Latest news with #CRUM
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- The Citizen
City's service delivery operation slammed by residents
The Strydom Park Ratepayers Association (SPRA) is not pleased with the city's High Impact Service Delivery (HISD) Operation that took place on July 30 on the corner of CR Swart Dr and Fabriek Street. Led by the Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) region B and other stakeholders, including SAPS, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), City Parks, and PikitUp, it aimed to clear illegal dumping and remove homeless and waste pickers from around the spruit. Karolynn van Vuuren, chairperson of the association, said that while they appreciate the effort and the presence of multiple stakeholders during yesterday's clean-up, it lacked leadership and coordination. Nearly an hour was lost to inefficiency, and the initiative's momentum suffered as a result. 'If we are to take these operations seriously, JMPD needs to step up, either by being better resourced or rethinking its deployment priorities.' She further stated that the operation, unfortunately, made very little visible difference in the area. Also read: Randburg Customer Service Centre returns after two-year closure 'While we saw brief activity, much remains untouched and unresolved. It's disheartening, and it underscores a painful reality: the city's service efforts are not just lacking, they are insufficient. We're being offered crumbs to placate taxpayers, while fundamental issues persist and deepen.' She added that these blitz-style clean-ups, held once or twice a year, do little to maintain safety or sustainability. Illegal activities resumed almost immediately after the operation. 'Without consistent and strategic follow-through, these events become token gestures rather than genuine solutions. What we need is ongoing monitoring and dedicated enforcement, not these sporadic interventions that give infringers a six-month holiday from scrutiny.' The SPRA is calling on residents and property owners to go beyond simply supplementing city services. Also read: Region B CRUM continues with service delivery campaign around Randburg 'It's time we take full ownership of what the city fails to do. Whether through financial contribution or time investment, community-driven action is no longer a nice-to-have; it's an urgent necessity. The state of our greenbelts, roads, and drains demands more than photo opportunities and fleeting initiatives. We need persistent care, proactive enforcement, and unified local involvement.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Region B director is ready to accelerate service delivery
Marking a year as director for Region B, Sello Lemao reflected on his journey so far. A journey through collaboration and a vision to deliver services across Johannesburg's Region B. Read more: High impact service delivery transformation in Region B Lemao, who took the mantle on May 1 2024, spent the year, not just fixing potholes or maintaining parks, but establishing connections between the city and its residents, particularly in the north, where expectations are high. 'The majority in the north are the highest taxpayers. For that, you need service delivery. The issues in that area consist of open spaces and by-law enforcement, coupled with park invasions. We see that, in many cases, community members step up to take action themselves, so, it is only fair if we meet them halfway.' Lemao is particularly proud of the partnerships with residents' associations, as he values their vision for better service delivery. 'I've always said, from day one: I want to work closely with ward councillors and residents' associations,' he said. Also read: Region B residents engage on 2025/26 draft IDP He added that the region's real strength lies in its stakeholders, who are willing to collaborate with them. This collaborative spirit, Lemao says, is what has helped move Region B into what he calls its: 'Acceleration phase'. 'We've gained experience over the past year, and now, we're going to accelerate. We have the mechanisms, such as Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) and accelerated service delivery, and with our high impact service delivery in place, we're working with multiple entities to tackle issues in various wards. Today, we can tell you where a pothole needs to be patched before it even becomes a complaint.' He added that the relationship between the city and residents is mutual. When communities are engaged, service delivery is sharper. 'In areas where the community is active, issues are reported and resolved much quicker, but in areas where there's little engagement, problems, like potholes, linger longer than they should. We want the residents to tell us where the problems are. We're ready to respond.' Lemao admitted that there is still a lot to do, but he believes that his department is on the right track, and ready to move forward to improve service delivery in Region B. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: City officials identify key issues in Region B during recent site inspection At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
Windsor East Courtyard remains a problem
The Courtyard building on Earls Avenue, Windsor East, remains standing, continuing to be a drug den, despite meeting all requirements to be classified as a problem property, as per the Problem Property By-Law Section 7. Read more: Small courtyards ideas for all seasons Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs has been escalating the issue, but faces problems getting it addressed. Several city officials have visited the hazardous and dangerous property, yet with no resolution. She explained that the property has been a significant source of concern since before 2016. Despite numerous attempts to address the matter, the situation remains unresolved. 'The legislation has to be looked at again. At the moment every entity is saying that it's not their problem, including the owners, and this is what we are left with. My concern, however, is not only the lack of action and accountability from the entities, but also that this is a problem property in terms of the problem property by-law. No entity, despite having been made aware of this matter years ago, has made any attempt to declare it a problem property, and taken the necessary action in terms of penalisation.' She added that the city, and residents, spent a substantial amount of money in cleaning up around the property. She confirmed that the property has been abandoned by its owners, many of whom are traceable, but have refused to take responsibility. Some units remain bank-owned, with no intervention or accountability shown by the financial institutions involved. Also read: Region B CRUM continues with service delivery campaign around Randburg 'No municipal services have been paid,' Jacobs said. 'Including rates and taxes. Water and electricity were disconnected years ago. The premises is being used for illegal activities, including the operation of a scrap yard and serving as a drug den. The property is a source of rat infestation and ongoing public dissatisfaction. City resources are being repeatedly deployed to clean up this property, at the expense of other service needs.' The building was a focal point in the recent clean-up by the City of Johannesburg's Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region B and other city departments, during the high impact service delivery initiative. CRUM regional director Sello Lemao explained that, in terms of the building control and by-laws, the building was condemned. 