Expired food becoming a ongoing killer for lives of residents

The growing concerns about foodborne diseases and the sale of expired or unsafe food products, particularly in vulnerable communities like elderly care homes, schools, and informal spaza shops, highlight a critical public health issue. The recent reports of children falling seriously ill or dying due to consuming expired food emphasize the urgency of ensuring food safety at all levels, from retail to consumption.

The role of spaza shops and informal markets in these incidents cannot be overlooked. With many of these businesses selling expired, tampered, or improperly stored goods, the risks they pose to public health are significant. The use of substances like sanitizers or spirits to alter expiry dates is particularly alarming, raising questions about the integrity of these businesses and the welfare of their customers. 

However, the fear of retaliation, especially in communities where such businesses operate, complicates the ability to address these violations. Residents may be unwilling to report unsafe practices due to fear of threats or harm. This creates an environment where food safety violations may go unchecked, potentially leading to widespread health issues.

To address this, a more proactive approach is required. Local authorities, including health inspectors and law enforcement, must be vigilant in monitoring these businesses and enforcing food safety regulations. In areas where fear of retaliation is prevalent, a system for anonymous reporting would empower residents to raise concerns without fear of personal harm. Furthermore, there must be a shift in focus from short-term financial gains to long-term community health, ensuring that businesses prioritize consumer safety over profit.

In conclusion, tackling the issue of unsafe food products in informal markets requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders—government, law enforcement, local communities, and businesses. Only through strict regulation, oversight, and community involvement can we prevent further health crises and protect the most vulnerable members of society from foodborne illnesses

Photo: Istock 

When will Lenasia ext 2, 5 & 10 pools be reopened

The situation with the closure of the Lenasia community pools in Extensions 2, 5, and 10 indeed highlights a pressing issue of transparency, accountability, and community trust. When public amenities like these pools, which are central to local recreation, health, and community life, are closed for extended periods, it understandably causes frustration and erodes confidence in local governance.

The core issue here seems to revolve around a breakdown in the management and execution of the renovation project. While maintenance, funding, and contractor issues are commonly cited as reasons for delays, the lack of clear communication and transparency is where the real problem lies. Residents, local swimming clubs, and community leaders are right to demand clarity on the whereabouts of the funds, what happened to the contractor, and what concrete steps will be taken to complete the project.

Your suggestions for accountability are on point. Specifically:

Key Areas for Accountability:

1. City of Johannesburg (CoJ)

   - The City, and specifically the **Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture**, needs to be transparent about how funds were allocated and used. The community deserves a full accounting of both taxpayer money and any donations. If there were budget mismanagement or inefficiencies in overseeing the contractor, these need to be addressed publicly.

2. The Contractor

   - If the contractor indeed abandoned the project due to non-payment, it’s crucial to clarify whether that was due to mismanagement by the CoJ, contract disputes, or other factors. The CoJ should take responsibility if it failed to honor payment terms, and legal action may be needed to recover any costs or to bring the contractor back on track.

3. Local Councillors & Ward Representatives:

   - Elected officials, particularly the local councillor, should be actively advocating for their constituents. They need to ensure that the project is back on track and that residents have a clear understanding of the situation. This can include pushing for regular updates and public meetings to ensure that the community remains informed.

4. Community and Swimming Clubs

   - The contributions of the community—both in terms of donations and advocacy—are vital. They should continue to press for transparency and a clear action plan. Their involvement, especially in attending meetings and following up on the city's commitments, will help keep pressure on the authorities to address the situation promptly.

What Needs to Happen Next:

1. Public Transparency and Accountability:

   - A detailed audit of the funds, outlining both the government and community contributions, should be made public. This would reassure residents and donors that their contributions were handled properly.

   

2. Community Consultation and Open Dialogue:

   - A public meeting with representatives from the City of Johannesburg, contractors, and community leaders would provide a platform to discuss what went wrong and what the next steps will be. This would foster accountability and show that the city is listening to the concerns of its residents.

3. Clear Action Plan with Timelines:

   - The City must provide a clear action plan that includes specific deadlines for completing the renovations. If the contractor cannot or will not finish the work, alternative solutions need to be identified, including finding a new contractor or completing the project in stages.

4. Legal and Contractual Clarity:0

   - If payments were not made as claimed, the City of Johannesburg needs to explain why, and whether legal recourse is necessary. Ensuring that such issues do not arise in future contracts will be key to restoring confidence in public projects.

