Centurion’s heart beats strong, even amid sinkholes

Despite ongoing challenges such as cable theft and sinkholes, Centurion remains a beloved home for many residents, who say there is still much to appreciate.

Community members and ward councillors have spoken about the place they love while sharing ideas on how to make Centurion more functional for everyone who lives there.

Nadia Verne, a resident of Irene, said the lifestyle and charm of the area make it special to her.

“I love visiting Irene Farm because it is such a unique place. You get to see farm animals, walk the trails, enjoy outdoor dining, and just soak up the fresh air with your family.”

She described it as a farm in the city that offers something special to residents who want to escape without leaving town.

Verne shared that she enjoys the markets hosted in Irene throughout the year, saying they create a strong community feel.

She believes the area could be improved by better combating cable theft and protecting electrical infrastructure to accommodate the growing population.

Jules Adams, who lives in Eldoraigne, said what he appreciates most about his neighbourhood is the commitment residents have to maintaining its beauty.

“The gardens here are beautiful. People take pride in their spaces, and it brings such a peaceful and well-kept feel to the area,” he said.

Adams pointed out that the local bike park is also a standout feature of the community.

“Since it was developed a few years ago, it has become one of the most beautiful and well-used spaces in the area.

“It is not just for cyclists. It is a safe space where children can play, families can relax, and people can come together. It really adds value to Eldoraigne.”

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However, Adams also shared that the area needs better security and more regular maintenance of its water infrastructure.

“The constant water leaks in the area are making it unbearable to live here,” he added.

In Lyttelton, Sibusiso Mahlangu told Rekord that while he appreciates the community spirit, ongoing issues make daily life difficult.

“The squatters near SuperSport Park have been a recurring issue for years. It just never gets resolved,” he said.

“Sinkholes are also a serious safety risk and lower property values.”

Mahlangu noted that these problems are well known, but what is missing is long-term planning and implementation.

“We cannot keep patching things up. We need real solutions.”

Ward 69 Councillor Cindy Billson agreed that Centurion faces serious challenges, but highlighted several positive developments already underway.

She said her ward has submitted three capital upgrading projects focusing on restoring streetlights and protecting critical infrastructure.

“A fourth project is already in the planning phase. These projects are necessary to stabilise the electricity supply and improve pedestrian and road safety,” she said.

Billson explained that she is also working with private sector partners and security companies to better safeguard the Eldoraigne and Brakfontein substations.

She said initiatives like community clean-ups, the restoration of public spaces, and recycling drives help build safer and more connected neighbourhoods.

“Our monthly recycling events and the Bottle Top Drive combine environmental awareness with social impact.”

According to her, these kinds of projects deter vandalism and promote active citizenship.

Billson added that the single change she would implement to improve Centurion would be to immediately re-establish the Sectional Land Development Tribunal.

“It would unlock restricted access areas and help us better protect our infrastructure and communities,” she said.

She said that some main roads, like Old Johannesburg Road, remain neglected due to an alleged lack of co-operation between the Tshwane metro and the provincial government.

Ward 48 councillor Alta de Kock shared that the biggest issue in her area is a lack of support from the metro.

“There are no upcoming projects from the city that I know of. With budget cuts, we do not even have proper services over the weekend. That causes a backlog on Mondays,” she said.

She said that infrastructure like substations is especially vulnerable.

“Cable theft is a huge issue. The fences are in bad condition, and there are no alarms or cameras at the substations.

Two substations in Rooihuiskraal were left open for more than 24 hours last week. One of them was vandalised.”

Despite the lack of municipal action, De Kock said that local initiatives are still making a difference.

“We are currently working with Thatchfield Security to install cameras at the Brakfontein substation,” she said.

She also highlighted the helpful role of residents.

“I had two situations last week where residents alerted me to open substations. Without their help, we could have had major losses.

“The community and the community policing forum are essential.”

Her wish for Centurion is better communication from the city and more maintenance capacity.

“We have only one team to fix streetlights across 11 wards, and we have thousands of streetlights.”

De Kock added that small-scale solutions, such as encouraging residents to install solar lights outside their homes, could also make a noticeable difference.

In Ward 57, Councillor David Farquharson said that the lack of law enforcement presence in his area is one of the biggest issues.

“There is barely a night that passes without cable theft or theft of water meters. Sixty percent of the electricity budget is spent fixing damages caused by thieves. That leaves very little money for actual upgrades,” he said.

Farquharson added that the water and sewer infrastructure is outdated and in urgent need of upgrades.

On a more positive note, he commended the work of CPFs and community upliftment projects in his ward.

“These projects include clean-ups, solar light installations, and securing electricity infrastructure. They are all community-led.”

He also believes that residents play a major role in building a better Centurion.

“People should join their CPF and resident associations. Report problems when you see them. Even taking care of your pavement helps improve the environment,” he said.

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