 years of Braille, we at Blind SA remain steadfast in our mission to make this invaluable tool accessible to all,' Ofentse said. Empowering through literacy and innovation Blind SA has long recognised literacy as a fundamental human right. Through its Braille Services department, established in 1953, the organisation produces accessible content in all eleven official South African languages. Their offerings include Braille, large print, audio formats, tactile graphics, and even 3D models. 'From accredited training programmes in Unified Braille Code to foundational tutorials offered to staff and interns, Blind SA's education initiatives aim to foster widespread Braille literacy. In the last financial year alone, the organisation trained more than 85 individuals, including educators, to further embed Braille in learning environments,' Ofentse explained. The organisation is also piloting an innovative project in partnership with the Lego Foundation and the University of Cape Town to bring Lego Braille Bricks into special schools. This playful yet powerful approach aims to ignite love for literacy from a young age, with promising early results and potential for national expansion. Ensuring access and equity Blind SA's production team of 21 dedicated staff members transcribes an array of materials from examination papers to restaurant menus into Braille, subsidising 99% of costs for blind individuals. Its commitment to making Braille affordable and available extends to publishing regular free publications such as Braillorama, The Trumpet, and the Blind SA Newsletter. Recognising the digital shift in information access, Blind SA also maintains one of South Africa's largest online libraries for visually impaired users. The Blind SA Bookshare service offers audiobooks, digital Braille, and large print files to over 700 members, providing an essential gateway to both leisure and academic resources. Preserving the past, embracing the future The Antoinette Botha Braille Museum, housed at Blind SA headquarters in Alrode, pays tribute to the tactile code's legacy through an impressive collection of historical Braille writing machines, modern embossers, tactile maps, and assistive technologies. The museum is a testament to the enduring relevance of Braille and its ongoing evolution in a digital world. As the nation reflects on 200 years since Louis Braille introduced the system that bears his name, Blind SA continues to raise awareness through public engagement, educational outreach, and community collaboration. Plans for online Braille training initiatives in the upcoming financial year promise to expand their reach even further. 'Braille is the heartbeat of Blind SA's mission. Its vitality lies in every touch and our work is dedicated to ensuring that this vital tool remains accessible and alive for generations to come,' Ofentse concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
