NKRA Communique – October 2025

Hi everyone

We held our October NKRA monthly general meeting virtually via the internet on Wednesday 15 October 2025. The key issues arising from that meeting are included in this newsletter. Our next NKRA monthly general meeting will be held at 18h30 on Wednesday 19 November 2025. All residents, owners and employees in Killarney and Riviera are welcome to participate. A formal agenda with a Microsoft Teams meeting link will be circulated in due course.

Park Upliftment Projects

A number of upliftment projects are currently underway in the 4^th Street Park, to enhance the park ahead of the school holidays and the festive season.

The children’s playground area constantly “consumes” sand, as the children play. We also lose a small amount of sand every time the leaves and blossoms are swept up and removed. We therefore traditionally add a fresh layer of clean sand every two to three years. In October, another truckload of fine-grained double-washed white silica sand was purchased, and was added to the playground area. This cost R6,750.

The mature jacaranda trees in the park need to be pruned. We have asked Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo (JCPZ) to attend to this, and they say that they are under pressure because of the G20 conference at the end of November, but they will “check their workload”. Those big dead branches are prone to snap off in a strong wind, and they do pose a serious danger to anybody who might be underneath at the time. To speed things along, we asked JCPZ if it would help if we hired an outside contractor to do the work, at our own expense, and they seem to be open to this idea, provided they are also present on the day to monitor the work. We have obtained two quotes so far, and the cheapest was for R35,700. We will continue to push JCPZ to address this, but if there is no positive response from them by our NKRA meeting on 19 November, then we will consider undertaking this project ourselves.

A number of the park benches require repairs. Most of the planks are showing signs of rot, but not all of them require replacement right away. A quote of R15,780 has been obtained, including repairing and painting twelve benches, and another quote will be received soon. We are also considering using recycled-plastic planks rather than wooden planks, because they will last forever. This will be discussed, and voted on, at our NKRA meeting on 19 November.

Service-delivery issue-reporting templates

To get better municipal service delivery, we need more people to report the various issues and concerns to the municipal service departments. To make it easier for residents to do this, we have created a reporting template, with a guide as to what information will need to be included. The template will be upgraded over time. You can find it attached at the end of this newsletter, or you can access it on our website at https://www.nkra.org.za/issue-reporting-templates/.  Please would you all share this template with your neighbours.

Pavement and street repairs

The JRA did finally respond to our repeated requests to be allowed to repair our potholes ourselves, by informing us that we MAY NOT do so. They have promised to address all our issues as soon as they can, so please continue to report the various potholes and excavations in the roads to the JRA at hotline@jra.org.za or at 0860 562 874, and please ask for reference numbers every time. These reports must include a street location, including the closest street corner. The more people who report, the better are our chances of getting a response.

We are still trying to get municipal permission to fix potholes, helped by our ward councillor. We are also talking to other residents’ associations to try to find another way to get this done, and so we are keeping a portion of that money aside for now. We can however continue to fill potholes with loose sand and stones, for safety.

Since we have been forced to put our intended pothole repair project on hold, we have switched our focus onto repairing our pavements instead. Joburg Water have told us that the reinstatement of damaged pavements is the responsibility of JRA, and that they are repairing all issues as fast as they can, but that they are hindered by resource constraints and a serious lack of budget. Our plan is therefore to make our pavements safe for pedestrians while we wait, but we are not going to spend time and money trying to create perfect surfaces, because we anticipate that these pavements will be dug up again soon to do further repairs.

One major area of concern is the high-traffic pavement in Riviera Road, which has been dug up often by the various municipal departments and the fibre companies, and not repaired properly. We have made a lot of progress already on repairing the pavement outside Daventry Court and Beverley Heights. Our repair work here has required substantial costs for casual labour and materials (an amount of R11,630 was spent on this project in October), and we will need to spend at least another R5,000 or so in the next few weeks. We also have a quote for R1,000 from a contractor to fix displaced kerb-stones on the Daventry Court pavement. This will be discussed, and voted on, at our NKRA meeting on 19 November.

We are still waiting for the municipality to repair the water leak at the new water meter, and to build a proper manhole structure. Once the pavement has been made safe for pedestrians, we intend to plant hardy succulent plants along the borders as well, to make the area more attractive. Donations of cuttings are requested from buildings and residents please.

