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The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Red tape blocks Garstkloof landfill redevelopment
After a decade of the Garstkloof landfill site's decommissioning, the Tshwane metro continues to claim it is still awaiting the finalisation of a closure permit for the site. Located behind a filling station and next to the so-called 'ghost mall' on the R50 Delmas Road, east of Pretoria, the site has become a persistent nuisance for nearby communities. The disused landfill, along with the adjoining Garstkloof Nature Reserve and land earmarked for future school development, has turned into a haven for criminal activity, land invasions, and environmental neglect. Since its closure in 2013 due to reaching full capacity, the site has steadily deteriorated and is now overrun by illegal recyclers, squatters, and opportunistic criminals. In 2017, large heaps of compost began smouldering at the site, sending thick smoke across the surrounding suburbs – a problem that has long distressed residents of Moreleta Park, Erasmuskloof and Wingate Park. While the metro announced plans in 2022 to transform the site into a secure, entertainment-focused development, little progress has been made. Despite the presence of a locked gate and a small double-storey building housing unarmed security guards, criminals are believed to gain access to the site with ease. The LS4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) stressed that the site continues to attract criminal elements and informal recyclers who burn waste and dump refuse, creating serious health and environmental hazards. Residents have expressed frustration that the metro's redevelopment promises remain unfulfilled. According to LS4 CPF spokesperson Shawn Fouché, the poor condition of the perimeter fencing, much of which is broken or missing, has made policing the area difficult. Fouché said this lack of adequate security infrastructure has created multiple escape routes for suspects, further complicating law enforcement efforts. Since then, the site has allegedly been a nest for those terrorising the suburbs close by, with no clear direction on how this problem will be solved. According to Fouché, moveable assets such as a flat-screen TV, wire fencing, gas cylinder bottles, construction tools, motorbikes and other household appliances have been recovered at the site during anti-crime operations. She said that during a late June operation, the CPF and police discovered and removed over 20 animal snares, highlighting their ecological value and vulnerability to illegal activity. 'We have also recovered a stolen bicycle and weed with an estimated street value of R10 000.' She confirmed that criminals are using the site as a hiding place and storage location for stolen goods, while some people have begun to reside there illegally. 'While the landfill is officially decommissioned and has shown signs of environmental neglect, its future remains uncertain.' Fouché added that complicating the situation is the pressure resulting from recent relocations in the Wolwespruit area. 'Many of those not accommodated in official relocation processes at Wolwespruit have moved onto the site, contributing to a sharp increase in illegal dwellings at both the landfill and the school grounds.' She said house break-ins in nearby residential areas have allegedly increased. Without immediate intervention, . According to Fouché, a strong call to action is needed to restore the site, as it has great potential to become a hiking trail. 'We urge the metro to secure the area by repairing fencing and equipping security personnel with the authority and tools needed to enforce the law.' She added that they are also appealing for a formalised long-term plan to rehabilitate the landfill into a public recreational hub that serves the needs of this rapidly expanding community. 'The CPF and surrounding community members see a valuable opportunity to transform the space into an outdoor recreational area that could include 4×4 trails, mountain biking routes, hiking paths, and conservation initiatives integrated with the nature reserve.' She said the adjacent land, originally designated for school development, is also under threat due to land invasion and illegal occupation. 'With rapid residential growth in the area and a severe shortage of educational and sports facilities, the community is calling on the City of Tshwane to fast-track the process of leasing this land to credible developers willing to build schools and sports infrastructure.' She said LS4 CPF has already held discussions with city representative Anton Groenwald, who confirmed the city's willingness to support such an initiative. 'Until decisive action is taken, the Garstkloof landfill and surrounding land remain a symbol of both unfulfilled potential and rising community concern.' She said, however, it is essential that these aspirations are still at the conceptual stage, so they require extensive planning and collaboration among various parties to ensure their feasibility and alignment with community needs and environmental considerations. Fouché said regular engagement with the relevant authorities, including Tshwane, is essential for fostering understanding, addressing concerns, and collectively working towards solutions that benefit the community. Terry van Zyl, who is part of the teams that patrols the sites and represents Wingate Park Residents Association (WIPRA) security village, said the conditions of the fencing makes operations difficult. 'There are so many broken fences which they use as escape routes, some lead to the nature reserve.' Van Zyl said some squatters use snares at the reserve to trap some of the animals. He claimed that there's a highest point at the landfill site where some of the alleged criminals are positioned and they can easily spot law enforcement coming to then run or hide or even stash their loot. 'If the city can fix the fence and have only one entrance and exit as a short-term measure, we can definitely confront crime, and we can capture those who terrorise local residents.' In 2022 the metro said it was looking into plans to redevelop the site. It said the site was in the final stages of decommissioning, an dthe end-use date was yet to be announced and was dependent on the lengthy process of obtaining a closure permit. It was, however, believed that the land would be developed for recreational purposes such as a golf course, nature park and walking or biking trail for public use. The metro was aware of the destitute people residing on the land and said the landfill permit does not allow people to reside inside the facility. Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the Garstkloof Landfill Site is awaiting finalisation of a closure permit for rehabilitation. 'The redevelopment of the facility can only be done once a closure permit with the recommended end use plan is issued.' Bokaba said the facility has day and night security. 'Furthermore, all other criminal activities taking place around the facility are being monitored through the police, CPF and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).' He said the city has established law enforcement and landfill invasion committees to address the growing presence of informal recyclers and land invasion. 'Rehabilitation of the facility awaits a closure permit. Any further development will be undertaken once a closure permit has been issued.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. 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IOL News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Neethling Fouché on Bok debut: I just focused on not falling when we ran onto the field
