Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Community Affairs Media statements | Media statements

AfriForum approaches HRC about raw sewage flowing in Potch complexes for months

ByAfriForum 11/12/202411/12/2024

On Tuesday, the AfriForum branch in Potchefstroom filed a complaint against the JB Marks Local Municipality with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) regarding the raw sewage that has been seeping into residential complexes in Ballie Park for almost three months. Last month, the civil rights organisation requested the Municipality to address the horrific sewage spill in Parys Avenue and other parts of the town, but it seems that this request has fallen on deaf ears.

The sewage problems in Parys Avenue have been ongoing since October, when sewage bubbled out of manholes and even seeped into the adjoining residential complexes. It was so bad at one stage that even houses were flooded by the sewage. Although the sewage has now partially dried up, the stench still hangs there.

Since the problem arose, the Municipality has had several excuses as to why the pipes were not replaced. Yesterday morning, the equipment needed to carry out the repair work was removed from the scene after it was almost stolen by miscreants. Now security must be arranged before any repairs can be done. Meanwhile, the residents and even the environment perish under the stench.

“This dire situation once again indicates the incompetence and unwillingness of the Municipality to face this problem urgently,” says Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Mooi River region. “Legal action will be considered if the Municipality continues to disregard its duties towards the community.”

AfriForum encourages residents to lodge a complaint with the HRC so that this issue can carry more weight. Visit www.sahrc.org.za/lodge-complaints to submit a complaint or get involved with Potchefstroom’s AfriForum branch today. Contact Leandra Rootman on 073 886 3520 to join.