Following years of attempts, coordinated action by multiple stakeholders has led to the complete removal of Plastic City.

Ward 97 councillor Brandon Pretorius confirmed on October 10 that 100% of the structures in the informal settlement have been removed.

He added that daily operations are set to continue in the coming months to ensure the full rehabilitation of the site.

“Since my election in 2016, I have worked closely with our community to find a lawful solution to Plastic City,” he said.

“Years of consistent work with multiple organisations, past and present, have finally gotten results to protect the safety, dignity and well-being of all Brakpan residents.

“The DA sincerely thanks our EMPD department, SAPS and all the institutions involved in this coordinated effort to uphold the rule of law and restore peace in Brakpan.

“In particular, as the councillor, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Gerhard Cilliers and Drummond Doig of AfriForum whose support and partnership made a tangible difference in achieving progress where many previous efforts failed.

“This outcome did not happen overnight. The joint operation by SAPS and the EMPD follows years of non-stop effort and multiple failed attempts to resolve the matter.

“The recent escalations in violence meant that our community needed decisive action, and this operation represents the culmination of long-term, coordinated work to restore law, order and safety to the area.”

Pretorius explained the ongoing work at Plastic City forms part of a broader 10-point rehabilitation plan, aimed at restoring the site and surrounding community fully.

This process will take time and will require continued cooperation among residents and key stakeholders, including the EMPD, SAPS, Secure Tech, the SPCA, AfriForum, Marius ‘Vlam’ van der Merwe, Tim Stephens from Rock Raceway, and others who have played a vital role in ensuring lasting progress.

“We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding the relocation of occupants from the settlement. The city’s Department of Human Settlements is providing assistance and lawful accommodation to South African citizens in need,” said Pretorius.

“It must also be noted that the settlement was predominantly occupied by individuals residing in South Africa illegally.

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“This information came to light when the DA tabled questions in parliament to demand an audit of Plastic City several years back.

“These individuals are being processed by SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs in accordance with South African law. We ask residents to remain vigilant and to report any attempts at illegal occupation of land to the police and EMPD.

“This outcome comes because of the years of our community commitment, persistence and partnership.”

He concluded by stating he will now, as the ward councillor, fight for the site’s full rehabilitation in order for a safer, more orderly Brakpan for all.

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