Residents of Atlasville have cautiously welcomed the City of Ekurhuleni’s latest commitments to address ongoing safety and sanitation issues at the Atlasville Spruit Park.

Many, however, remain unconvinced that the promised interventions will be effectively implemented or sustained.

This emerged during a recent community meeting at the Atlasville Tennis Club, attended by residents, ward councillor Gerald Goslin, and other stakeholders, during which frustrations, concerns, and guarded optimism were voiced in equal measure.

While the city outlined a multi-pronged approach involving increased law enforcement, social intervention and long-term housing plans, several residents said past experience has left them sceptical.

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‘A losing battle’

One of the residents, Angelique Prinsloo, said that although she appreciates the councillor’s efforts, the situation has escalated beyond simple homelessness.

“I still feel we are in a losing battle because the growing problem over the years has gotten worse and worse, and in my opinion, there is really a criminal element to this that is not being addressed,” she said.

Prinsoo called for stronger involvement from law enforcement agencies, including EMPD and SAPS, and suggested that community members be empowered to play a more active role in safeguarding the area.

“We are happy to step in, but we need to do so within the law. If there are structured initiatives that allow us to assist without overstepping, that could help create a ripple effect in improving safety,” she added.

Long-term frustration

Long-time resident Jet Smit, who has lived in the area for over 25 years, said the current situation is part of a broader pattern of recurring issues.

“I’ve had a number of robberies over the years and have seen various efforts from councillors and community groups. The latest issue is the vagrants who have moved into the area,” he said.

Smit added that while concerns remain, the meeting itself provided some reassurance.

“The promises made tonight may or may not succeed, but for now, there is at least a sense of safety. We need more engagements like this,” he said.

Smit also raised concerns about hygiene, pointing out that the spruit has effectively become an open toilet due to a lack of public facilities.

“There are no public toilets, so where do they go? We can smell it from our homes. While people are trying to help the homeless, it attracts more individuals, and the community cannot sustain that,” he said.

Calls for accountability

A recurring theme during the meeting was accountability. Residents questioned how the metro would ensure its plans are carried out, particularly given the ongoing resource constraints officials frequently cite.

One resident asked directly: “How realistic is it that these resolutions will be executed, and what role can the community play in holding the city accountable?”

In response, Goslin acknowledged both the positive engagement and the scepticism.

“This has been a very constructive meeting. We’ve received a strong response from the city in terms of enforcing bylaws and being proactive,” he said.

He added that community involvement would be key to ensuring progress.

“At the end of the day, working hand in hand with the municipality is going to be important. We must hold them accountable,” said Goslin.

The councillor expressed hope that a significant portion of the city’s commitments would be implemented.

“They are committed to what they have promised, and we are hoping that at least 80% of it will be executed,” he said.

Enforcement vs reality

Despite the outlined plans, some residents remain doubtful that enforcement measures alone will resolve the issue.

Prinsoo argued that planned installation of signage and warnings would have a limited impact.

“They can promise what they like, but this is not just homelessness. There is a criminal element here, and the only way it will stop is through proper law enforcement,” she said.

She also questioned whether specialised units would have the capacity to sustain operations, citing longstanding resource shortages.

Alternative solutions debated

Residents also revisited the idea of enclosing the area to control access. However, this option appears unlikely due to practical and regulatory challenges.

Key concerns include the presence of main roads and nearby businesses, as well as differing views within the community.

Some pointed out that previous attempts to implement such measures have also failed.

Balancing hope and doubt

Despite differing views, several residents expressed appreciation for the councillor’s efforts in arranging the meeting and escalating the matter.

While the city’s intervention plan has brought a renewed sense of hope, many agree that its success will depend on consistent enforcement, adequate resources and ongoing community involvement.

For now, Atlasville residents remain watchful – encouraged by the promises made, but waiting to see whether meaningful and lasting change will finally materialise.

Key measures announced for Atlasville Spruit Park
• 14-day assessment: Count, profile and assess the needs of people in the park.
• Daily patrols: EMPD to enforce bylaws during peak times.
• Weekly operations: Specialised teams to monitor and intervene.
• Monthly blitzes: Large-scale crackdowns on crime and nuisance behaviour.
• New signage: By-law signs to be installed within 30 days.
• Joint response: Multiple city departments tackling safety and homelessness.
• Shelter plan: Benoni facility in the pipeline (target: 2028).
• Future housing: Proposed Pomona development under review.

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