Bok newcomer Neethling Fouché (right) celebrates winning the Qatar Airways Cup with fellow debutants Vincent Tshituka (middle) and Asenathi Ntlabakanye (left) in Cape Town on Saturday after the Springboks defeated the Barbarians. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers It wasn't easy to control his emotions when he ran onto the field and sang the national anthem in his first-ever international match for South Africa. But one thing Neethling Fouché controlled was not stumbling as he was running out at the DHL Stadium, like his prop mate Asenathi Ntlabakanye did when the Springboks faced the Barbarians on Saturday. Fouché came on as a substitute shortly after halftime in what he describes as being 'a dream come true'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Springboks beat the Baabaas 54-7 and laid the perfect foundation for the rest of the season as they head into three Tests in July, a double against Italy and one against Georgia. 'You know, you watch the Springboks and dream of playing for them one day, I got to do it,' Fouché said. 'It was unbelievable. I had to walk a bit of a gravel road to get here, but I just tried to soak it in. Yes, it was a Barbarians game, and the score was high, but it was really physical out there. 'When I ran out ahead of the national anthem, I just didn't want to fall like Asa. If you didn't see that, just go and check the highlights,' Fouché laughingly said. 'That was my first focus running out. After that, it was difficult to control your emotions when you sing your national anthem. My entire family was here for the game. As soon as I heard I was playing, they booked plane tickets, all the way from Rustenburg. It truly was a dream come true.' While it was an unofficial match, Fouché, alongside newcomers flanker Vincent Tshituka, Ntlabakanye, and hooker Marnus van der Merwe, acquitted themselves well of their tasks. Head coach Rassie Erasmus was pleased with their performances but said that there is room for improvement from the entire team. Fouché said he wasn't too focused on his performance, but more on what the team required of him. If he did that and achieved the team's goal, he was happy with his time on the field. 'Coach Rassie always tells us that you should not think about yourself when pulling the Springbok jersey over your head. We must think about South Africa and our teammates. I will always look to improve my game and will never be happy with everything. For me, there is always something I want to do better. 'But as long as I could contribute to the team in my own way. Every day you are with the Springboks is a massive privilege. You say thank you to the Great Man above to be part of this setup and that is how I will take this on, day by day.' On walking a longer journey than normal to get to the top, the 32-year-old said biding his time paid off in the end.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Out of the ‘naughty corner', Neethling Fouché warns Stormers about Cardiff threat
Neethling Fouché Stormers tighthead prop Neethling Fouché will be back in action this week. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Stormers tighthead Neethling Fouché had a welcome break from rugby duties, but upon completion of his tackling school and nappy responsibilities, he is ready to get stuck in with the dirty work ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs. He will be back in contention for the Cape side when they take on Cardiff on Friday at the Cape Town Stadium (7pm start) after the red card against Ulster for a head-high tackle. In his absence, the junior props of the Stormers showed their mettle. But after a few weeks away, Fouché will be looking to regain the scrummaging form he had before the enforced 'off time'. 'It is nice to be out of the naughty corner,' Fouché jokingly said this week. 'My wife made use of it. There were a lot of nappies at home that had to be changed. She saw it as a chance for her to (put me to work). But all jokes aside, I think, you just miss it. 'You sit here on weekends and you try and put a smile on your face, but the competitor inside you wants to be on the field. 'You are training every week, but you don't get to go out on the field at the weekend. 'I think just getting back a massive appreciation for what we have, playing for the Stormers week in and week out, sometimes you take that for granted. 'I really missed it, and I'm glad to be back.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Tighthead Sazi Sandi, the retired Brok Harris and youngster Zachary Porthen stood in for Fouché, and he was pleased with how they anchored the Stormers' scrum. While he is back to take a leading role, he knows that the jersey is safe should he be unavailable going forward. 'That is the thing about the Stormers. There are always new guys coming through. I thought Sazi did really well in our absence,' Fouché said. 'Frans (Malherbe) is also not here, and then Brokkie (Harris) fell, so Sazi did really well. 'And Vernon (Matongo) showed everyone what I have always thought of him in that he is going to be a very big loosehead in South African rugby. 'And also, it has been nice to see a veteran like Ali Vermaak, who has been playing for 43 years now – it is nice to have him just stabilising everything.' He had some nervous moments next to the field when his team faced Connacht, but according to the tighthead, watching the last two games, where they blew Benetton and the Dragons off the field, were a breeze. He wasn't at the stadium during the duel with Connacht, but sat at home watching it with a pillow in front of his face. Last round before the @Vodacom #URC play-offs and last chance to play in front of our fans. It's going to be a Friday night to remember! 🎟️ Get your tickets here #iamastormer — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 14, 2025 The Stormers won after a try in the dying minutes by the Irish club was ruled out. He says it will be vital to maintain winning momentum ahead of the playoffs, looking at Friday's clash. 'There can't be complacency. The best team that can go out and to the job will be selected,' Fouché said. 'And it is our responsibility: to leave the jersey in a better place for the generations behind us. 'We did not go and sit and do maths about where a win would see us end up on the log. A special night for many reasons. Take a look behind the scenes of our home win against Dragons RFC. Watch the full Unfiltered feature on Stormers TV — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 14, 2025 'This game will be a playoff for Cardiff, and we have seen they rested some of their big names and played them off the bench against the Bulls, and that could be an indication of what we can expect over the weekend. 'We will not underestimate how desperate they will be to win here. 'I can't remember when Cardiff last made the playoffs, so they will be hungry to qualify. We can't take this game lightly. 'We don't like to reflect on the past, but Cardiff beat us last year and the season before, and they have a few SA players there that will feed them some info on us.'
