Latest news with #SarahMabotsa
TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
How two Gauteng municipalities fight contravention of bylaws — and support SMMEs willing to comply
The mushrooming of illegally built structures, particularly homes and plots converted into business premises without municipal approval in Kempton Park, Pomona and Bredell, is one of the biggest challenges in the City of Ekurhuleni. Businesspeople and the city are caught in this challenge as offending companies face penalties ranging from R500 to R5,000 per day for contravening bylaws. Some of the businesses' fines have accumulated to between R150,000 and R300,000. The City of Tshwane is also faced with this challenge. Its built environment and enforcement division issues, on average, about 84 contravention notices per month to businesses operating without approved land use rights. Tshwane economic development and spatial development MMC Sarah Mabotsa said if businesses fail to comply with the contravention notices matters are referred to court for prosecution. 'Contravention notices are also issued for illegal structures, and if there is a failure to comply with national building regulations, the matter is referred to court for prosecution. 'Where properties are being used for non-permitted land use, in addition to contravention notices and court action, which can sometimes result in demolition orders, the city is also able to charge those landowners with a punitive rates charge until the situation is rectified or the property is rezoned for the correct land use activity,' she said.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Gauteng officials urge national disaster declaration for Centurion's sinkhole crisis
Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, visited a newly formed sinkhole in Centurion, accompanied by City of Tshwane MMCs Sarah Mabotsa and Kholofelo Morodi. Image: Supplied The Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department is collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Development (GDID) and the City of Tshwane to address the growing sinkhole crisis in Centurion by seeking national assistance to rehabilitate affected areas. Cogta MEC Jacob Mamabolo announced on X after visiting a newly formed sinkhole in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, that the three parties are in the process of compiling a detailed report on the Centurion sinkhole situation. He said the objective for putting together a comprehensive report was to secure resources from the national government to rehabilitate the affected areas. He explained that the work of the technical and professional teams from GDID is crucial in assessing the full extent of sinkhole damage in the area. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Over the past few years, 63 sinkholes have formed in this area alone, posing serious risks to infrastructure, safety, and development. Accurate assessments are the first step toward meaningful intervention,' he said. Tshwane MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, who was with Mamabolo, confirmed 63 sinkholes in the area. However, she noted it was challenging to provide a timeline for addressing the issue due to various factors. 'At this stage, we have tried to ensure that the communities are aware. We tried to make their lives a little bit comfortable by making sure we cordon off the sinkhole (in Lyttelton Manor) and making the arrangements for them to have access to water and electricity,' she said. She reiterated that the city has made a call for the sinkhole issue to be declared a national disaster, which would unlock financial assistance from the national government. 'When we had 55 sinkholes, we estimated that we needed about R250 million. So, that cost has gone up now because we are on sinkhole number 63,' she said. She also said the area is an old town with deteriorated infrastructure, and that water leaks are significantly exacerbating the problem. 'I think in the past, Tshwane was not investing in infrastructure. We were spending 2% of the budget, and that is against the Treasury recommendation. So, there is a need for us to invest in the infrastructure,' she said. Earlier this year, Morodi reported that the municipality faced a budget shortfall of over R180 million, despite allocating R14.7 million to address the sinkhole crisis in Centurion. Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo previously said the city had formally asked the National Disaster Management Centre to declare the sinkhole issue in Tshwane a national disaster. The national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson, Legadima Leso, has not responded to questions about whether the National Disaster Management Centre will declare the Tshwane sinkhole issue a national disaster.
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Locals disagree on ‘Tshwane is safest metro in SA'
Locals disagree on 'Tshwane is safest metro in SA' The Tshwane metro has welcomed findings of an independent national study that ranked it the safest metropolitan city in South Africa, but not everyone agrees. The 2024 State of Urban Safety in South Africa report, published by the South African Cities Network (SACN), named Tshwane as the country's safest major city, citing rigorous data analysis to assess crime and safety levels across metros. MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa, said the city welcomes the finding, which was backed by more than just 'internal data or wishful thinking'. 'We welcome the confirmation that Tshwane is South Africa's safest city. The safety data from the Tshwane Tourism Association is verified by this fully independent national report,' said Mabotsa. However, residents, security companies and local councillors questioned the report's reflection of day-to-day reality. Ian Fuller, a resident of Pretoria east, was quick to dismiss the accolade. 'Safety and security are being able to walk freely and knowing police officers are visible and applying laws,' he said. 'You will not see police officers in Tshwane.' He pointed to the lack of basic infrastructure, like working streetlights and sidewalks, as evidence of deeper safety issues. 'If it wasn't for residents' exterior lights, we'd have to walk with torches,' Fuller added. 'I can't even let my son cycle to school because it's unsafe.' Private security companies in Tshwane said community-driven patrols were doing the heavy lifting. Gerhard Rossouw, operations manager at CSI Security, said crime has improved, but that was largely due to their patrol efforts. 'We patrol our areas until 05:00. Without the patrols, there is no safety,' said Rossouw. Roelie Hendriks, a director at Alpha Security, said it's relatively safe during the day for tourists, but the situation changes after dark. 'We do free patrols from 23:00 to 05:00. If we didn't, there would be far more break-ins,' said Hendriks. He mentioned recent incidents in The Willows where patrollers had to chase down suspects involved in house burglaries. 'We, as communities, are the ones implementing safety. That's the only reason it feels safe.' Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller expressed doubt about Tshwane's top ranking. 'If Tshwane is the safest, then the country must be in a terrible state,' she said. Muller noted a recent phone-snatching in broad daylight. She also said students in Hatfield live in constant fear both day and night. 'The crime rate is high. There is no two ways about it,' said Muller. 'Cable theft had returned in areas like Menlo Park.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane Tourism Association and City of Tshwane join forces to boost local tourism
Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning has hailed the City's partnership with Tshwane Tourism Association to promote local tourism. Image: Supplied/City of Tshwane The partnership between the Tshwane Tourism Association and the City of Tshwane will see both entities marketing the Metro as a vibrant and globally relevant destination to boost the local tourism industry. This was the sentiment expressed by both parties after recently signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing, growing, and promoting Tshwane's tourism industry. The Tshwane Tourism Association represents over 200 members, covering various tourism and hospitality sectors including accommodations, tour operators, events, and culinary experiences. Susan Marais, association chairperson, said: 'This diversity reflects our city's richness of offerings for visitors. Tshwane is a vibrant, globally relevant destination. Through tourism, there is the potential to generate significant economic spin-offs for local small businesses as well as the expansion of the market for our creative and cultural products.' She added that besides being a top tourist destination, Tshwane is also notably the safest metro in South Africa by a significant margin. Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, pointed out that a report titled the 2024 State of Urban Safety in South Africa published by the South African Cities Network confirmed that Tshwane is the country's safest metro city. The tourism association also pointed to Statistics South Africa surveys showing Tshwane residents feel safer walking in their neighbourhoods at night compared to residents in other major cities. Mabotsa said the MoU highlights the tourism sector, particularly meetings, incentives, conferences, and events, as a key area for creating more jobs in Tshwane. She noted that visitor safety is an important aspect for potential tourists to consider when evaluating a destination's appeal. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ She highlighted Tshwane's attractions, including Dinokeng, Gauteng's only Big 5 Game Reserve, which draws international and local visitors, supporting small businesses in nearby Hammanskraal. 'We also have lots of other exciting offerings for guests. Tshwane visitors can choose from a variety of township and inner-city tours, adventure activities, self-drive tours to local reserves, the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and other cultural and historic attractions,' she said. She mentioned that visitors can explore attractions like the historic mining town of Cullinan, where the world's largest diamond was discovered, and the Union Buildings, home to a large statue of the late President Nelson Mandela.
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tshwane is SA's safest metro
The Tshwane metro has welcomed an independent study naming it the safest metropolitan city in South Africa. The 2024 State of Urban Safety in SA report, published by the South African Cities Network (SACN), claims to use rigorous, data-driven methodology to assess the safety levels of SA's major cities. The findings place Tshwane at the top of the list, declaring it the country's safest major metro. MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, welcomed the findings, saying it relies on more than 'internal data or wishful thinking'. 'We welcome the confirmation that Tshwane is South Africa's safest city. The Tshwane Tourism Association's safety figures are verified by this fully independent national report.' According to Mabotsa, the report is based on a range of indicators, most notably homicide rates, and draws on public data from sources including the police and Statistics South Africa. She said it has been designed to offer cities and their residents a clear, comparative view of urban safety and be free from political spin. 'Importantly, the SACN does not operate under municipal or political structures, ensuring the report's independence. Its findings are widely regarded as a reliable benchmark across the public and private sectors.' Supporting the findings of the SACN report, surveys by StatsSA also indicate that residents of Tshwane feel safer walking their neighbourhoods at night than residents of other major South African cities. In April, the metro and the Tshwane Tourism Association signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost tourism collaboration. A key part of this agreement is focused on promoting safety, visitor confidence and economic opportunities, especially in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) sector. 'The tourism sector, and specifically the MICE component, has been identified as a sector that can create much more employment in Tshwane,' said Mabotsa. She said the metro has a lot to offer, and now, safety is something it can confidently promote. Based on international data from the United States in 2021, Tshwane is statistically as safe as cities like Newark or Chicago and safer than Cincinnati, Atlanta, Washington DC and New Orleans. 'Tshwane has its challenges like any other city, but we must tell the full, data-backed story,' said Mabotsa. She added that visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, from the 90 000-hectare Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve in the north to township and city tours, local nature reserves, cultural landmarks, and historic sites like the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, and the Union Buildings. The multiparty coalition government in Tshwane also committed to a far-reaching economic revitalisation strategy. 'We're aiming to add at least 80 000 jobs to the city's economy by 2029,' Mabotsa said. Mabotsa said tourism is one of the top priority sectors. 'To our local and international visitors, we say: Welcome to South Africa's safest city. 'Not only do we have a lot to offer you, but your visit helps create jobs and opportunities. Thank you. Baie dankie. Kea leboga. Inkomu, Nkosi.' Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association, Susan Marais, welcomed the report as validation of what many in the local tourism industry already knew. 'Tshwane offers not just an abundance of attractions, but also a comparatively safer experience for visitors.' Marais said it is a vibrant, globally relevant destination. She added it represents over 200 members, from tour operators and accommodation providers to event venues and culinary experiences. 'Safety is a critical part of what makes a destination attractive, and this report confirms what our visitors are already experiencing.' To see the independent report, click on the following link: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
