Ferndale on Republic hole is an accident waiting to happen
An unattended hole at the entrance of Ferndale on Republic is a few days away from if first anniversary
Just days before its first anniversary, a long-ignored reinstatement site outside Ferndale on Republic led to an unfortunate accident.
On July 11, a brand-new car slipped into the gaping excavation. The driver and owner, Lesego Ledwaba, explained she was turning into the shopping centre when she spotted a pedestrian.
“When I tried to avoid the pedestrian crossing, I swerved into an open pit. However, I lightly bumped the pedestrian,” she said.
She confirmed that everyone in the car was unharmed.
Read more: Ferndale on Republic hole celebrates 1-year of no action
The car dropped into the hole, with the front end slightly tilted to the left while the rear dangled in mid-air. Ledwaba stated the vehicle is mostly intact, except for the side that plunged into the trench.
“I don’t know what will happen next. I will just wait for the repairs to occur, and we’ll see.”
This hole was originally left by Johannesburg Water (JW) after repairing a leak in July 2024. Nearly a year later, it still hasn’t been backfilled. The lane leading into the shopping centre is severely affected, causing traffic congestion and delays.
JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala explained why the reinstatement hasn’t been completed:
“There are two stormwater pipes that need to be repaired first. Once these repairs are completed, then backfilling and reinstatement can be done. Johannesburg Water is working with the Johannesburg Roads Agency to prioritise this matter and ensure the work is completed accordingly.”
No timeline has been provided regarding the next steps or expected completion date.
Community frustration mounts
Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman expressed outrage:
“In a few days, it’ll be a year since that hole’s been open. It’s destroying businesses, residents’ lives, and causing traffic jams. Shops have lost business for almost a year. All entities involved have failed dismally and should hang their heads in shame. To leave this mess, not fixing the stormwater and backfill, is just unacceptable.”
She added that the accident was inevitable and deeply regrettable.
“This poor woman must be traumatised. It’s a new car, and that is terrible. If we lived in a place where infrastructure was maintained, we wouldn’t be sitting where we are right now. But because there’s such negligence in the city, especially with the appalling lack of work ethic, pride, and accountability, we end up in a situation like this.”
Local businesses feel the strain
The Mercure Hotel is among several businesses impacted. Rubble from the excavation has piled next to their fence, and their garden was destroyed.
Hotel general manager Prisca Hlatshwayo detailed the ongoing fallout:
- Reduced walk-in traffic due to limited access
- Increased guest complaints and cancellations from safety concerns
- Damage to the hotel’s brand image caused by unappealing surroundings
- Marketing efforts hindered by the neglected environment.
The excavation outside Ferndale on Republic shopping centre remains an eyesore. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni
“Our occupancy levels and revenue performance have been consistently below forecast during this period, and the recent accident has only added more concern from guests and partners. We remain hopeful that the municipality will urgently attend to this matter, not only for the sake of the hotel but for the overall image and safety of Randburg as a commercial and hospitality hub.”
Despite filing complaints, making follow-up calls, and escalating through ward councillors and municipal service channels, the issue remains unresolved.
“We understand infrastructure maintenance is critical, but the lack of transparency and prolonged inaction have deeply affected not only our business, but also the safety of our guests and the public. We are still appealing for urgent attention and a clear timeline for resolution.”
She added that the open trench has become a daily safety hazard and a visual eyesore:
“First impressions matter in the hospitality industry, and unfortunately, this has negatively impacted the way guests perceive our hotel, before they even step inside.
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