The City of Johannesburg’s Transport Department has granted Lenasia South, Ward 120, temporary permission to keep its security access structures in place until 31 August.
On 24 April, the Ward 120 Councillor, Puseletso Nzimande and members of the Boom Gate Committee attended a meeting with the Deputy Director, Nobuntu Duze and her Team, Transport Department, City of Joburg. Councillor Nzimande opened the meeting by giving her support and motivation why the City of Joburg must speed the process of legalizing the Boom/Security Gates for Ward 120.
This reprieve follows site visits and assessments conducted on Friday, 23 May, by the Ward 120 Boom-Security Gate Committee, led by Jason Reddy, together with the Ward Committee for Safety and Security member, Ridwaan Minty and Inspectors from City of Joburg.
The Committee and the Ward Councillor have been advocating for the legalization of boom gates to improve safety and reduce crime in the area. In a letter dated 22 May, the City, acknowledged the positive impact of these structures in deterring crime and has given the community three months to finalize and submit all required application documents to comply with the City’s Security Access Restrictions Policy of 2018. Failure to comply by the deadline will result in the removal of the structures, the letter warns.
Minty, told GLOBE POST: “Nine gated communities are currently represented on this committee. I appeal to all other gated areas to please join this initiative so that we may fast track the legalization process.”
Reddy said: “We formed this committee in November last year. Some street and block committees have received termination letters. We’ve had open meetings for feedback and determine ways forward. The local Councillor assisted to set up meetings with JRA and their teams. According to by-laws, all gates are illegal without a formal application and approval by City of Joburg. I cannot stress enough the urgency of this matter. If we do not adhere to the 31st deadlines, gates will be removed. Our team has been working hard to get this process right. We need to unite against crime for the sake of the vulnerable, the aged and our families.”
Security companies and SAPS claim a huge drop in crime stats within gated areas of the ward, adding that criminals are now targeting non gated areas. The committee urges all residents to support this effort and ensure compliance to maintain the security measures that protect their neighbourhoods.
Reddy explained that anyone who wants to erect gates going forward would need to submit a formal application to the City.
‘’Currently, I am helping residents to complete their applications together with motivations. We also have support letters form SAPS and Cllr Nzimande. On Monday, 14 July, the Boom-Security Gate Committee is meeting the JRA team – Deputy Director of Transport – Nobuntu Duze and inspectors – at their offices in Johannesburg to hand over the 9 applications on hand. This is to double check that requirements are met,” Reddy explained.
“The City is encouraging the community to comply, if duly completed applications are not submitted to the CoJ then the City will be left with no choice but to remove the structures. Structures which are not approved are illegal, the CoJ will not be extending the deadline, as this was already a reprieve to encourage the community to comply with City policy and Bylaws,” Duze said.
For more info, call Ward 120’s Boom – Gate Committee head, Jason Reddy on 076 205 1627 or Ridwaan Minty on 072 427 5723.