In conclusion, restoring the Lenasia community pools is not just about reopening the spaces for recreation; it’s also about restoring trust in local government processes. A clear and transparent resolution to the current situation will be crucial not only for resolving this issue but for ensuring that future projects are better managed and that public funds are handled with the accountability they deserve.

Photo: reform sports

Flooding, clogged drains and more causes major problems

Lenasia, like many urban areas, grapples with the complex issue of stormwater drainage. When storm drains become clogged with debris, such as dirt, plastic waste, and leaves, the system is unable to effectively channel rainwater, leading to localized flooding. This not only damages property and infrastructure but can also overwhelm sewage systems, which may cause contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera or typhoid. Moreover, persistent flooding can disrupt transportation networks, hinder daily activities, and create a general sense of vulnerability among residents.

The situation is often compounded by informal settlements where proper drainage infrastructure is lacking or poorly maintained. The growing urban population, coupled with insufficient public awareness about the importance of maintaining stormwater drains, further exacerbates the problem. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach: improving infrastructure, encouraging community involvement in waste management, and promoting environmental education to reduce the amount of debris entering the stormwater system. Effective management could also involve the installation of stormwater filters and more frequent cleaning of drains to ensure that they remain functional during heavy rainfalls.

Several key factors that contribute to the blockage of stormwater drains. Here are some of the factors affecting blocked storm water drains 

1. Improper Waste Disposal: When residents or businesses dispose of waste, including plastic, organic matter, and even larger items like furniture, into stormwater drains, it creates significant blockages. This not only obstructs the flow of water but can also create breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes, which may lead to public health issues. Moreover, the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic, can persist for years, further exacerbating the problem.

2. Lack of Maintenance: Many stormwater systems suffer from poor or irregular maintenance due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. Without regular cleaning and inspection, drains can easily become clogged with debris, silt, and other materials. Additionally, older drainage infrastructure may not be designed to handle current volumes of runoff, making maintenance even more critical to prevent failures during storms.

3. Urbanization and Development: As cities grow, the natural landscape is often altered to accommodate roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. These changes can significantly impact how rainwater is channeled and absorbed. Impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, which increases surface runoff. This, combined with poorly planned or outdated drainage systems, can lead to overwhelmed drains that can't handle the volume of water during heavy rains, resulting in flooding and blockages.

Addressing these factors requires a combination of better waste management, increased investment in infrastructure, and urban planning that prioritizes sustainable drainage solutions. For instance, cities can adopt “green” infrastructure, like permeable pavements or rain gardens, which help absorb excess water and reduce the pressure on stormwater systems. Additionally, local communities should be educated on the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact it has on both drainage and public health.

Flooding in Lenasia on November 7, 2024 prompted JRA to address the issue.

 Khayalethu Gqibithole, the Head of Department for Regional Operations at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Could you provide the specific statement or issues he mentioned? I'd be happy to help you expand on or analyze his comments:

Storm Water Stains being clogged:

“The first step in stormwater management is for the public or communities to appreciate the current stormwater system. We encourage people to refrain from dumping on roads, public areas, and stormwater infrastructure because this is one of the things that contributes to flooding. In addition to flooding, waste ends up in water courses and harms aquatic life. Social media platforms and the Community Based Plan (CBP), which is presently being implemented throughout the City of Johannesburg, are two examples of platforms used for public education.”

 

Wetlands area: 

 “We have considerably limited control over nature’s erratic behaviour which brings about these disasters, but appropriate measures can be taken to reduce society’s vulnerability by avoiding building on wetlands and flood lines “

Plan to clean storm water drains regularly:

 “There is a plan in place to address regularly obstructed stormwater, and it is now being carried out. In addition, we have a standby team on call outside of regular business hours in case of floods.”

Residents helping to avoid storm water drains from being clogged:

“ The common law precept that lower-lying landowners should receive water from higher-lying properties that would have naturally flowed there. However, there is a limited responsibility to absorb the water; instead, neighbours need to consult with one another and decide how to manage the flow without causing damage to the houses downstream.”

Legalised gate closure is important

Residents of Lenasia and neighboring areas in Johannesburg face significant challenges related to crime, which impacts their sense of safety and security. In response, many communities have opted to install gates across their streets as a measure to deter thieves and protect their families. While this initiative can be effective in reducing crime, it's crucial that it is done in a systematic and organized way.