Our other current focus is the two major excavations on the pavement of Bretton Woods, in 4^th Avenue. These excavations both blocked the pavement completely, but they have already been repaired substantially by the NKRA to at least allow safer pedestrian passage. Because both of these excavations also dug up the edge of the road, removed the gutter and displaced the kerb-stones, there is also the risk that rainwater run-off will erode the soil, and create an even bigger hazard. We are waiting for the building manager of Bretton Woods to finish some repairs to their stormwater drainpipe, and then we will complete the paving job. We might need to hire a professional contractor, to assist us with the kerb stones and gutters. We have received a quote for this work, as follows:

• Kerb stone replacement in 4^th Ave, upper Bretton Woods pavement – R8,600.
• Kerb stone replacement in 4^th Ave, lower Bretton Woods pavement – R9,600.

This will be discussed, and voted on, at our NKRA meeting on 19 November.

For the contractor to fix the paving on the Bretton Woods pavement in 4^th Avenue, including supplying new paving bricks as needed, will cost another R18,000 or so. We can pay to get this done quickly, or we can continue doing these repairs ourselves, with casual labour.

Unfortunately, MTN are now digging up the western pavement of 4^th Avenue, from Riviera Road up across the bridge to 7^th Street, to instal bigger fibre cables. We will monitor this work, and try to ensure that they do a proper reinstatement when they are finished.

A contractor is busy researching the manufacture of customised concrete manhole covers to replace the many stolen iron manhole covers on our pavements, because every other solution we have considered appears to be unfeasible. He is testing out this process, and if it works, we can replace most of these missing covers at a cost of around R540 for a customised concrete-slab cover, and another R400 to paint it with yellow road-marking paint for visibility, so around R940 each. We have 20-30 missing manhole covers at present, which pose a significant safety hazard. We should have the results of the tests soon, and this work will be discussed, and voted on, at our NKRA meeting on 19 November.

Thereafter, if we still do not have permission to fix the potholes, we will investigate using the remaining accumulated money to resurface various other pavements that have become dangerous, one problem at a time. We will probably start with the incomplete reinstatement on the Killarney Court pavement at the corner of 4^th Avenue and Riviera Road.

Pavement rubbish bins

The pavement bins all belong to PikiTup, but are managed under contract by JCDecaux SA. Per their records, we have approximately 14 pavement bins in Killarney. One additional bin has already appeared recently on the corner of 3^rd Street and 4^th Avenue. If people are willing to sponsor bins by placing advertising on them, then we can reposition the bins, and maybe also get additional bins.

They have been a bit slow in getting back to us, but they have finally provided the details and costs. The advertising space on the bins costs R500 per month, ex VAT, per bin. There is also a once-off production cost for the advertising panels, of R888 ex VAT, per bin.

It has been noted that a lot of rubbish has accumulated on the motorway embankment near the corner of Newtown Road. There seem to be people living here, so Cllr Huggett is contacting JRA and PikiTup to get an official intervention if possible. If there is no favourable response from the municipality, we may need to consider paying for a cleanup. This job is a bit big for the Themba cleanup team to manage with their bakkie. RCS Security has helped us with major cleanup projects in the past, and they are willing to provide a team of cleaners, together with a security escort, as well as the largest skip available, for round R8,000, depending on how many days it takes.

Recycling Project

We are working with an organisation called ARO to improve the practice of recycling domestic refuse in Killarney. The essence of the plan is to have all residents sorting their recyclable materials “at source”, so that it is put out separately from the garbage. This will hopefully make the reclaiming process easier and safer. ARO have thus far been slow at getting back to us. A meeting is being held on Thursday 6 November to determine the way forward, and we will keep everyone posted of developments. In the meantime, please would residents sort your recyclable waste yourselves, and put it out separately. You can interact with the recyclers on their WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/L1IlY4t9C837nVxp5oD8QW.

Killarney Mall taxi rank and refurbishment progress

The Killarney Mall Centre Manager has informed us that the process to sell the Killarney Mall is still underway. At this stage, no definitive timelines are available. In the meanwhile, the relocation of the taxi rank remains under active discussion with the proposed buyer. They are working to identify a location that accommodates all stakeholders, and which will be suitable into the long-term. Once there is agreement on a suitable space, the necessary arrangements will follow, but no action can be expected on the taxi facility until the sale is finalised.

We have regularly requested the Killarney Mall to improve the lighting inside the library, and we have also requested permission to paint a mural outside the library door to make the library more visible. We are also asking the Mall to put up some signs inside the Mall directing people to the library, and for the information booth outside Woolworths to be made more aware of the library so that they can answer questions from shoppers. The Killarney Mall Centre Manager has responded that they will be uplifting the parking and basement areas of the Mall soon, and that they will address our requests as part of this upliftment.

