Residents of Paulshof in Ward 93 have reached a turning point in their long-standing battle against noise pollution, public indecency, and environmental degradation along the Braamfontein and Sandspruit riverbanks.

The area has, for the past two years, been the site of illicit worship activities, with drumming, singing, animal sacrifices, and littering disrupting the once-peaceful neighbourhood.

Albert Gumbo, former chairperson of the Paulshof Residents Association, described the situation as unbearable.

Read more: Paulshof residents demand action over Spruit Park health hazards

“We can’t take it anymore. The constant drumming, whistling, singing, and screaming have made our weekends impossible. It’s not just the noise; the nudity, the animal sacrifices, and the littering are unacceptable.”

Residents have reported dead chickens floating in the river, discarded food packaging, and other debris that threaten water quality and public health.

In a community meeting, on September 16, residents met with Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy to discuss a community-led plan to adopt and protect the river park.

The proposal focuses on regulating the area to ensure it is safe, clean, and respectful for all.

Reddy expressed strong support for the initiative. “I am fully behind the community on this effort. It’s not about targeting any particular church or group; the focus is on protecting the park and ensuring everyone can enjoy it safely.

Regulating the space, rather than pointing fingers, is the most effective way forward. Our aim is to ensure the park is safe, clean, and accessible for everyone, while respecting the need for ritual practices in a responsible and regulated way.”

The proposal, put forward during the meeting, includes adopting the park under a community oversight plan, where strict rules will regulate access and behaviour.

Among the guidelines suggested are prohibiting nudity, banning animal slaughter, and restricting the lighting of candles within the park.

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When asked which religious groups were responsible for the unregulated activities, Reddy said that is a challenge on its own.

“It’s difficult to pinpoint specific churches or groups because they are always different. Our focus is on regulating the space itself rather than targeting any one group.”

The plan also includes installing fencing around the park to control access points, which will help monitor and enforce the proposed regulations.

This measure is intended to create a safe environment for both ritual practitioners and the general public, while protecting the park’s natural resources.

Reddy said this is an ongoing effort. “This is about partnership. When residents take ownership and we provide the support and oversight needed, we can create spaces that everyone can enjoy safely.”

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