Residents across Pretoria east are once again voicing frustration over excessive noise from events at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, with fresh complaints following a loud Sunday evening that many say disrupted entire neighbourhoods.

The renewed outcry comes weeks after more than 1 000 residents signed a petition calling for stricter noise control measures at the popular shopping destination.

The petition, which highlighted disturbances across at least five wards, appears to have done little to ease tensions, as complaints continue to surface.

Liandie Jonker, a Pretoria east resident, described the latest incident as deeply concerning and unacceptable.

“I am writing to express my profound disappointment and strong objection to the excessive noise levels emanating from your current events, specifically on Sunday evening,” Jonker said.

She stated that the timing of the noise made the situation worse for residents trying to prepare for the week ahead.

“Sunday evenings are traditionally a time for rest and preparation for the work week. The persistent high-decibel noise has made it impossible for residents to enjoy any semblance of quiet or relaxation,” she said.

Jonker further criticised what she described as a lack of consideration for surrounding communities, saying the disturbance went beyond what could reasonably be expected from a commercial hub.

According to Jonker, to subject the neighbourhood to intrusive noise pollution on a Sunday evening is both disrespectful and unprofessional.

She also raised concerns about whether the shopping centre is adhering to the Tshwane metro’s noise control regulations, arguing that the levels experienced suggest inadequate monitoring or mitigation.

“We expect a major establishment like Menlyn Park to adhere strictly to City of Tshwane noise control regulations. The current levels suggest a failure to monitor output or implement adequate sound-mitigation strategies,” Jonker said.

Calling on the centre to take responsibility, Jonker said it has a duty to act as a ‘good neighbour’ within the community.

She has requested an urgent review of sound management protocols and a clear explanation as to why such levels of disturbance were permitted.

Another resident, Hanrie Coetzee from Newlands, shared similar frustrations, saying the noise travelled far beyond the immediate vicinity of the mall.

“I would like to share my disappointment in the excessive noise coming from Menlyn. I live in Newlands and can hear the music as if it is in my house,” Coetzee said.

She added that she was advised to report the matter and believes the situation infringes on residents’ rights.

“I feel this is an infringement on our freedom,” she said.

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch confirmed that complaints continue to pour in, particularly regarding the timing and intensity of events hosted at the centre.

“Despite all our attempts to get Menlyn to work with and not against the community, they are revving up the sound again on a Sunday night,” Lesch said.

He pointed out that the issue affects a broad cross-section of residents, from students to elderly individuals.

Lesch added that many students and learners are studying for test week and exams, while many older persons living in the area are severely affected.

He also raised concerns that the ongoing noise may be in conflict with broader community and constitutional considerations, noting the cultural and religious significance of Sundays for many South Africans.

“In my opinion, the noise also contravenes our constitutional rights. Sundays are recognised as religiously important to most South Africans, yet we are exposed to this unwanted noise in our own homes,” he said.

Lesch alleged that the shopping centre may not be complying with certain land-use conditions.

“Menlyn does not have sound barriers as required in their conditions of approval,” he said.

He urged affected residents to report the matter to the Tshwane metro’s land use contraventions department, as well as relevant municipal officials.

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre general manager Nisha Kemraj previously told Rekord that the centre takes community concerns seriously and is committed to finding solutions.

“As an integral part of the Pretoria east community, we take this feedback seriously. It is important to us that the centre remains a space that is experienced positively by both our visitors and our neighbours,” Kemraj said.

She explained that the event in question was hosted by an external organiser and that all necessary municipal approvals and noise permits had been obtained.

According to Kemraj, a joint operations centre was established to monitor proceedings in real time.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Masigo previously confirmed that the events held in March were approved in line with regulatory processes.

“A noise level limit of 95 dBA was approved for the events, in accordance with the Gauteng Noise Control Regulations, 1999, which make provision for open-air music festivals and similar gatherings,” Mashigo said.

He noted that noise monitoring was conducted during the events, with recorded levels ranging between 54 dBA and 73 dBA.
Mashigo added that the metro did receive complaints from residents, which were escalated through ward councillors.

“These concerns were attended to without delay, and the relevant event safety officials were engaged,” he said.

According to Mashigo, corrective measures were implemented at the time, including stopping music at 21:30 to limit further disturbance.

He also stated that event organisers are required to appoint qualified acoustic engineers to monitor and implement mitigation measures.

He added that the metro would consider community feedback when assessing future event applications.

Despite these assurances, residents argue that the recurrence of noise disturbances suggests existing measures are insufficient.

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