A resident in Mamelodi East, Vusimusi Malindisa, has expressed frustration that the City of Tshwane has ignored his request to repair streetlights in his neighborhood for almost two years.
Malindisa's concerns were further fuelled by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya's recent report claiming improved services in Tshwane since taking office in October.
Moya highlighted several key achievements, including the repair and replacement of at least 9 471 streetlights and a landmark agreement with Eskom to settle the city's R6.67 billion historical debt.
However, Malindisa questioned the accuracy of Moya's information, stating that he had been reporting faulty streetlights on Ramabulane Street, Mamelodi East, since August 2023, without any success.
“I am not sure where she gets all the figures about the streetlights that are fixed and in which area or part of Tshwane is she referring to,” he said.
Malindisa's concerns extend beyond his street, as he listed several other streets in Mamelodi with faulty lights, including Tsomo Street, Molokoloko Street, and Tsama Hantsi Street.
“Therefore, what the mayor is referring to in your report may be from other areas of Tshwane but not Mamelodi,” he said.
In seeking answers about the unrepaired streetlights, he escalated the matter to the council Speaker's office, citing frustration with the lack of response from the Electricity Department.
He raised concern that a loose cable from a streetlight at Ramabulane Street is lying on the ground, posing a risk to children playing in the area.
In response, Mayor's spokesperson Zintle Mahlati said: “It is a fact that since the launch of the 100-day action plan, in October, over 9 000 streetlights have been repaired. In the latest service delivery war-room meeting, held on December 20, 2024, we reported the repair of 12 050 streetlights. We have a target of fixing 25 000 streetlights by the end of the 100-day action plan, expected at the end of January 2025.”
She said the claims that the mayor’s reporting on service delivery progress is inaccurate can only be regarded as untruthful.
“Efforts are underway, as part of the Executive Mayor’s 100-day action plan, to address all areas that remain in the dark due to years of neglect by the previous administration. The repair of streetlights in Mamelodi East, and the streets specifically mentioned by your reader, will be attended to by the City’s regional team,” she said.
Pretoria News