Installing gates should not be a decision made hastily or without proper planning. It's important for residents to work together, following guidelines that ensure these security measures don't impede access for emergency services, disrupt traffic flow, or create unintended safety hazards. Local authorities should be consulted to ensure that any gates or barriers are compliant with regulations and do not create barriers to public infrastructure.

Additionally, a systematic approach can involve clear communication between neighborhoods and law enforcement, to ensure that the gates are part of a broader strategy to improve community safety. This can also include increased patrols, neighborhood watch programs, and other crime prevention measures.

By working collectively and following proper procedures, communities can better protect themselves while also maintaining a balance between security and accessibility.

The City of Johannesburg has recently issued warnings to residents of various extensions, instructing them to remove gates across their streets, as these closures are deemed illegal under city regulations. The City has specifically exempted the Ext 5 Residents Association, but has emphasized that any other unauthorized closures must be taken down to avoid legal consequences, including potential retaliation. 

The City has made it clear that residents must comply with the law if they wish for their closures to be considered for future legalization. The message from the City is straightforward: unlawful road closures and barricades are not permissible, and those who defy the rules may face severe penalties, including the demolition of structures associated with illegal closures.

For residents, this serves as a reminder that while the intent to increase security is understandable, such measures must align with municipal regulations. If communities wish to continue their efforts to secure their neighborhoods through gates or other barriers, they will need to adhere to the proper legal procedures, work with the City, and potentially advocate for changes in legislation to allow for the controlled use of gates in the future.

During an interview withGary Duke of The Suburban Solutions, an attorney who has been handling road closures since 2003, advised that the City does have a procedure that needs to be followed in order for road closures to be implemented. 

“The purpose of having a procedure is to ensure that this is done in an orderly manner and that while ensuring the safety and security of the residents, you are not denying the Constitutional right to freedom of movement to citizens of the City,” Duke said. 

Gary explains that the City has formulated a policy which clearly sets out how to apply, to whom to apply, what factors are taken into consideration and what can and cannot be done in terms of a road closure. The City spent a lot of time formulating this and it is a genuine attempt to balance everybody’s rights. 

Isaac Khan, who works with Gary, said that the City is generally reasonable in terms of their handling of the road closure applications and if you comply with the policy, applications are generally approved. There are more than 450 road closure applications in the City of Johannesburg and many more neighboring cities such as Pretoria and Ekurhuleni. 

He added that the City is happy to work with residents and their procedures are fair and reasonable. The City does have a problem where structures are put up without any controls because it creates traffic problems, violates peoples’ rights and can cause unintended problems such as the delay or inability of emergency services to access homes when needed. 

Khan encourages residents to take the time to seek guidance on how to regularize the structures. The entire process takes about eight months from the date when you have submitted your application (assuming everything is in order). There are certain costs involved which must be paid (This varies depending on the size of the enclosure) such as an application fee paid to the City, cost of advertising and traffic engineering reports. The process does cost money. 

“However, the process is fair and The Suburban Solution is available to assist residents with their road closure applications. The Suburban Solution has handled more than 250 road closure applications and is well equipped to assist you with your application. Out of all of the applications submitted by The Suburban Solution from 2003 to date, none have been refused as in all cases the correct procedures were followed,” stated Khan.

Khan ended by saying that in all the time that The Suburban Solution has been handling road closure applications, it has become very evident that if run properly and in accordance with the law, road closures are very effective in reducing crime within an area and are well worth pursuing. The booms alone won't totally eliminate crime; additional steps include working with security firms and putting in place monitoring systems help make the road closure more successful. 

Road closure applications are handled by one of the City's most effective and well-managed departments, and they are typically fairly assessed in a reasonable amount of time.

The publication contacted the City of Joburg Deputy Director for Transport System Management Nobuntu Duze and she said that residents have to abide to the Gauteng Rationalisation of Government Affairs Act, 2008.

“There is currently no process to take the gates down, however if resident do not apply then the City will exercise its rights in relation to illegal structures on its roadway,” said Duze

Ext 5 Residents Association, deputy chairperson Yousuf Choonara, has explained that there was a full process completed to ensure that the gates are closed, including having a legal number on the gates which is identifiable for the city. 

