Top stories in central Pretoria for 2022
As 2023 draws near, here’s a look at some of the headlines that rocked central Pretoria in 2022.
As 2023 draws near, here’s a look at some of the headlines that rocked central Pretoria in 2022:
Procforum in central Pretoria catches fire
The Legal Practice Council’s Gauteng office, also known as Procforum, caught alight in the early hours of September 5.
Located at 123 Paul Kruger Street, the national legal body is in charge of regulating all affairs for all legal practitioners, advocates and attorneys in all provinces.
EMS confirmed that two occupants of the office were treated for smoke inhalation, one was transported to hospital while the other was released on scene. No fatalities were recorded.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello announced that a 21-year-old and a 46-year-old were arrested and charged with arson and malicious property damage. The suspects were among the eight patients that received care from emergency responders.
Samwu march to Tshwane House
Issues the union raised during the march, include concerns about the six rhinos stolen at Rietvlei nature reserve earlier this year, political interference in administrative matters, selling of leave days, the disregard for collective bargaining and the non-payment of the previously agreed-upon 3.5% salary increase in 2021.
Yet-to-be-opened R300m museum in Pretoria dogged by problems
During an oversight visit to the Women’s Living Heritage Monument located in Lilian Ngoyi Street, it was discovered that the nearly R300-milion museum remains closed despite construction being completed in 2018.
The DA Tshwane caucus led the oversight visit and stated that the Gauteng Sports and Recreation Department has spent over R220-million on the building, despite budgeting R150-million.
An additional R80-million has been spent since the building’s completion yet the monument is still not operational.
Despite the department’s spokesperson Tumelo Taunyane stating last year that the site would open in August 2022, the facility remains rife with operational issues. These issues include: non-functional fire hydrants, unfinished floors, roof leaks, non-operational lifts, improper fire exits, and not being accessible for the handicapped among others.
500 residents walk to raise awareness about suicide
The YouMatterWalk (YMW) event for suicide awareness took place in October, at the Hillcrest sports campus of the University of Pretoria.
YMW is a charity event started by three residents that have been affected by suicide. Christia Uys lost her husband, Jaco, in January 2020; Ilse Meiring her husband, Deon, in October 2019 and Carla de Jager her father, Nico, in January 2016 to suicide.
The first walk, which started at UP covered 4km and was attended by approximately 500 people physically and more virtually.
People from as far as Kruger Park, Stilbaai, Riebeek West, even Scotland as well as the UK showed support for the initiative, virtually, or in person.
Event attendee and mother of late hip-hop star and fashion designer Riky Rick, Louisa Zondo was accompanied by Rick’s partner Bianca Naidoo and other family members. Riky Rick passed away earlier this year due to suicide and Zondo hopes the works of her son will spread light and positive energy to those who are feeling that suicide may be the answer.
YMW plans to make the walks an annual event, with the next one being planned for September 2023.
