Soil of Africa civic movements members
By Bongani King Ramontja
Soil of Africa Chairperson
As Soil of Africa awaits Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise’s budget speech on the 15th May 2025, we demand a radical departure from the previous administration’s failures.
The City of Tshwane’s infrastructure development has been neglected for far too long, with a significant backlog in maintenance and repairs.
The state of our city is a reflection of the City’s failure to prioritize the needs of its residents.
The budget must prioritize infrastructure development, including sewage systems and permanent water solutions, to ensure that residents have access to basic services.
The story of Plot 61 Smith residents is a glaring example of the City’s neglect.
For far too long, these residents have been without adequate services, including electricity and proper sanitation.
The budget must provide temporary electricity and servicing of plastic toilets to ensure dignity for these residents.
The City’s failure to address the needs of these residents is a human rights issue that requires immediate attention.
Soil of Africa demands that the City prioritizes the needs of Plot 61 Smith residents and allocates sufficient funds to address the historical neglect of this community.
Tshwane’s roads are in a deplorable state, with severe potholes making commuting a hazardous journey for residents.
The budget must prioritize road maintenance and repair to ensure safe and accessible transportation for all.
Specifically, Hammanskraal’s roads are in a dire state, with residents suffering the consequences of neglect.
The City must allocate sufficient funds to address the road infrastructure backlog in Hammanskraal and ensure that residents have access to safe and reliable transportation.
The current state of the roads is not only a safety concern but also a hindrance to economic development and growth.
The water crisis in Ikageng is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.
For the past 5 years, residents have been struggling with water supply issues, and the City’s failure to address this crisis has had a devastating impact on the quality of life for its residents.
The budget must prioritize a permanent solution to the water crisis in Ikageng, and the City must allocate sufficient funds to address this issue.
The City’s neglect of the water infrastructure in Ikageng is a clear example of the City’s failure to prioritize the needs of its residents.
The lack of street lights in areas like Eesterus, Hammanskraal, and Soshanguve is a critical issue that requires immediate attention.
The City must allocate sufficient funds to install street lights and ensure the safety of residents.
The recent death of a man in Eesterus who was killed while going to work in the dark due to lack of street lights is a tragic reminder of the City’s neglect.
The City must prioritize the installation of street lights in these areas to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Tshwane is a dirty city, and it’s time for the City to take action.
The budget must allocate sufficient funds to clean up our capital city and create employment opportunities for residents.
A clean city is not only a matter of pride, but it’s also essential for the health and well-being of our residents.
The City’s failure to maintain a clean environment has serious consequences for the health and quality of life of its residents.
The City’s failure to address crime and safety concerns has had a devastating impact on the quality of life for its residents.
The budget must prioritize crime prevention and enhance TMPD visibility to combat crime and improve safety.
The City must allocate sufficient funds to address the root causes of crime and ensure that residents feel safe and secure in their communities.
Crime prevention is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, and the City must prioritize this issue in the budget.
The relocation process currently underway in Tshwane raises critical questions about the inclusion of disabled people.
The City must prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable residents and ensure that they are protected and supported.
The relocation process must be inclusive and ensure that disabled people are not left behind or marginalized.
The City must allocate sufficient funds to ensure that the relocation process is inclusive and meets the needs of all residents.
The Form C issues in Tshwane are a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.
People have been on a waiting list for far too long, and the City’s failure to address this issue has had a significant impact on the quality of life for its residents.
The budget must allocate sufficient funds to address the Form C backlog and ensure that residents receive the services they deserve.
The City’s failure to address this issue is a clear example of the City’s neglect of its residents.
The sewage crisis in Phase 3, Ward 17, Mamelodi, is a stark reminder of the City’s ineptitude in addressing health risks.
The budget must prioritize infrastructure development, including sewage systems, to ensure that residents have access to basic services and are protected from health risks.
The City’s failure to address this issue has serious consequences for the health and well-being of its residents.
As Soil of Africa, we are committed to advocating for the rights and needs of marginalized communities in Tshwane.
We believe that every resident deserves access to basic services, including clean water, sanitation, electricity, and safe transportation.
The City’s budget must prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable residents, including those living in informal settlements, disabled people, and those on the Form C waiting list.
We will continue to hold the City accountable for delivering a budget that serves the people, not just the interests of a select few.
Soil of Africa is the spark that ignites the flame of hope for a brighter future in Tshwane.
Not forgetting the budget for temporary electricity for all informal settlement. We envision a city that is clean, safe, and prosperous for all its residents.
The budget must allocate sufficient funds to address the pressing issues that affect our communities, including infrastructure development, crime prevention, and social services.
We will continue to advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized communities and ensure that the City’s budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
Together, we can build a better Tshwane for all.