He clarified that the gates are marked with the number, and that in the event of an emergency, they will be opened to allow emergency vehicles to pass through. If a local official or even a member of parliament requests that the gates be opened, it will be done. No inhabitant is permitted to possess the keys to the locked gates; only patrol officers and board members are legally permitted to do so. 

Hijacking goes wrong.

On Monday evening, November 11, 2024 inhabitants of Lenasia Ext 13 were shocked to learn that an automobile had been stolen in Braamfischeville, Soweto, and was being recovered in Lenasia.

The police, Tracker SA, Gauteng Traffic Police Department and security personnel managed to recover the car, an unlicensed firearm, three live rounds, the victim, and they arrested two suspects while one fled the scene.

According to reports received at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tracker SA received a tip-off regarding a stolen Toyota Quantum moving on Mathabela Street in Jabulani, Soweto. Their team, along with police and metro police, tracked the vehicle using its coordinates, which were later redirected towards Moroka. The car was subsequently spotted thereafter on Abu Baker Asvat Drive. The pursuit continued until the suspects abandoned the vehicle on Dimple Street near Nirvana Drive, Ext 13, Lenasia. The suspects attempted to flee on foot, but law enforcement and tracking unit apprehended two of them, while one managed to escape. Fortunately, the victim was found unharmed.

Furthermore, one suspect was said to have fallen and sustained serious injuries to his left frontal (Head). He was successfully apprehended, and a gun was found in his possession. The second suspect was apprehended by the squads that were after him, but the third suspect ran away.

Under police supervision, the injured suspect was transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for additional medical care, while the other was detained at Dieploof SAPS.

SAPS Provincial spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said it was reported that complainant received information about a hijacked white Toyota Quantum in Braamfischerville area, Soweto, with three suspects. She added that upon receiving the information, the vehicle drove towards Lenasia, the chase ensued, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. 

“One suspect was found with an unlicensed silver revolver and three live rounds.The driver of a Quantum drove into the veld and was apprehended. The third suspect is still at large, said Captain Sibeko. 

She confirmed that the injured suspect is still under police supervision recovering in hospital.

The suspects will appear before the Magistrate soon.

Joburg has new plans for future-forward community innovation challenge

The City of Johannesburg is taking bold steps towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for its residents with the launch of the Community Innovation Challenge and Awards 2024, the city is fostering creativity, collaboration, and practical solutions that address local challenges. This initiative invites residents, entrepreneurs, and organizations to come forward with innovative ideas that can make a real difference in areas such as sustainability, technology, education, and social development. The city will be recognizing and rewarding these contributions, Johannesburg is not only improving the lives of its citizens but also setting the stage for long-term, impactful change. This initiative underscores the city's commitment to building a modern, resilient, and thriving community for the future.

The launch of the Community Innovation Challenge and Awards 2024 will take place on 27 November 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Region G’s Town Hall, Lenasia Civic Centre. This event will mark the beginning of an exciting journey toward fostering innovation and collaboration in Johannesburg, 

The Community Innovation Challenge and Awards 2024, spearheaded by Johannesburg's Smart City office, is a forward-thinking initiative designed to drive progress by encouraging fresh, innovative solutions from both residents and stakeholders. The focus is on modernizing service delivery and tackling critical challenges faced by communities.

The Executive Mayor Member of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr. Dada Morero said that he encourages all residents, especially the youth, to participate. 

“The challenge is a vital part of the City’s broader efforts to co-produce solutions and modernise operations. We want to merge creativity with collaboration to unlock new opportunities. Central to our approach is the City’s comprehensive Innovation Framework, a strategic roadmap that fosters a culture of innovation where residents and stakeholders can generate real-world solutions,” Mayor Morero explains.

He added that he Community Innovation Challenge invites individuals, teams, and local organisations across Johannesburg’s wards and regions to submit their ideas. 

Cllr Morero ended by saying that the focus is on addressing everyday issues that impact residents, whether through service improvements, technological innovations, or empowering communities. 

“Winning ideas won’t just receive recognition but will also be piloted to improve specific areas of City services,” Mayor Morero adds.

Nelson Sekgota, Project Manager at Wits University’s Tshimologong Precinct, underscores the key criteria for submissions. He emphasises that innovations must solve a specific problem, improve residents’ experiences, and demonstrate scalability and usability. Importantly, the solutions should be low-cost, easy to implement, and designed to enhance the City’s service delivery.

