As the year draws to a close, Centurion residents have experienced a year of significant events that have impacted the community in various ways.
Here’s a look back at the top stories that made headlines in Centurion:
Clifton sinkhole stabilised after sewage pipe diversion
A large sinkhole on Clifton Avenue was stabilised after the diversion of a sewage pipe across a steel bridge.
Although there have been no recent incidents, the sinkhole continues to pose a threat.
The spokesperson of Centurion Care Centre, Hyla van den Berg, reflected on their ongoing concerns about the stability of the area.
“We have not had any recently but I would not say that it will not happen again.”
Ward 57 councillor David Farquharson said the sinkhole would not be fixed this year since there was only around R15-million budgeted for this year.
Farquharson previously said the sinkhole repair could cost R30-million.
He said as the sinkhole continued to grow, temporary solutions had to be found.
“The construction of the bridge over the sinkhole to solve the repeated leaks has now been completed, but it only allows pedestrians to walk past.”
The metro told Rekord that the sinkhole had stopped expanding.
“The sinkhole has stopped growing and we have managed to divert the sewerage pipe, which will be suspended underneath the steel bridge.”
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/06/27/clifton-sinkhole-stabilised-after-sewage-pipe-diversion/
Investigation into the murder of Centurion woman (26) after horrific smell arising from her flat
Early this year in May, a 26-year-old IT business analyst was killed in her apartment at The Junction in Centurion.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk confirmed the murder of Xoliswa Radebe and said police were investigating the case and following all leads.
Radebe’s murder was believed to have occurred on the first weekend of May, but her body was only discovered on May 7 when neighbours reported a horrific smell emanating from her flat.
According to the advocacy non-profit organisation Women for Change, Radebe was allegedly beaten to death, and her body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition.
Xoliswa’s funeral was held on May 11.
“Her funeral was so painful. Her murderer took everything from us, even this last respect to her. I can’t even sleep,” said her cousin Phindile Radebe.
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/05/21/police-investigate-murder-of-centurion-woman-26-subhead-it-specialist-found-when-neighbours-report-horrific-smell-coming-from-her-flat/
Metro partners with private sector to rehabilitate Centurion Lake
In a proactive move to enhance the local environment, the Tshwane metro partnered with the private sector to launch a rehabilitation initiative for Centurion Lake.
This project included the installation of a litter trap designed to prevent debris from entering the Hennops River.
At the time, the former MMC for Corporate and Shared Services emphasised the importance of community involvement.
“Together, we can ensure these natural spaces remain beautiful for future generations,” he said.
The project was supported by various partners, including Outsurance and Hennops Revival, and aimed to improve water quality while encouraging community participation in keeping the area clean.
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/09/26/metro-partners-with-private-sector-to-rehabilitate-centurion-lake/
Image: Shaun Sproule
Safety concerns as close to 7 000 faulty streetlights leave Centurion dark
Centurion continues to face a critical safety issue with residents reporting nearly 7 000 faulty streetlights across the area.
Residents expressed growing concerns over road safety and crime due to prolonged darkness.
In some areas, streetlights have not worked for several years, and residents have taken matters into their own hands to protect themselves.
The manager at Cornwall Hill Estate, Graham Jones highlighted the dangers, stating: “We have had robberies at the substation, we have had some car accidents and even a death on the corner.”
In July, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said that work had begun to address the metro’s backlog of streetlight complaints in the area.
He said that Region 4 had restructured its operations to address the streetlights.
“The city’s Region 4 has a major backlog of about 6 900 faulty streetlights at this moment. The city is dedicated to implementing a catch-up plan to reduce the said backlog,” Mashigo said.
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/07/18/public-safety-a-concern-in-centurions-dark-streets/
Financial constraints force Centurion Hospice to rebrand
After facing financial challenges for months, Centurion Hospice was forced to rebrand to Centurion Care Centre and discontinue its palliative care services.
The organisation also made the difficult decision of closing in-patient care at the end of July as it could no longer financially support its in-patient care unit.
The spokesperson of the organisation, Hyla van den Berg, emphasised the importance of this transition.
“By establishing a market-related frail care facility, we can generate the necessary income to reinstate home-based palliative care services.”
She said the organisation would continue to explore new ways to sustain its operations, including maintaining a thrift store and café to generate income.
The rebranding aimed to reflect the centre’s commitment to serving the community in new ways, despite the difficulties faced.
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/10/10/financial-constraints-force-centurion-hospice-to-rebrand/
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