The library is also in need of the donation of a few additional sturdy chairs please.

The Houghton Bonsai, Succulent and Plant show will again take place at Killarney Mall, on 7-9 November. This year it will include artisanal deli and food vendors, plant-themed art and sculptures, and interactive workshops from leading plant and bonsai specialists, as well as the chance to buy plants and accessories. On the Saturday and Sunday (8 & 9 November) there will also be a vibrant Kids Zone, to keep the smaller citizens entertained. This will include face painting, arts and crafts, and a learning-entertainment show called “The Bright Sparks Science Show”. Entrance is free for all.

Safety and Security focuses

The risks of cell-phone snatching on pavements, and pick-pockets, are still a concern. Phones are still being stolen all the time. All buildings are urged to warn their residents, and also their visitors, not to stand on the pavement with a phone or valuables in their hands.

Illegal hawkers and illegal drinking on pavements are also still an on-going problem. This problem tends to get worse as we progress into the festive season. It has been noted that part of the street-party problem may be the fact that, in many buildings, the internal conduct rules do not allow their live-in employees to use the building’s internal recreational facilities, such as the gardens, roof-tops and pool areas etc. In such cases, some employees may have little option but to socialise in public spaces and on the streets.

Vision Tactical Security have patrol cars in Killarney, and they are willing to react to all reports of criminal activity. If you notice any suspicious behaviour, you can contact the Vision Tactical control room on 084 222 2222, or on 010 972 2600, or on 061 071 2001. The two Vision Tactical response vehicles are on 072 830 5305, and on 071 570 5173. We thank Vision Tactical for this community-minded service.

The Friends of the Library – Killarney

The Friends of the Library in Killarney (FOLK) are planning to hold summer holiday programs at the library for little children, pre-teens and teens. They are asking for input from parents to guide their planning process, particularly regarding the content of the programs, and the preferred dates. You can interact with the Friends of the Library in Killarney on their WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/KrYlArsPHSRAiyoGHerC0s

The Community Gardens project

The spring veggies in the community food garden are doing well, and some of the veggies are ripe and ready for harvesting. You can interact with this project team on WhatsApp at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cjh3eJl57pv1XcoQ7OEBj9, or follow them on Instagram here.

The Community Night WALKR’s street walks

The Community Night WALKR’s social street walks are continuing, and the participation is increasing as the weather improves.

• The WhatsApp group for the Night WALKR’s has been renamed [KR] Safety & Security, and they are at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DsR92XsjIU49JLvv1pAHCI
• A new WhatsApp group called the [KR] Social Walkers has now been created, and they are at https://chat.whatsapp.com/CGOgiBZSRmhDNTq5BVdccU?mode=wwt

Other Upliftment Projects

The Themba Cleanup team continues to do a lot of cleaning and fixing around the area. You can interact with the team at: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KA4ejvnpF6pGjFg9SJ3KEn.

NKRA Membership

The members of the NKRA are the buildings of the area. Membership of the NKRA is voluntary, and this membership is renewed annually by the body corporate paying their membership subscription. For residential buildings, the membership “subscription” is R50 per each unit in the building per annum (with a maximum charge of R4,000 per building). Only the official representatives of member buildings can vote on resolutions, but all property owners, residents and employees of businesses in the suburbs of Killarney and Riviera are welcome to attend and participate in our public meetings. 

Whenever your trustees change, please would you let us have the contact details of the new trustees.

This year, 39 buildings out of the 55 sectional title buildings in Killarney-Riviera paid their 2025 subscriptions – this is about 70% of the total. The list of the members is as follows:

• Berkeley Square
• Beverley Heights
• Biarritz
• Bolton Hall
• Brenthurst Court
• Bretton Woods
• Canterbury Close
• Castlerosse
• Chelston Hall
• Christina Court
• Cranwell Hall
• Daventry Court
• Devon Place
• Dumbarton Oaks
• Earl’s Court
• Gleneagles
• Glenhof Gardens
• Greenhills
• Hampshire House
• Hampshire Mews
• Highbury
• Hyde Court
• Killarney Court and Gardens
• Killarney Hills
• Killarney Park
• Killarney Village
• Killarney Wilds
• Knightsbridge
• Mentone Court
• Monviso
• Park Avenue
• Portofino
• Rapallo
• Riviera Mansions
• Riviera Villas
• Santa Margherita
• Sloane Square
• Splice
• The Rivieras

We thank all these buildings for your on-going support, and we also thank all the various individual people who make personal donations as well. This funding enables us to undertake various projects, for the benefit of us all.