“This is more than just an awards event—it’s a call for bold, practical ideas that reimagine urban management,” Sekgota says.

 “Our collaboration with Wits Tshimologong ensures that we’re tapping into cutting-edge academic expertise while leveraging community insights to build a more agile, responsive city.”

Monique Griffith, Head of Innovation Partnerships at the Smart City office, highlights the transformative potential of the initiative. “By redefining innovation to focus on unique, practical, and valuable contributions, the City is setting the stage for transformative change. As we invite residents and stakeholders to participate, Johannesburg is positioning itself as a leader in modern urban management where creativity and collaboration drive progress,” she says.

Key criteria for submissions include:

1. Impact: The idea must create visible improvements in the daily lives of residents.

Reach: Solutions should address issues affecting a large group of people or a broader area.

2. Service Enhancement: The innovation must demonstrate the potential to improve public services.

3. Proactive Community: Solutions should empower communities to tackle their challenges independently.

4. Innovation: Ideas must offer new, novel ways to resolve ongoing problems.

5. Usability: The solution should be feasible and have clear benefits for the community.

Implementation Phases: Submissions should outline the steps required to bring the idea to life.

6. Itemized Costing: Innovations must be low-cost, with a budget under R300,000 for the pilot phase.

7. Intellectual Property: The submission must be the intellectual property of the submitting party, open-source, or properly licensed.

Submissions: Must be completed electronically using the official form and signed by the innovator or lead representative.

To participate in Community Innovation Challenge visit the City of Johannesburg’s website, www.joburg.org.za, to register 

Bank fraud becoming common problem

Technology plays a vital role in banking today, offering convenience and access to services like EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfers), purchasing electricity, airtime, and even making international purchases. However, as banking moves increasingly online, the security of client data and transactions becomes more critical. Advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and real-time fraud detection systems are essential in ensuring the safety of users' financial activities.

Banks are continuously doing their utmost best adapt to emerging cybersecurity threats, balancing the convenience of tech with the robustness needed to protect users from potential fraud and data breaches. It’s a delicate balance, but when executed well, it allows clients to enjoy the benefits of modern banking with confidence.

While technology has made banking more convenient, it has also introduced more opportunities for fraud. In the past, a one-time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS or email was a common security measure to verify transactions. However, as fraud techniques have become more sophisticated, financial institutions have been adopting more advanced security features

 

A key issue is to vigilant in the digital age, especially with the rise of fraud scams that often target unsuspecting individuals through SMS, email, or other online channels. Phishing scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information, are especially common.

 

Chris Boxall, Head of Card Transact, Industry and Fraud Detection at FNB says, “Legitimate banks will never ask for this information through text, mail, or even social media platforms such as WhatsApp, so if you do receive a message requesting it, it's fraud. Always verify the source and legitimacy of any requests for personal information before responding.”

“We encourage customers not to click on links from suspicious SMSes, e-mails, or share their private information like OTPs, PINs, or passwords with any third-party whatsoever. We also encourage our customers to minimise using third-party platforms to authenticate transactions and instead do it safely and conveniently on our FNB App through Two-Factor Authentication,” he says.

 

FNB provides a more secure method of safeguarding your money when making purchases online, through Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), an online secure authentication system that helps merchants or individual customers review and authenticate their online purchases on the FNB App.

“In line with our commitment to empower and safeguard our customers against online shopping fraud, we strongly encourage them to make use of Two-Factor Authentication when making online purchases. This will protect cardholders against the unauthorised use of their FNB cards for online purchases while also protecting e-commerce businesses against financial loss from online fraud,” he continues.

FNB’s Smart inContact tool is the bank’s recommended 2FA mechanism which uses smart technology via its banking app to authenticate customers securely. If the customer does not have a banking App or does not respond to the push message to approve their online purchase, they will receive an OTP via SMS and by logging onto online banking messaging. Receiving OTPs via e-mail is discontinued in line with the bank’s strategy for safety measures.

 

“Mitigating risk continues to be an extremely crucial factor in payments and so we continuously innovate to enhance security in a multi-layered approach. While Two-Factor Authentication is one of the layers we utilise to protect customers from fraud, it is important that they remain vigilant on their account activity and always review what they are authenticating to ensure they are not being de-frauded,” concludes Boxall.

Photo: supplied