On August 28, Extension Nine residents had a meeting to address their grievances. Previous meetings held in the area have not received the same support and about 120 residents were in attendance to add their voices to the issues affecting them.

The following crucial matters were discussed at the meeting:

1. The Johannesburg Road Agency was present and residents raised the issue of streets pockmarked with potholes, speed humps were discussed in detail and the rarely functioning traffic lights which were a thorn in the flesh of residents as well as the roads which have not been cleaned.

2. The ‘Jungle’, the area near the swimming pool was a concern for residents and the community said that the area should be cleared and put to better recreational use.

3. Non-functioning street lights which leave the streets dark and provide criminals with the opportunity to rob, rape and mug residents.

4. The foreign nationals who are opening up spaza shops at every corner

5. South African Police Service (SAPS) addressed the community and explained to them the protocol and policies which need to be followed when opening up cases and the follow-up of cases.

Some of the danger spots were also brought up, but the community was not happy with the quality of service they receive from SAPS. It was brought to the attention of the community that crime has increased and drastic steps needed to be taken to curb this.

6. The Community Policing Forum (CPF) explained to the community who they were and how the CPF functions.

7. Drugs were a major contributing factor to the increasing crime rate and solutions needed to be found to nip the trade in the bud.

“I would like to thank each and every individual for their presence at the community meeting and to all the special guests that were there, we thank you. It is the first time that we have had such a lot of people at a community meeting in Extension Nine, a total of 120 people were present, which was excellent,” said Vincent Naidoo.

Councillor Peter Rafferty was asked if he could make sure that what was discussed at the meeting would be put into action and if feedback could be given on the suggestions and discussions that took place.

Naidoo added, “Once again we want to thank you all for making this meeting a success.We can and we shall unite our community. Councillor Da Gama, thank you for gracing us with your presence last night. We shall overcome with God on our side.”

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