The Ekurhuleni Metro will have to provide an explanation for the new notice board erected at Homestead Dam in Benoni that prohibits fishing and indicates that the park is open from 07:00 to midnight. Prior to this change, the park’s gates closed at 19:00.
Even though local residents have been fishing and picnicking at Homestead Dam for years, they received no prior notice or explanation of these drastic changes. No public participation process took place.
Homestead Dam is not without its fair share of problems. Residents have been complaining about crime, homeless people, drug-related activities and a lack of policing for a long time.
The Metro’s sudden decision to keep the park open until midnight – at a time when the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) is already strapped for resources – raises serious concerns about further opening the door to undesirable elements and criminals.
The Metro needs to explain how these new hours will be practically managed and enforced.
Spending public funds on notice boards with spelling errors and unmotivated bans, while existing security and maintenance problems at the Dam remain unresolved, amounts to wasteful expenditure.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has requested the Metro to provide information on the authorisation of these decisions, to confirm whether the changes are temporary or permanent, and to explain what process was followed.
Public spaces belong to communities. Decisions that change how these spaces may be used must be taken lawfully, practically, transparently and in consultation with residents.
Residents should vote for the Freedom Front Plus on 4 November 2026 to elect an administration that manages public spaces responsibly and puts communities’ safety first.
