City clean-up highlights risks of damaged tyres in Marabastad
The metro removed unsafe tyres, engaged business owners on compliance and encouraged residents to stop illegal dumping during the Andries Tatane Campaign.
MMC for Environment and Agriculture, Obakeng Ramabodu, recently led an Andries Tatane Clean-Up Campaign in Marabastad to clear dumping sites and engage businesses in the area.
The clean-up campaign is named after slain community activist Andries Tatane, who was killed by police during a service delivery protest in April 2011.
The campaign seeks to restore cleanliness, order, and compliance across Pretoria’s public spaces while promoting environmental responsibility and civic education.
According to Ramabodu, the campaign is a call on residents to avoid littering and illegal dumping, buying illegal wastebins, and avoid polluting the environment.”
This leg of the campaign took place on November 12 and was conducted in conjunction with the TMPD, city officials, and over 200 volunteers.
During the clean-up, stakeholders identified and addressed several cases of environmental contravention, particularly the unlawful sale of damaged tyres.
The used tyres, which pose a significant safety risk to motorists, were confiscated by TMPD in accordance with the city’s by-laws.
According to Ramabodu, this is a prevalent problem in Marabastad, and bigger businesses are contributing to it by selling unroadworthy tyres to second-hand tyre traders.
He categorically stated that second-hand tyres may not be sold anywhere without the correct documentation, as these tyres may not be safe to use.
Ramabodu said even though the owners claimed to have been operating for several years, the government at the time had no political will to clean up the capital, and their mandate is clear.
In addition, the MMC’s team engaged with local business owners to emphasise the importance of keeping trading areas clean, pedestrian walkways unobstructed, and business structures compliant with municipal regulations.
Letters for business compliance with municipal waste by-laws were issued to several businesses.
He also said that the city is not trying to kill black businesses, but rather seeks to make sure that all businesses in the city are legal, safe, and registered.
A warning was also sounded – that with the festive season on its way, the TMPD would also be stepping up operations and ensuring safe travel and safe trading for business and residents alike.
After the clean-up, officials visited a Pretoria West nursery to engage with workers and management.
Ramabodu said that they raised important appeals, requesting assistance with essential resources such as equipment, glasshouses, and additional manpower.
“We acknowledge the need for municipal support, especially since these facilities also provide training opportunities for university students in horticulture and agricultural studies.”
He said that the metro is considering employing more staff at the nursery, as well as purchasing needed equipment.
He further acknowledged the important role the nursery played in the community, saying it was the only nursery where people could get plants for informal settlements, townships, schools, and churches.
