DA calls for urgent and consistent grass cutting in Ekurhuleni to ensure public safety

By Cllr. Amanda Davison: DA City of Ekurhuleni Spokesperson on Environment and Waste Management Services & Cllr. Lorna Beharie, DA City of Ekurhuleni PR Councillor

Date: 10 February 2025

Release: Immediate

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the recent grass-cutting and cleaning efforts in Ward 77, KwaThema Extension 2. This long-overdue intervention follows a tragic and fatal car accident that occurred on the night of Saturday, 18 January 2025, highlighting the severe consequences of neglected public spaces.

Overgrown grass and unmaintained open areas pose significant safety hazards to both residents and motorists. The excessive vegetation not only obstructs visibility on roads but also provides cover for criminals who use these unkempt spaces to lie in wait for unsuspecting victims.

This neglect compromises the security of our communities, increasing the risk of robberies, hijackings, and other criminal activities.

Following numerous complaints from residents, the DA is pleased to see the City of Ekurhuleni responding to the urgent need for proper maintenance.

Sporadic clean-ups are not enough

· We need a sustainable, regular grass-cutting schedule that ensures safety and cleanliness in all public spaces.

To address this, I will be posing oral questions to the MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, Cllr. Leshaka Manamela, to:

· Obtain the city’s grass-cutting schedules in all CCC’s; and

· Enquire about consequence management for failures in adhering to this schedule.

It is essential that basic service delivery is consistently upheld to maintain safe, clean, and functional public spaces for all residents. The DA will continue to monitor the situation and hold the city accountable to ensure that the needs of the people of Ekurhuleni remain a top priority.

Media Enquires:

Cllr. Lorna Beharie
DA City of Ekurhuleni PR Councillor
082 745 1976