Crime and infrastructure concerns dominate industrial open day

The East Rand Industrialists Association (ERIN) brought together law enforcement agencies, business owners, and representatives from the City of Ekurhuleni for an open day on May 5, aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving service delivery in key industrial zones.

ERIN represents businesses operating in the Spartan and Isando industrial areas, aiming to unite stakeholders to address challenges affecting the region.

The association believes that a stronger, unified voice will improve engagement with the municipality and drive better outcomes in infrastructure, safety and service delivery.

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 According to ERIN chairperson Marius Swanepoel, the initiative was driven by growing concerns around ongoing service delivery issues affecting businesses in the area.

“The main driver was the growing concern around service delivery in Spartan and Isando,” said Swanepoel.

“Frequent power outages caused by cable theft, rising crime, illegal dumping and poor road conditions are all impacting businesses daily.”

He added that issues such as the informal occupation of open spaces near Barnard Stadium and the golf course have further contributed to challenges in the area.

Swanepoel said that while businesses consistently report issues through official channels, there is frustration over the perceived lack of meaningful resolution.

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Businesses are often provided with reference numbers and informed that matters have been resolved, even when only partial work has been completed,” he said.

He warned that declining infrastructure and service delivery in major industrial zones could negatively affect investor confidence and economic growth.

“Spartan and Isando are key economic contributors, and their condition reflects directly on investor confidence,” he said.

Issues raised include potholes, non-functioning traffic lights, broken streetlights, illegal dumping, waste accumulation and unmanaged street activity.

The Open Day brought together businesses, representatives from City of Ekurhuleni departments, the metro police, SAPS and private security companies.

Security firms, including Jungle Boys Security and Moto-Track Recovery Services,, presented technological solutions to combat crime and infrastructure theft.

Jungle Boys Security Director Pieter Ferreira said the area faces ongoing threats, including cable theft, infrastructure sabotage, business robberies and hijackings.

Moto-Track Recovery Services Director Horance Pizer highlighted challenges such as vehicle theft, limited real-time visibility and delayed incident response, noting that technology-driven systems could improve recovery and monitoring.

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Discussions focused on practical solutions, improved coordination and faster response times to incidents affecting businesses.

The City of Ekurhuleni customer care manager for Kempton Park, Makhosazana Dhladhla-Mbatha, acknowledged concerns raised by businesses while highlighting municipal efforts.

She said departments are working to address illegal dumping and road maintenance, but appealed for patience due to operational turnaround times.

“We will continue to patch potholes and attend to road markings as we approach winter,” she said.

ERIN said it remains committed to fostering partnerships between businesses, law enforcement and local government to create a safer and more sustainable industrial environment.

The association confirmed that further engagements will follow to ensure that discussions are translated into practical action and long-term solutions.

ERIN emphasised that collaboration, accountability and consistent action are essential to restoring confidence in the area and supporting future economic growth.