As 2025 draws to a close, Rekord reached out to some people in Pretoria Central for their take on how the year went and their messages for residents heading into the festive period.

Ward 92 Councillor Shimmy Mashamaite said the year was not without its challenges, but he has vowed to continue fighting for service delivery in his ward.

“It has also been a challenging year, where we had to fight for the service delivery we deserve, constant escalations, and sometimes I had to escalate even to the upper structures like [the] Chief Operating Officer and city manager and unreachable MMCs.

“But we are grateful that, through the G20, some of the streetlights and long-standing issues we have been raising were finally fixed,” Mashamaite said.

Mashamaite also highlighted several community meetings in which officials are working closely with residents to strengthen service delivery efforts.

He wished all a happy, safe festive season and rest, and looks forward to a productive and progressive 2026.

“Residents recently signed petitions, like streetlights and tree pruning, which will be submitted to the Speaker of Council in the November sitting council. I hope that as the new year begins, many of the issues we have been reporting will finally be resolved,” he said.

Ward 59 Councillor Shaun Wilkinson agreed that this year has not been without its challenges, yet they’ve made encouraging strides.

Some of the highlights included:

– Upgraded water infrastructure: New water pipes and valves have been installed in sections of Muckleneuk, an important step in combating water losses and stabilising supply.

– Road and stormwater maintenance: Pothole repairs and stormwater upgrades continued throughout the ward, made possible thanks to residents who consistently report faults.

– Improved electricity reliability: While cable theft remains a concern, its impact has been far less disruptive this year due to increased vigilance and the vital support of the GRA and CSI Private Security.

– Community-driven improvements: Clean-ups and CUP partnerships with dedicated local organisations, including the Magnolia Dell team (Huckleberry’s and Masakhane), Waterkloof Golf Estate, Friends of Klapperkop, Project #KLAPPIES, MLPORA, and Sunnyside UP, have played a key role in keeping our public spaces cared for and vibrant.

“As we approach the end of 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes to every household in our ward. May this Christmas season bring you peace, joy, and meaningful moments with the people who matter most,” Wilkinson said.

“As we look to 2026, I hope that the year ahead brings renewed optimism, good health, and progress for every family and neighbourhood in Ward 59. Thank you for your engagement, resilience, and collaboration throughout 2025.

“With your continued involvement, we can keep strengthening Ward 59 and ensuring it remains a community we are all proud to call home. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a successful 2026,” he concluded.

Pretoria Central Police Station’s spokesperson Constable Thabang Nkhumise cautioned residents to be wary of bogus salespeople and common robberies, which see an increase during this time of year.

“The community is urged to be vigilant, not to fall victim to bogus salespersons, common robberies, and other prevalent crimes that are more prone during the holiday season,” Nkhumise said.

Last year, the station managed to be taken out of the top 30 underperforming stations, and they retained the status this year in terms of combating crime, service delivery, and other successes. These include recovering dangerous weapons and bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.

Though the year brought its challenges, Nkhumise said they are grateful that Pretoria Central SAPS has managed to retain its status as one of the major performing stations in the metropolitan cities.

“The Pretoria Central SAPS would like to pass special greetings for the festive season and wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

“The station would like to thank the community and the publication of the Rekord newspaper for the love and support, also ensuring that we combat and minimise crime in the policing precinct. We believe that this will be a continuous support and partnership. May the good Lord bless and keep you,” he concluded.

MMC for Roads and Transport, as well as the MMC responsible for Region 3, Tlangi Mogale, said that while the city recognises the excitement associated with the festive season, it remains a period during which officials need to be alert.

“Things can go wrong, but we are appealing to our residents in Region 3 to be alert and always know what’s going on.

“Those who are travelling must abide by the rules of the road and keep safe. We’ve been doing a lot of work to make it easier for them in terms of the road infrastructure, potholes and patching work. We’ve launched a campaign called War Against Potholes, so our people can drive on smooth roads, especially in the CBD,” Mogale said.

The MMC added that they’ve paid special attention to cemeteries in the region for people who visit the gravesites of loved ones during this time.

Since the rollout of the metro’s Integrated Urban Management Programme earlier this year, Mogale and others involved in the programme have been carrying out several weekly service delivery programmes throughout the region.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel