Residents of Ekurhuleni are feeling the brunt of the city's inadequate drainage infrastructure following recent heavy rains, which exposed persistent failures to address flooding risks across various neighborhoods, particularly Tembisa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng has reported numerous complaints from locals about blocked drains and flooded streets after flash floods swept through areas like Tswelopele and Duduza. Many residents have alleged neglect from city officials, who have disregarded their concerns for years, resulting in financial losses for struggling families and small businesses.
Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA MPL, described the situation as unacceptable, stating, "The City of Ekurhuleni’s persistent disregard for the residents’ valid concerns about the inadequacies of the drainage system is completely unacceptable." The DA has urged the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to intervene, insisting on urgent assessments of the failing drainage infrastructure throughout Ekurhuleni and accountability for any negligent contractors.
Beyond water issues, education authorities are grappling with significant safety challenges within schools. A video circulating on social media captured a confrontation between security personnel and a student at Itirele Zenzele Comprehensive High School, where the pupil was found with dagga and a knife. Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona commented on the situation, confirming the student was apprehended during routine safety checks. "We strongly condemn any acts of misconduct, which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions," he said. The student has since been suspended pending disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health has been forced to address misinformation circulating about the nationality of senior management within the West Rand District Health Services. The department refuted claims made by Vuyo Zungula, MP of the African Transformation Movement, who alleged foreign nationals led the district's hospitals. The department clarified all four hospitals are under the leadership of South African nationals, stating, "We wish to clarify... as this might lead to harmful consequences against those in question." It emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing unverified claims.
On another front, spaza shop owners have expressed frustration over the chaotic registration process, where only 1,464 out of 17,290 applications received by Gauteng municipalities were approved. This sluggish registration pace has harmed local businesses, with many owners attributing difficulties to high costs and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Sabelo Ndlangisa, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, acknowledged the challenges, saying, "Most municipalities do not have enough capacity to register and process documents."
Registration fees have proved excessive for many shop owners, such as Khosi Nkosi, who lamented, "I have submitted all the necessary documents, but I still need to pay R400 for a zoning certificate and R950 for a health certificate. I don’t know where I will get this money." Authorities have made it clear, though, compliance is not optional; failure to register by deadlines means facing penalties. EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato stated, "No excuse will be taken as enough grace was provided for compliance."
These incidents reflect systemic issues plaguing Gauteng's infrastructure, education, health, and business sectors. Addressing the grievances of residents, students, and entrepreneurs requires urgent attention and collaboration between authorities and communities. Without decisive action and responsible governance, the province risks facing more severe consequences as communities continue to grapple with neglect and mismanagement.