South Africa has experienced a rocky start to 2016 with ‘racial’ postings hitting the headlines.  Today in Dundee, the erection of a tent on open land on Browning Street (corner of Oldacre and Bromhead Streets) threatened to damage neighbourly relations.

After a day of phone calls, sanity eventually prevailed when the organiser of the traditional coming-of-age function, Churchill Mpanga, met with concerned resident Bobby Abrahamse and FC Bester, chairman of the Endumeni Residents Association.

Speaker Mdluli was also there and showed leadership qualities in bringing the sides together.

“Firstly, the municipality was at fault as the correct channels should have been followed that would have seen the Mpanga family first obtaining permission for residents for the holding of this function and the erection of a tent on this open field. Unfortunately, our last Council meeting was on December 8.  Mr Mpanga was also not aware of the procedures.  However, we are going to send our traffic officers out tomorrow to ensure that laws are not broken and rules are followed.

“If it means I myself have to go to every resident in this area and explain what will happen, so be it.”

Mr Mpanga said the family event would start around tomorrow at around 10am, first at home, and then proceed to the tent where they will be traditional dancing and a meal.

Toilet facilities would be provided and Mr Mpanga said the family would themselves clean up any litter left behind. “Everything should be done by five.  I was also not sure of the procedure. I only spoke to some of the residents. I do not want to upset any neighbours.  I promise this would be an orderly affair.’

Mr Bester said he was a happy that Speaker Mdluli and Mr Mpanga ‘acted so positively’.

“We are happy that all controls are in place.  We know parks are a problem in Dundee.  Communication is so important.  By communicating, we can understand each other.”

Mr Abrahamse said ‘the first thing’ he knew was this morning that something was going to happen when he saw the tent.  “I am happy that Mr Mpanga and the Speaker have reacted quickly to our concerns.”

At least this little spat was ironed by logic and old fashioned communication – well done, Dundee.