TZANEEN – Tzaneen residents are up in arms about homeless people illegally occupying parks.

One resident posted photos of people who had built ‘houses’ with boxes and refuse bags at a park in Park Street, making fires in the evening to keep warm and cook.

“These people do not understand that we are paying thousands in rates and taxes. It is an open park. They are making this a third-world suburb and have no understanding,” said one resident.

She also wanted to know if the municipality is doing anything about it.

Herald contacted Ward 15 councillor Chrizelle Dreyer on Tuesday, July 1, to ask if she was aware of the situation.

“I have been in contact with André Liversage, GTM licensing manager, as well as the director of community services, Cate Ntimbani, since Monday (June 30), but so far they have not acted on these complaints. I am not sure what the holdup is. On Monday evening, I also made contact with the municipal manager regarding the issue, as this is not the first time, homeless people have occupied parks illegally,” Dreyer told Herald.

She added that she is also trying to understand why law enforcement services are allowing this to happen.

“The law enforcement services are not implementing the by-laws; it is as if they do not care. Just look at all the illegal parking around town with vehicles, taxis and buses, parking wherever they want. The old Gravelotte road just past NTT Isuzu is a mess, and nothing is being done. I’ve been communicating these issues with law enforcement services, the director and municipal manager for weeks, but still no action. This is a massive problem and the municipality is failing the rate payers,” she added.

Herald contacted Greater Tzaneen Municipality spokesperson to raise the concerns and asked for feedback. By the time of going to print, no response was received.