A resident of Kameeldrift East, Marius van der Merwe, has accused the City of Tshwane of passing the buck for four months after he requested help to remove an unauthorised garden that he claims is obstructing traffic on a public road. 

The garden, which is growing annually, has been a point of contention since April 2025, with Van der Merwe expressing frustration with city officials who consistently redirect him from one person to another when he seeks assistance.

He pointed fingers at one of the property owners in the area who is responsible for growing the garden, saying the individual is reluctant to remove it. 

Despite escalating the matter to Tshwane’s senior managers, Van der Merwe’s repeated emails to the city expressing frustration and seeking resolution have yielded no results.

In one of the emails to an official, he complained that he was told the garden was removed and that a two-week notice had been issued, but that deadline had passed and nothing had been done. 

He expressed concern that the garden, with rocks and boulders, still blocks the public road with no consequences.

He stressed that the issue is straightforward and should have been resolved within the initial timeframe. 

“The continued inaction is now raising concerns not just about the unlawful act by the plot owner, but also about the municipality’s failure to enforce basic compliance with its regulations.”

He lamented that the unauthorised use and obstruction of the public road are hindering daily access for the community.

Another official contacted by Van der Merwe via email claimed the matter does not fall under the scope of Building Control Management, but rather a civil issue since the community uses the road daily. 

The official suggested that a professional land surveyor should conduct a proper analysis to survey the road, and ultimately, it is up to the complainant to provide evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to prove the offence.

When contacted for comment, municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city is aware of the complaint and confirmed that “the matter has been escalated for the issuing of relevant contravention notices”. 

When asked if city officials had conducted an inspection to assess the traffic blockage, he stated: “It’s a garden planted on the road reserve, not a blockage.” 

He repeated that the matter had been escalated for the issuance of relevant contravention notices when asked who was responsible for clearing it.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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