‘We’ve had enough’
Cllr Khoza acknowledged that the problem had not been resolved and that the communal homes in the area were in fact illegal.
An outcry for help has yielded nothing but empty promises from authorities.
The residents of Barry Hertzog Park have reached breaking point. Their concerns and complaints have allegedly fallen on deaf ears.
Recently, Newcastle Advertiser gave residents the opportunity to air their concerns in strictly confidential emails. The purpose of this was to provide a platform for the public to have their say without fear of consequences.
In publishing notices to the residents, the intention was to redirect Newcastle Municipality’s attention to an issue which residents felt could not be ignored any longer.
The response received was overwhelming, but the municipality is yet to come to the party.
Hush, hush
In a media enquiry addressed to the municipality, the issue of communal homes was brought into question.
Residents were appalled by the fact that some homes in the area were occupied by more than 20 people.
In lower Barry Hertzog Park alone, a local police officer identified more than 40 homes being used as communes; the majority situated in Tielman Roos Avenue.
The municipality has failed to respond, despite several reminders.
The timeline
November 28, 2011- Residents submitted a petition to the municipality.
August 17, 2013 – Residents submitted a second petition.
March 24, 2014 – Altogether eleven homes had been identified as communes. A letter addressed to the municipality highlighted the fact that the situation was deteriorating rapidly. An outcry for intervention and investigation went unanswered.
May 17, 2014 – Yet another petition was submitted to the municipality.
August 1, 2014 – In an article published in Newcastle Sun, irate residents demanded answers.
Ward 5 Councillor, Lindiwe Khoza gave residents a glimmer of hope when she expressed her dismay at the situation and said the matter would be investigated as she found it unacceptable and it could not be allowed to continue.
Police spokesperson, Officer Simon Luthuli claimed patrols were being conducted and said the police would look into the matter.
Despite official attempts to put the residents’ minds at ease, the complaints became more and more frequent.
December 9, 2014 – Cllr Khoza acknowledged that the problem had not been resolved and that the communal homes in the area were in fact illegal.
“I am working closely with the relevant department to ensure the issues are sorted out. I want peace in my ward.”
December 10, 2014 – The SAPS was contacted for urgent response regarding their progress in the matter.
“This is a matter the municipality needs to look into. The SAPS is unaware of the demarcations regarding the zoning of residential areas and will only get involved once criminal activity is reported. The municipality should come on board and inform residents of its by-laws regarding residential areas,” said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela.
Now, residents have threatened to take matters into their own hands.
The legality
According to Newcastle Municipality’s September 2013 by-laws regarding the establishment of home-based business within a residential area, the following rules should apply to the 40 plus communal homes in the area.
Section (E) Accommodation (1) states, “Every person who wishes to establish the home based activity as indicated in E (Accommodation) above, shall comply with the provisions of the home based policy and these by-laws, and failure to do so shall lead to a fine or immediate termination.”
Subsection (2) states, “Relevant application forms shall be submitted for the approval by Council, and where necessary other documents as prescribed in the home based business policy.”
Subsection (3) states, “The number of rooms to be used as bed and breakfast shall be assessed to the satisfaction of the municipality.”
Subsection (4) states, “Establishment of this type of activity shall be done to in accordance with the provisions of Health and Fire Regulations.”
Subsection (5) states, “If the portion to be used as a bed and breakfast is attached to the main house, it should have a separate entrance.”
Subsection (6) states, “A home based business for purposes of accommodation shall not exceed 40% of the established/existing house.”
Officials within the Newcastle Municipality confirmed they had not received any media enquires and could not comment.
This, despite a detailed enquiry sent on November 7 to the Municipal Communications Department.
Yet again, the efficiency of said department has been hauled into the spotlight, as residents reach the end of their tether with only resounding silence from the municipality in response to their pleas for help.
Despite every intention afforded to residents to air their concerns in a meeting with the necessary stakeholders, it is evident by their lack of response that such a meeting may never materialise.
We will continue to put pressure on authorities until the residents of Barry Hertzog Park have the answers they rightly deserve.
