Residents in Rooihuiskraal are urged to take greater ownership of their surroundings and help maintain public spaces as part of a planned community-driven initiative aimed at preventing illegal dumping and improving the overall appearance of the area.

Ward 64 councillor Alta de Kock said she is working on launching a project that will encourage residents to take part in beautifying neglected corners across the suburb by planting flowers, trees and shrubs.

She explained that the initiative is intended not only to improve the look of the area but also to discourage illegal dumping, which has become a persistent problem.

“I would like to ask residents to take ownership and take part in maintaining corners in the ward by planting trees, plants or shrubs so that these spaces are well looked after, and dumping can be prevented,” said De Kock.

She added that one resident has already offered cement for the project, which could be used to create structured planting areas.

According to De Kock, these spaces could then be filled with soil and used to grow flowers, forming part of a broader effort to uplift the community and restore neglected public areas.

The call to action comes after the TMPD recently cleared a large illegal dumping site created by informal traders at the corner of Panorama and Rooihuiskraal roads.

De Kock said officers removed heaps of split logs that had been left in the area, creating both an eyesore and a health hazard.

“There were rats, spiders and even snakes in those heaps. When TMPD arrived, the illegal traders ran away, which allowed us to start cleaning up,” she said.

De Kock noted that while most of the waste has been removed, some piles remain and will be cleared in follow-up operations by TMPD.

She welcomed the progress, saying she was pleased that authorities had finally managed to address the issue after it had persisted for a long time.

“I am happy that TMPD managed to remove most of the dumping. They will still come back to clear what is left at the corner of Uitsig and Rooihuiskraal roads,” she said.

According to De Kock, illegal dumping of these heaps of split logs has been an ongoing issue in Rooihuiskraal for at least two years, with several hotspots identified, including the corner of Uitsig Road and Kestrel Avenue.

While the latter has since been cleared, she said the problem continues to resurface in other areas.

She also pointed out that some residents unknowingly contribute to the problem by hiring unlicensed tree cutters who dispose of garden waste illegally.

De Kock urged residents to be more cautious and ensure that service providers follow proper procedures.

She further called on the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or illegal dumping to TMPD immediately.

“While there have been previous efforts to address the issue, illegal trading and dumping continue to pose challenges. The community needs to stay alert. If you see dumping happening, report it immediately so that action can be taken,” she said.

De Kock said that while enforcement is crucial, lasting change will depend on community involvement.

She believes the planned beautification initiative, combined with increased awareness and vigilance, can play a key role in restoring pride in the area and preventing illegal dumping from taking hold again.

The clean-up formed part of the TMPD’s broader enforcement operations in the Centurion area.

On March 13, TMPD spokesperson Warrant-Officer Puleng Motholo said a clean-up operation that occurred on the day targeted illegally erected structures in Rooihuiskraal and Olievenhoutbosch, resulting in the removal of several structures in line with city by-laws.

“These continuous operations demonstrate the department’s commitment to enforcing laws that safeguard residents and visitors in the City of Tshwane,” said Motholo.

She added that the TMPD will remain vigilant and continue to conduct similar operations across all regions to uphold the rule of law and create a safer environment.

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