Fleurhof residents hand over memorandum to Executive Mayor during Main Reef Road shutdown
Residents want an end to illegal mining, demolition of a crime hotspot and better facilities.
The streets were again filled with debris by those tired of the status quo.
Initially aiming to shut down the whole of Ward 70, residents had to settle for the corners of Fleurhof marked by Helpmekaar Road on May 18. Attempting to barricade the main roads through Florida and Maraisburg before 04:00 in the morning, protesters were met by authorities who dismantled blockades and confined the protesters to two intersections along Main Reef Road.
After pre-dawn arguments between angry residents and stern authorities, the sunlight brought a calming of tempers. The rest of the morning consisted of relevantly calm exchanges between police and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) as all waited for the arrival of Johannesburg’s mayor. No serious flare-ups were reported, an exception being for community leader Selby Leshaba who was temporarily detained at the corner of Ontdekkers and Hendrik Potgieter Road in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“The Community Leaders had announced the shutdown beforehand, and law enforcement, private security, and a taxi association took the necessary measures to ensure the safety of all. Helpmakaar Road, which is the main arterial going in and out of Fleurhof was the only road barricaded off to traffic. It was closed off at Main Reef Road and also travelling in and out of Meadowlands, Soweto,” explained JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla.
The residents had requested an audience with either Executive Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda or Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to air their frustrations. The issues residents want to address range from the ending of illegal mining, the demolition of the Rand Leases hostel, the repair of sewerage pipe with sewage polluting the Fleurhof dam as well as the building of a clinic, police station, and recreation facilities to service the growing suburb.
Gwamanda was present and by mid-morning was able to engage with the residents and receive their memorandum.
“The outcome we are hoping for is that government resolves our problems and must continuously engage with this community,” said Leshaba.
“Helpmekaar Road was reopened after the engagement by the Executive Mayor and the residents. No reports of violence, injuries, or damage to any property existed. The situation remained calm in the area,” concluded Fihla.
City Power and Florida police did respond positively, arranging another sweep of the Rand Leases Hostel. City Power removed all illegal connections and the police arrested four illegal immigrants, confiscating a wide range of illegal mining implements. Florida police confiscated 306 liters of alcohol, 390 grams of Marijuana, and 10 grams of heroin.
