Paulshof residents living near Paulshof Spruit Park, along the Braamfontein Spruit, have raised the alarm about activities taking place along the banks, alleging that gatherings involving loud prayer, ritual practices, fires, littering, and animal slaughter have become increasingly common.

During a recent visit to the site, Fourways Review met with leaders of one of the churches that regularly gather along the river for spiritual rituals. The leaders asked that they not be named or their church group, and confirmed they have been performing rituals at the location for more than 11 years.

According to the church leaders, they are aware of the complaints raised by residents and said they have tried to make adjustments to reduce the impact of their activities.

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“We know residents have raised concerns, and we have heard their cries. We have tried to make changes where we can.

We now come after 10 am because residents have previously called the police about noise early in the morning,” said one of the leaders. After the ritual, members were seen changing clothes in the open, something residents have also raised as a concern. The church leaders said they would consider measures to address this.

“We will start looking at investing in tents so that people can change privately after rituals,” the leader said.

They were also questioned about allegations of animal slaughter and littering along the riverbanks. In response, the leaders said they would take greater responsibility for cleaning up the area after gatherings.

“We don’t mean to inconvenience anyone. We are simply practising our culture and beliefs. We will try to clean up after ourselves.” However, the leaders also pointed out that their congregation is not the only group that uses the river for spiritual gatherings.

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“It is difficult for us to commit to everything because we are not the only church that comes here. Many groups use the river.” Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said while cultural and religious practices are recognised, in public spaces, participants must also respect the law, the environment, and the surrounding community.

“We have a community here that cleans the river systems every month,” he said. “We cannot be cleaning up after people who are messing. We should be removing natural debris carried by the water, not finding carcasses of dead animals.” Reddy also addressed concerns about practices such as public nudity and fires along the river.

“There have been many questions about the types of worship and the levels of nudity that residents are witnessing. While it may be accepted in some cultures, the law is clear. There is no public nudity, no fires along the river, and no bathing in the river.”

He urged groups using the river for spiritual purposes to respect both the environment and the surrounding community.

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