BONUS - RUSTENBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Rustenburg is deeply concerned about the growing filth and neglect in public spaces across the city. Overgrown sidewalks, unmaintained parks and illegal dumping sites have become a daily reality for residents — while the municipality continues to make excuses instead of taking responsibility.
The DA calls on the Rustenburg Local Municipality to put a clear plan in place to cut grass, clear sidewalks, maintain parks, and tackle illegal dumping — and to ensure that Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers are deployed where they are needed most.
The parks and green spaces meant for families and children are now so overgrown that they create hiding places for criminals, putting communities at risk. Sidewalks are impossible to use safely, and illegal dumping turns neighbourhoods into health hazards.
The municipality often blames equipment break-downs, theft, or so-called “backlogs” for its failure to deliver basic cleaning and maintenance services. Meanwhile, EPWP workers are deployed elsewhere while neglected areas continue to deteriorate.
Residents pay their rates and taxes and have every right to expect clean streets, safe parks, and well-maintained sidewalks.
Communities should not have to clean up public spaces themselves while the local government looks the other way.
Rustenburg deserves better. DA councillors, working hand-in-hand with the community, have taken initiative to clean up wards, including cutting grass to ensure a healthy environment.
The DA is committed to making Rustenburg a cleaner, healthier, and safer place for all residents and will continue to push for positive change and hold accountable those responsible for our city's upkeep.
