Persistence by resident leads to safer neighbourhood for all
Jennifer van der Westhuizen’s persistent calls for safer roads has finally been answered with a newly installed speed bump, aimed at slowing down speeding drivers in the area.
For five years, Weltevreden Park resident Jennifer van der Westhuizen watched in frustration as cars sped dangerously down her street, turning the quiet neighbourhood into a daily hazard. Now, thanks to her relentless advocacy, the street finally feels safe.
A newly installed speed bump, combined with a 30km/h speed limit and improved signage, has transformed the street. For the residents of Weltevreden Park, it’s more than a traffic measure; it’s proof that citizen advocacy can lead to tangible change.
Read more: Resident’s plea leads to new speed bump
“The change has been immediate and dramatic,” Van der Westhuizen said. “Before, cars would fly down this street as if it were a main road. Now, every single vehicle slows down. It’s no longer a racetrack; it finally feels like the residential street it was always meant to be.”
Her journey to safer streets was far from simple. Van der Westhuizen began by documenting the problem with videos, photos of near misses, and detailed incident logs. She also used the media to keep the issue in the public eye and maintain pressure on authorities. “The process taught me that change is possible, even if it doesn’t happen overnight.”
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The breakthrough came when Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) commissioned an independent civil engineer’s report confirming the dangers she had highlighted. Van der Westhuizen praised officials Khayalethu Gqibitole and Mwezi Ndwe for finally taking action. “The relief is profound. The constant, low-level anxiety of living here has simply vanished. I no longer flinch at the sound of a speeding car, or worry about my family’s safety in our own garden. For the first time in years, we have true peace of mind.”
Van der Westhuizen hopes her experience can guide others facing similar challenges. “Be persistent but professional. Build an evidence-based case and find the right ally within the organisation. Your tenth email is as important as your first. Don’t give up. Your family’s safety is worth the fight.”
Van der Westhuizen’s story serves as a reminder that persistence, evidence, and community pressure can influence policy and improve safety… One neighbourhood at a time.
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