Residents celebrate after cleanup
People had expressed concerns about the heaps of tar, which not only created an eyesore but also posed safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
Residents of Montana are breathing a sigh of relief after AfriForum Noord van die Berg stepped in to remove piles of tar that had been left along roads in the area for months.
The cleanup, led by community leader Ebby van der Vyver and his team, has restored a sense of order and pride in the neighbourhood.
For weeks, locals expressed concerns about the heaps of tar, which not only created an eyesore but also posed safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
“It’s a huge relief to see them gone. Our streets look so much better.”
“Every time I drove past those piles, I worried about kids playing nearby or cars swerving to avoid them,” said Sinoville resident Marietjie Smit.
AfriForum, with its proactive approach in addressing community issues, has established a reputation in Pretoria North for filling municipal services gaps.
The team made it a priority to tackle the problem after multiple complaints from residents. “We believe in finishing what we start. If we identify a problem, we don’t just patch it halfway. The community trusts us to deliver, and that’s exactly what we do,” an AfriForum spokesperson said.
Their work drew praise from AfriForum members and local residents.
John Moeketsi, who lives in Montana, said the cleanup showed the importance of residents taking ownership of their environment.
“We can’t just sit back and wait for the municipality. AfriForum is proving that when people work together, real change happens,” said Moeketsi.
He said the removal of the tar also highlights broader frustrations with service delivery in the metro.
“We have been forced to organise our own initiatives to address problems such as potholes, waste management, and stormwater drainage.
“AfriForum clearing the debris not only improved the appearance of the streets, but also contributed to reducing potential long-term environmental risks.”
The organisation’s Noord van die Berg branch is now planning its next project, with a focus on repairing potholes in other parts of the north.
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