KEY POINTS
- Cape Town has suspended waste collection in Manenberg due to gang violence.
- Community leaders support the decision but call for stronger policing.
- Residents fear health risks as uncollected waste piles up.
The City of Cape Town has temporarily suspended waste collection services in Manenberg following an escalation in gang violence.
The decision was made to protect municipal workers, who have found themselves caught in the crossfire while attempting to carry out their duties.
According to IOL, residents were informed on Thursday morning that refuse collection would be put on hold until further notice.
In a statement, Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, explained that the safety of workers had become a major concern.
“Our staff members regularly work in areas where gunfire erupts without warning. This presents an unacceptable risk to their safety,” Mbandezi said. “We will be engaging stakeholders to find solutions that allow us to resume services safely.”
Community leaders react to the crisis
The Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) has expressed frustration over the worsening violence, acknowledging that the city’s decision was necessary for the safety of its workers.
“We don’t blame the city for pausing services,” said CPF Deputy Chairperson Vanessa Adriaanse. “Nobody should have to risk their life just to do their job. These workers have families to provide for, and expecting them to work in such dangerous conditions is unfair.”
According to Adriaanse, the shortage of personnel at Manenberg Police Station has created challenges for controlling ongoing gang battles.
“This year alone, we have seen multiple murders. The shootings happen daily, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night. Criminals have become reckless, and innocent people are suffering,” she added.
Public health and sanitation concerns grow
Public health concerns are rising due to the stopped waste collection services that continue to accumulate garbage in specific areas.
“When waste is left to accumulate, it creates serious health risks,” Adriaanse warned. “We have seen cases where bodies are only discovered days or even weeks later because they were hidden under piles of trash.
This situation is not just about refuse collection—it’s about people’s safety and well-being.”
The local authorities have instructed people to skip unauthorized rubbish disposals and prepare trash for pickup services when operations begin again.
Resident’s anxiety increases because there is no defined schedule for waste collection service recovery.
“We are doing everything we can to find a safe way to resume services,” Mbandezi assured. “Updates will be provided as soon as possible.”
