Illegal churches infuriate residents
First Road, Kew residents committee demand immediate action from the City of Johannesburg to halt the increase of illegal activities in their street including erection of shacks and illegal churches.
First Road, Kew residents’ committee demanded immediate action from the City of Johannesburg to halt the increase of illegal land use in their street, including the erection of shacks and illegal churches and they invited other residents to lend support by signing a petition.
One of the committee members, Mango Tshabangu said they were ready to fight for their right to a quiet environment and to maintain the value of their properties. Tshabangu said, “There are houses being abandoned and hijacked, and some of the houses are illegally turned into communes. Over the past years this once-quiet street has been turned into a mess.
“And as if the hijacked properties were not enough of a problem, there are now churches being illegally established in this road. One church operates from a tent pitched on an empty plot, No 60. Another is being erected in the same road.” Another committee member, Connie Kganakga said the church also hosted night vigils, played loud music and had a band.
“People don’t have peace… as church-goers make a lot of noise,” she said. She said the road was home to too many people and some may be illegal immigrants.
She said it all began in early 2000, and they complained to the city council but nothing had been done about it. She showed North Eastern Tribune property number 40 where 17 shacks had been erected in the backyard.
The residents also complained about property number 37, a plot they said was being cleared for erection of another church. Another committee member, Johannes Nkwana said, “This is a much bigger church and we don’t want it here. They told us they are going to spend millions on the church building. The church apparently has its head office in Zimbabwe and several branches in Gauteng.” The residents demanded that the city council enforce bylaws to save their neighbourhood from becoming a slum. Nkganakga said, “We are showing our strong objection to the establishment of churches on the street.”
The City of Johannesburg had not responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Details: Mango Tshabangu 082 726 4492; Connie Kganakga 082 567 2529.
