Dumping, decay and disorder spark safer city campaign in Kimberley

AFTER months of mounting public frustration – and years of decline – over illegal dumping, uncollected refuse and deteriorating conditions across Kimberley, the Sol Plaatje Municipality this week launched a safer and cleaner city campaign ahead of the festive season, promising stronger by-law enforcement and visible action in the city’s most affected areas.

According to the municipality, its Safety and Security Directorate, together with law enforcement agencies, will intensify efforts to ensure a safer, cleaner, and more orderly environment as seasonal activity increases.

Addressing concerns repeatedly raised by residents about conditions affecting their daily lives, the Safety and Security portfolio said it aims to strengthen safety and protection in all public spaces.

“Our communities continue to face mounting illegal dumping sites that pose health risks, especially to children, and abandoned buildings that have become centres for criminal activity. These concerns are real, they are justified, and they demand decisive action,” the municipality said in a statement.

In response, the Safety and Security Directorate will review and strengthen municipal by-law enforcement, with a specific focus on illegal dumping, noise pollution, vandalism and disorder. Enforcement efforts, the municipality said, will be consistent, visible and resolute. Rapid-response measures will also be implemented to address vandalism and the theft of municipal infrastructure.

The City-wide Clean-up Campaign has been launched as part of the initiative, targeting neighbourhoods with high levels of dumping. The municipality also said it will focus on providing safe, clean and well-maintained recreational spaces for young people.

The MMC for Local Economic Development, councillor Sonja Bosman-Mogorosi, was seen this week leading municipal peace officers working in close partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of visible enforcement operations in the central business district.

Meanwhile, the MMC for Safety and Security, councillor Nomazizi Shwababa, said neglect, disorder and lawlessness would not be allowed to define Sol Plaatje Municipality.

“The Safety and Security Directorate remains committed to restoring stability, strengthening enforcement, uplifting communities and ensuring that every corner of the municipality reflects collective pride in the city,” she said.

Mayor leads clean-up at taxi rank

Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett led a clean-up campaign at the Craven Street taxi rank this week, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to creating cleaner, safer and more dignified public spaces.

The initiative brought together municipal officials, waste-management teams and volunteers in a co-ordinated effort to restore one of the city’s busiest transport hubs. Participants removed litter, swept walkways, cleared drains and engaged with traders and commuters about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces.

Bartlett stressed that keeping public areas clean is a collective responsibility and called for continued co-operation between the municipality and the community. She thanked those who took part in the clean-up and encouraged residents to maintain pride in their surroundings.

The campaign forms part of the municipality’s broader programme to improve service delivery, promote safer public environments and tackle long-standing challenges around waste and urban decay.

Top cop spearheads crime blitz

Meanwhile, in support of broader festive-season safety operations, the Northern Cape provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, also led a crime blitz across Kimberley on Friday. 

The operation included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and stop-and-search actions conducted with Frances Baard District SAPS members and other law enforcement agencies.

According to SAPS, officers searched 683 vehicles and 1,947 people, and issued fines totalling more than R30,000 for traffic and by-law violations. 

High-visibility patrols were also carried out at shopping centres and malls to curb ATM and retail-related crimes.

Police said these actions would continue throughout the festive period and beyond.

Residents welcome action – but urge follow-through

Residents have cautiously welcomed the municipality’s renewed focus on enforcement and cleanliness, saying the intervention is overdue.

“I’m glad to see some action. The dumping and vandalism have been out of control,” a Galeshewe resident said. “If the municipality sticks to this plan, it could make a big difference.”

A Herlear resident noted that visible policing and clean-ups had been repeatedly requested for years. “This is the first time in a while that it feels like the municipality is taking concerns seriously,” he said.

CBD business owners, who have been hard hit by crime, littering and declining foot traffic, said cleaner streets and stronger policing would help revive the area.“Customers avoid the CBD because they don’t feel safe. This could help bring people back,” a clothing store owner said.

But others warned that past campaigns fizzled out after a few weeks. “We’ve heard big promises before,” said a Homestead resident. “It all sounds good, but we’ll believe it when we see it.”

Several residents stressed that the campaign must continue into the new year. “Short-term clean-ups don’t solve anything,” a Beaconsfield resident said. “What people want to know is whether this is a lasting commitment.”