‘That is a community park’: MMC Serapelo

SHARPEVILLE. – The dispute about a church being built on a community park that was started in the 80s in Ngali Drive, Matebeleng, in the Vuka section in Sharpeville has been resolved.

The quick resolution that came this week is that the park belongs to the community.

The Sedibeng Ster reported earlier, under the headline, ‘This is our park’: Community members, that the community was up in arms following what they termed the ‘sale’ of a community park in Vuka to a church.

The sale had allegedly been approved by Councillor Mpho Serapelo of Ward 14, who is also a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Shared Services in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM). The community members said that leaders of a church recently arrived to take measurements at a park they started and have been maintaining since the early 80s. When asked by the community, the church leaders apparently said that Serapelo was aware of their plans and that the ELM offices granted permission to set up their church.

The community members told Sedibeng Ster that they do not need a church at their park.

“We do not want a church here. Where are our children going to play, should they go to the streets? They [the church leaders] will never build a church here,” community members said in unison.

On Tuesday, following Sedibeng Ster’s story and enquiry on the matter, Serapelo called a community meeting and told the residents them that no church will be built on the park.

“I met with the community from that area, and we spoke. We are clear about that, that side ke park,” Serapelo said, much to the delight of the community.

“We are glad that the matter has been resolved. It should be stated clearly, we are not against any church, we just want to maintain our park in peace. We are happy and hope that she (the councillor) will do so in many other community issues of concern,” community members said.