'To be able to demolish the building, on our side, we have to actually obtain the demolition order. That process that is led by Group Forensics and Investigation Service (GFIS). When I came in as regional director, I found that there had been an order, but that order was not executed, simply because GFIS had to do other due diligence as the building belonged to people. They have done a lot and have gone deeper to actually find the owners.' He added now that he is director, he is following up on the new order. 'The new information that I've got is that everything is in place, and that the building, at some point, will be demolished. I want to demolish the building. I'm going to follow up to ensure that this time around, the building is demolished.' GFIS were sent questions about the demolition order, but had not replied by the time of print. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Windsor residents receive valuable information At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Region B CRUM continues with service delivery campaign around Randburg
The City of Johannesburg department of Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) Region B continues with its high impact services delivery campaign in Wards 98 and 99. Read more: Randburg Service Delivery Centre collection drive aims to recover over R30m by disconnecting City Power customers who aren't paying CRUM, with various other city departments, such as: Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA), social development, building control, environmental health, and others, took over Windsor East, fixing potholes, cleaning, and checking some of the buildings. The Windsor area has been left behind, battling with numerous challenges. During the campaign, roads in the area got painted and signs were installed. Illegal operating schools were visited, and notices were issued. Old buildings were cleaned and social development profiled homeless individuals, making efforts in linking them to shelters, and facilitating reunification with families where possible. Among other findings, were creches and day cares that are operating without registrations, and not in suitable buildings. An illegal school, which comprises a primary and high school, was found in one of the complexes in Windsor East. They were issued a notice by Environmental Health Services for non-compliance with the school health regulation. Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs welcomed the campaign. 'As a councillor, I serve as the voice of my community. The challenges my residents face are regularly raised on the platforms available to me, namely in regional ward councillor forums and committees. When these long-standing concerns are finally acknowledged, through interventions like the high impact service delivery initiative, it is welcomed.' She further stated that these measures are temporary, but they are a step in the right direction, and a sign that persistent advocacy can lead to action. 'This is not a sustainable method for service delivery. Sustainability lies in two critical areas: Residents taking ownership of their environment, and the municipality implementing a structured, long-term maintenance plan. Also read: Fontainebleau resident hopes for better service delivery 'Operations like this play an important role in highlighting and recording ongoing service delivery challenges. They also serve to educate the public on the scale of the municipal issues faced.' This is the third week of the campaign, and the second week spent fixing some of the challenges around the Randburg area. Region B CRUM director Sello Lemao explained that this campaign means that they will be doing things differently. 'This programme, was actually started in Region F. If you were to go there, you would have seen that there's a lot that has been done. From bad buildings, to all those illegalities in that city. My region has been neglected a bit and has many challenges, especially when it comes to service delivery.' He added that Region B is where there are high-rate payers and most of the amenities, or facilities, of the City of Johannesburg. 'The city has been decaying and not been doing well in service delivery. It is time the city also focuses on this region. I have to bring up resources, and focus on this region in different wards weekly. We need to see sustainable service delivery.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Resident concerned about lack of service delivery At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
How Brixton's hidden history mirrors modern struggles
In the heart of Brixton, a building with a storied past has taken on a new, darker role. Back in the 1990s, this spot was known as a busy butchery for Brixton Meat, a place where locals gathered for fresh cuts and community vibes. Over the years, its purpose has shifted dramatically. Today, the same building is believed to be a hub for illegal trading, a shadowy spot where illicit activities thrive beneath the surface of the vibrant neighbourhood. Read more: Reviving the Brixton community through sports This transformation is part of a broader story about urban change, struggle, and the ongoing efforts to restore order. Recently, in Ward 87, a tip-off from a concerned resident prompted a multi-agency operation involving Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM), Environmental Health, Building Control, Town Planning, EMS, JMPD, and City Power. Their mission: To investigate and clamp down on illegal trading and other service delivery issues plaguing the area. Regional director of Region B Sello Lemao emphasised that this operation is part of a larger initiative called the high impact service delivery initiative. 'This programme is designed to address all the service issues that affect residents, from malfunctioning streetlights and potholes, to illegal connections and illegal trading,' Lemao explained. 'We're bringing all the relevant departments together to work as one, instead of in silos, to get real results.' @caxtonjoburgnorth Once a bustling butchery for Brixton Meat in the '90s, now a secret spot for illegal trading, this place's story is wild. From meat to mystery, the streets never sleep. BrixtonVibes UrbanLegends SecretStories ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North Also read: When nightfall sets in Brixton The story of the Brixton building echoes the city's ongoing battle to keep neighbourhoods safe and well-maintained. What was once a symbol of local enterprise has become a reminder of the challenges authorities face in tackling illegal activities and urban decay. But with co-ordinated efforts and community involvement, there's hope that these spaces can be reclaimed, restoring their original purpose and the community's trust. As Brixton continues to evolve, stories like these highlight the importance of proactive urban management and the power of joined government efforts to turn the tide on illegal trading and urban neglect. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Brixton SAPS faces rising common robberies At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
