Proof that caring governments can deliver
The City of Tshwane's Section 79 Utility Services committee is pleased with the progress of the Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant's refurbishment.
Image: .Bongani Shilubane / Independent Newspapers
The City of Tshwane's recent achievements during the last two Council meetings and today at Hammanskraal prove that caring governments can deliver spatial, social, economic and environmental justice for South Africa', says GOOD's Councillor Sarah Mabotsa, the Tshwane Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Spatial Planning.
Today at Hammanskraal, the handover of Module 2 of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant means safe water is coming to more homes in Hammanskraal. The neighbourhoods of Kudube - Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and Unit D, Jubilee Tower, Jubilee Direct, Dominican Tower, and some areas of Majakaneng will benefit from Module 2's water supply.
This expands the areas of Hammaskraal that have since January 2025 benefited from Module 1's water supply (namely Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens/Steve Bikoville and Babelegi Industrial area). In 2023, dozens of Hammanskraal residents tragically died from a cholera outbreak.
The provision of safe, reliable water in taps is something most South Africans take for granted, and, finally, for the residents of Hammanskraal, in 2025, this is becoming a reality. Access to clean water and a healthy environment is a Constitutional right of every South African.
This week, the City of Tshwane's Council also approved the multi-party coalition government's initiation of a public participation process to commence for the Urban Forestry Tree Protection By-Law.
The City of Tshwane is known as the Jacaranda City, but these and many other trees in our parks, road reserves and other public open spaces are being vandalised and sometimes illegally removed. Trees and urban forests are proven to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and these green spaces provide important environmental assets for communities. We must protect and preserve our natural assets and ensure that the environment of the city is managed and enhanced for future generations.
GOOD has also supported the transfer of 1,007 City-owned residences to a non-profit housing entity, Housing Company Tshwane, to provide more affordable housing in well-located parts of the city. The total municipal value of the 1,007 residential properties approved for transfer to the non-profit Housing Company Tshwane is approximately R92 million.
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The Housing Company Tshwane is a City-owned company that can offer homes for rent at less than the market rate. These below-market rentals provide housing to the so-called 'missing middle' segment of the market, to those households with a combined income of less than R22,000 per month. According to the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa, the City of Tshwane's residential market by value is the third largest in South Africa (after Cape Town and Johannesburg), and almost one quarter of Tshwane's households are tenants.
The provision of affordable, well-located rental accommodation that is close to economic centres helps more workers to afford to live closer to their place of employment. The rental units transferred to Housing Company Tshwane are in the centrally-located suburbs of Capital Park, Silverton, Eloffsdal, Villiera, Wolmer, Daspoort, Danville, Claremont, Arcadia and Proclamation Hill.
Bringing people closer to their jobs is an underlying principle of both spatial and economic justice and serves to reverse some of the cruel legacy of apartheid, which placed black, coloured and indian people very far from economic opportunities.
The provision of more affordable rental apartments in centrally-located areas of the city means that more residents can afford to live close to their places of work. This will save hours of commuting time and reduce costly transport costs, meaning more money in their pockets and more time with their families.
A reduction in transport distances is also good news for the whole city, as this tends to reduce air pollution from transport emissions (achieving some environmental justice) and shorter commutes help reduce traffic congestion. GOOD is proud to be part of the City of Tshwane's multi-party coalition government.
The work for Spatial, Social. Economic and Environmental Justice for South Africans is central to the objectives of GOOD, as this is the pathway to a safer, more prosperous, equitable, inclusive and sustainable society.
Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor and MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning
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