The Vision of the NKRA is encapsulated in our motto: “Safer, Cleaner, Better, Greener”. In pursuit of these strategic objectives, we currently focus primarily on the following:

• Reducing the various crime risks on the streets, including specifically the risk of pickpockets and phone-snatching;
• Reducing the squatter and hawker and taxi and street-drinking problems;
• Building up a sustainable recycling project;
• Supporting the Killarney Library, the “Night WALKR’s” walking groups, and the Community Gardens Project, which grows food for those in need;
• Undertaking various projects where possible, including repairing municipal infrastructure where this is allowed, to make the area safer and to improve our quality of life.

If you have any specific ideas and suggestions to help us implement this vision, please do share them. We welcome all inputs, on all issues. We are also happy to receive photographs of interesting things that might be happening in our area, which we might include in future newsletters. All interested persons can contact us at wdford@global.co.za to be added to the mailing list. Our website is at www.nkra.org.za.

Our next NKRA monthly general meeting will be held at 18h30 on Wednesday 19 November 2025. All residents, owners and employees in Killarney and Riviera are welcome to participate. An agenda with a Microsoft Teams meeting link will be circulated in due course.

Please would you share this newsletter with all your neighbours in Killarney and Riviera?

Keep well, and keep safe.

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New Killarney-Riviera Association – www.nkra.org.za

Ward Councillor Eleanor Huggett – eleanorhuggett@gmail.com and 071 785 8068

Service Delivery Reporting Template – https://www.nkra.org.za/issue-reporting-templates/

Link to Community WhatsApp Group – https://www.nkra.org.za/whatsapp-link/

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CITY OF JOHANNESBURG – SERVICE DELIVERY ISSUES

REPORTING TEMPLATE

Here is the process for reporting issues to the various municipal departments:

You will need to provide them with the following information:

1. Your own name and your contact details;
2. If it’s an internal power problem or water problem, then your account number and your meter number (you can get this from your monthly statement);
3. If it’s an external problem (out in the street), then please state the exact location – the suburb, the street, and the two adjacent intersections (on either side);
4. The date the problem first occurred;
5. Provide all the details you have about the problem;
6. If you are reporting by email, include some photos if possible.

PLEASE OBTAIN A REFERENCE NUMBER, and keep a record of the date and time of your report as well.

Please then copy your report (with the reference number added) to Councillor Huggett – by WhatsApp – 071 785 8068. Also please copy it to Marvin Nkuna, the Regional Urban Inspector, at marvinNk@joburg.org.za or at 081 356 7711.

Here are the various contact numbers for reporting Service Delivery Issues:

Police Emergency Number – 10111 Fire Department Emergency Number – 10177 City Emergency Hotline – 011 375 5911 Ward Councillor Eleanor Huggett is at eleanorhuggett@gmail.com or on 071 785 8068

City Power Call Centre – 011 490 7484 or 0860 562 874 Escalation Hotline – 0800 003 156 Call Centre Toll-Free – 0800 202 925 citypower.mobi For real-time updates, join – https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQG8WxInlqJSHHQYo1q

Joburg Water Call Centre – 011 688 1699 / 0860 562 874 Email – fault@jwater.co.za jwfaultlogging.jwater.co.za https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN8jUf1SWsw4kYZEF1X

JMPD Office number – 011 375 5911 JMPD call centre hotline number – 080 872 3342 JMPD Control Room – 011 758 9620 Illegal Dumping – WhatsApp 082 779 1361 or phone 011 490 1684 JMPD number to report Homeless People camping in the vicinity – 011 490 1538 JMPD number to report Noise Pollution – 011 718 9684 JMPD number to report Illegal Advertising – 011 490 1547 JMPD number to report Illegal Trading – 011 490 1744 JMPD number to report other By-Law issues – 011 490 1684

Johannesburg Roads Agency (potholes etc) Office number – 011 298 5000 and 0860 562 874 Email – hotline@jra.org.za Website – www.jra.org.za

City Parks (Park and the pavements) Call Centre – 011 375 5555 or 0860 562 874 Email – trees@jhbcityparks.com or joburgconnect@joburg.org.za

Pikitup Call Centre – 010 055 5990 / 011 375 5555 Email – info@pikitup.co.za Illegal Dumping Hotline – 080 0873 343 Order replacement for damaged or stolen bin – 087 357 1068