North residents demand action to arrest city hall slide

Pretoria North residents have expressed concern regarding the unsatisfactory condition of the historic city hall, calling for officials to take action.

Reports have surfaced about individuals sleeping in and around the premises, leading to complaints about cleanliness and safety in the area.

Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said he contacted the Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) and officers took immediate measures to rectify the issue.

They cleared the hall of property the illegal squatters had placed there.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the metro police and everyone involved for their prompt action.

“We are committed to keeping Ward 2 clean and will not allow our historic city hall to be treated this way,” said Meyer.

He said concerns over the condition of the city hall reflect broader issues of homelessness and public space management in urban areas.

“We all agree that we need to find a solution that respects the dignity of individuals while ensuring our public spaces remain clean and accessible.”

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactively report any issue of concern to ensure that their community continues to thrive as a clean and welcoming environment.

Previously, the metro navigated its financial constraints with a renewed focus on securing donations from the business community to fund the much-needed renovation of the Pretoria North Hall.

The project, in the metro’s 2024/25 budget priorities to repair and replace critical infrastructure, has not yet raised the necessary funding.

To bridge this gap, the metro is actively seeking support from local businesses and community organisations.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said while these investments are crucial to maintaining the metro’s core services, it has limited resources available for community amenities like the Pretoria North Hall.

“The metro is struggling to allocate funds to the hall’s renovation amid these pressing infrastructure needs,” said Mashigo.

Acknowledging the financial limitations, he said Tshwane is turning to the business community to secure the funds for the hall’s renovation.

“The metro’s strategy includes soliciting donations and support from local businesses and the Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP).

“This approach aims to supplement the city’s constrained budget and provide the financial resources needed to restore the hall.”

He said efforts are already underway to engage businesses and organisations that may be willing to contribute.

“The city is actively reaching out to potential donors and exploring partnerships that could facilitate the fundraising process.

“These collaborations are seen as vital in accelerating the renovation and ensuring that the hall can once again serve as a central hub for community activities.”

In the face of financial challenges, the metro has implemented immediate measures to ensure the safety and security of the hall.

Mashigo said that a full-time security guard has been stationed at the site, and TMPD officers will also protect the premises.

He said these steps aim to mitigate risks while the city works on securing funds for the renovation.

“The metro has also arranged for the Akasia Community Hall to serve as a temporary venue for community events.

“This facility provides similar amenities to the Pretoria North Hall, allowing community activities to continue despite the ongoing closure.”

Mashigo said the metro is providing regular updates through ward councillor Quinton Meyer.

“Tshwane’s reliance on donations highlights a broader strategy of leveraging community support to overcome financial hurdles.

Partnerships with businesses and organisations are critical to this approach, as they can provide the resources needed to initiate and complete the renovation project.

The city is hopeful that these partnerships will not only enable the renovation of the Pretoria North Hall but also foster a spirit of community collaboration,” said Mashigo.

He added that preserving the hall’s historical and cultural significance is a key consideration during the renovation process.

“The city plans to involve the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to ensure the hall’s heritage is maintained throughout the renovation. To maintain transparency and keep the public informed, the metro will provide regular updates on the renovation project through various community platforms.”

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