In a move that seems less about problem-solving and more about deflection, the Metro Police Department (JMPD) recently announced that they’re “cracking down” on noise disturbances in the city’s neighborhoods.
Their grand plan?
Encouraging residents to report noise disturbances by dialing to a call centre.
Yes, you read that right—JMPD’s bold, “new” approach is to urge residents suffering from blaring music and raucous late-night parties to take matters into their own hands by using their own Airtime and waiting to be connected to the JMPD.
This is not a joke—this is the JMPD’s latest strategy to combat the issue of “excessive noise” wreaking havoc in our neighbourhoods.
The problem?
Many Soweto residents will tell you that when it comes to filing noise complaints, calling a number doesn’t quite solve the issue. The line is not answered at times or leads to the same disappointing cycle: empty promises, inaction, and ultimately, wasted airtime at the expense of the caller. But who expects this hotline to achieve anything?
How Long Can the Metro Police Pretend?
For a problem that’s been tormenting Soweto residents for years, the Metro Police’s approach is not just disappointing—it’s almost laughable.
Should residents really have to repeatedly call and “report” noise disturbances in hopes that someone, somewhere, might act? Should we have to fight for a chance to sleep in peace, to let our children study without the bass of someone’s subwoofer shaking our walls?
At this point, one has to wonder: what exactly is the purpose of the Bylaws? Are they enforcing the City’s bylaws, or just trying to play damage control for a growing problem?
With countless residents complaining and yet nothing happening, it’s clear that the JMPD isn’t serious about actually enforcing laws that are meant to protect our quality of life.
The Noise Control is governed by the Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989). A person can be fined an amount of up to R1500 for violating this law. Read about it here.
Who Benefits from This Plan?
Another layer to this story is the fact that some of these noise-makers and party-throwers aren’t even Soweto residents. They come from peaceful suburbs in the North with tree-lined streets, where their kids sleep in the quiet, untouched by the disturbances they leave behind in our communities.
They raise the decibels, blast their music, and party until dawn, only to go back to their suburban bliss while we deal with the aftermath. Our children’s education, the rest of our elderly, and our community’s peace are sacrificed for their good time—and JMPD is okay with that.
What Should the JMPD Do Instead?
Instead of putting the onus on the residents, the JMPD could consider a far more practical and effective approach. They have the means, after all. Soweto needs patrols that actively monitor and control noise levels, shutting down offending establishments on the spot rather than asking for help from frustrated callers.
Street patrollers or Amapanyaza should conduct regular check-ups on all the establishments, and households that are notorious for causing noise and enforce the rules about noise, crowd control, and closing hours.
Are We Any Less Deserving of Peace?
Let’s ask ourselves: what kind of society allows a few reckless individuals to dictate the quality of life for an entire community? What message are we sending to our children, who grow up watching the adults around them suffer through sleepless nights and fend for themselves against disturbances?
If we truly believe in equality and dignity for all, then why are Soweto’s needs dismissed as trivial?
The City of Johannesburg and its Metro Police have to do better. If they cared at all about Soweto’s residents, they wouldn’t be handing out call center numbers like some half-hearted consolation prize. This isn’t how a civil society treats its people, and it’s time for us to say enough.
To the people of Soweto: Let’s demand real action, not these empty gestures. We deserve the peace and safety that’s considered a basic right for the suburbs, and the Metro Police should be here to protect that right, not merely pass the buck.
