Latest news with #DavidFoley
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Lonehill Dam swaps green for red as new weed moves in
Lonehill Dam has been going through a bit of a colourful makeover. Just weeks after the green, choking Kariba weed was finally brought under control, a new invader, red fern, has crept onto the scene, turning concern into déjà vu for local officials and residents. The nine-week course, which started in May, to clear the water of Kariba weed using eco granules had shown real promise. 'The Kariba weed was pretty much under control,' said Ward 94 councillor David Foley. 'But we've got a new breed of weed, called red fern, that has decided to show its face here.' Once murky and green, the dam had recently become clearer, with fish and bird life returning and families beginning to look forward to a more inviting spring by the water, but now, with this fresh burst of weed growth, the dam's changing shades are raising fresh questions, and a bit of eyebrow-raising humour from residents. Also read: Lonehill Dam Kariba weed clean-up shows promising progress If the dam has gone from green to red, is it headed for orange next? Foley, however, isn't laughing. He said he's re-engaged Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, who previously brought in amphibious harvesters, to assess what can be done about the red fern. He's also reached out to eco-tab specialists, to investigate whether their purification methods can take on this new botanical challenge. Also read: Kariba weed came, saw, but didn't conquer Lonehill Dam Despite the setback, optimism remains. 'The dam is quite clear, with an abundance of fish and bird life. As soon as we get this under control, and with summer on its way, we're looking forward to spending a lot of time at the Lonehill Dam.' For now, Lonehill dam continues to change with the seasons and with the weeds. Whether it's green, red or something in between, the battle for balance in this beloved water body rolls on. City Parks' Noelene Mattera was reached out to for comment, and we will update as soon as it becomes available. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela Day tree planting initiative ends in tension over illegal tree felling
What began as a symbolic and hopeful Mandela Day morning for Ward 94 councillor David Foley quickly turned into a confrontation over urban tree protection and accountability. Foley kicked off the day planting trees at both Fourways Gardens Estate and Fourways Mall, alongside Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), part of a broader initiative to promote urban greening under the Mandela Day spirit of giving back, but, later that afternoon, while driving back with Fourways Review, Foley spotted something that brought the celebrations to a halt. Read more: Fourways Gardens Estate plant 67 trees for 67 minutes of Mandela Day Just nearby the estate, several individuals were cutting down trees. Concerned, Foley stopped his car and approached the group to clarify the legality of their actions. What followed was a tense exchange between the councillor and the property owner, who claimed the trees were damaging infrastructure and lifting the tar from the road. Foley, however, made it clear that unauthorised tree removal, especially on public property, is illegal and could carry serious consequences. 'This will be an example for many who are doing the same thing as him. You cannot cut down trees. You are breaking the law. That is the responsibility of JCPZ.' JCPZ, still active in the area for Mandela Day, were swiftly informed. Known for their fierce advocacy of green spaces, officials reacted strongly, contacting the property owner directly and requesting a formal explanation. Dr Joseph Ndou, an environmentalist from JCPZ, said a fine is now pending, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Councillor gets honoured with engraved bench
Ward 94 councillor David Foley is known for his meticulous approach to problem-solving, often going the extra mile to address residents' concerns. Now, his dedication has earned him a unique recognition, a bench at Lonehill Dog Park with his name engraved on it. This gesture is the brainchild of Jawitz Properties, a Fourways-based estate company that wanted to show appreciation for Foley's tireless efforts on July 16. 'David has been a phenomenal leader in the community and we thought this is the best way to show our community that we are grateful for what he does,' said Ashe Thaver, a candidate property practitioner at the estate company. Foley, so shy to take credit, thought it was an unnecessary gesture, but also one that got him smiling from ear to ear. 'It is not one person that makes the difference, it is the community. It is the eyes and ears that make Lonehill what it is.' Also read: Councillor Foley elated as solar-powered lights glow up Winnie Mandela Drive Foley said Lonehill is a special place, and that the gesture was totally unexpected, but very much appreciated. The bench serves as a symbol of the positive impact Foley has had on the community that he serves. Residents and dog owners alike can now sit and relax in the park, knowing that their councillor has been instrumental in making their neighbourhood a better place. 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! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Relief for Broadacres as repairs begin to transform intersection
After months of frustration, damage, and delays, long-awaited repairs at the corner of Richard and Bushwillow roads are finally making visible progress, much to the relief of Broadacres residents and motorists. What was once described as a disastrous stretch of road is now beginning to show signs of recovery, thanks to ongoing efforts by Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who was constantly calling on Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to fix it, with the support of Johannesburg Water (JW).According to Foley, the intersection has been a major concern for quite some time, plagued by deep potholes, suspected underground water issues, pipe leaks, and repeated delays to repairs due to the previous wet weather. Read more: JRA is fixing Ward 94s streets 'This intersection has been an absolute disaster for a while,' Foley said in an on-site update on July 1. 'The JRA team was back again, laying more tar. It's now a lot more drivable.' Previously, the road was in such poor condition that a truck got stuck in one of the potholes and had to be pulled out. Other vehicles weren't spared either, with one bumper even left behind as a reminder of how bad things got. 'With all the rain we were having, and the question of whether the leaks were due to groundwater or burst pipes, there were major delays,' said Foley. 'Tests had to be done to confirm the source. They confirmed that it was a pipe leak that JW needed to fix before JRA could repair the potholes, and they did.' Despite the setbacks, real progress is now being made. The second layer of tar has been applied in key areas, and the road is already much more navigable. 'There's still some curbing that needs to be done and one final layer of tar to go down. I've also asked the team to prioritise a few potholes on the Bushwillow side that are still making it tricky to enter the traffic circle.' Foley assured residents that the remaining work is being monitored closely and updates will continue as the final phases of the project wrap up. 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! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- The Citizen
Illegal advert contractors caught red-handed and stopped by JMPD
An illegal signage was being erected when Ward 94 Councillor David Foley stepped in to stop the process. The sign was being installed near the Cedar Road and Witkoppen intersection on June 28, but Foley discovered that the contractors lacked the necessary approval paperwork after he asked the contractors. That is when Foley called for assistance from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers (JMPD) from the bylaw management unit who arrived at the scene and confirmed that the sign's installation was unauthorized. Also read: Ward 93 residents vent frustrations over power, illegal taxi ranks, and informal settlements 'The contractors were subsequently instructed to dismantle the structure and leave the site, and a concrete truck that had arrived was also told to depart,' said Foley. Also read: Erected billboard on high-accident Fourways road is a deadly combo, says councillor This incident marks another instance of Foley's efforts to curb illegal signage in Ward 94, where he has reportedly stopped at least 10 to 15 signs over the past five years. Foley thanked the JMPD and Fidelity officers from the Fourways Improvement District team for their assistance. 'Illegal signage will not be tolerated in Ward 94,' said Foley, while adding that he is committed to upholding the area's regulations. 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! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
