Project Updates
20 May, 2025
The work on the fences by Selby and Vogel Streets is ongoing. The new fences along Villa Selby as well as the one behind Vogel Street are expected to be completed during the week. It was found that due to the uneven terrain, plinths will have to be added to prevent entry from underneath the fences. We will obtain quotations for this.
Our agreement with the department of nature conservation with regards to the fence next to Selby Street was that they would remove the old fence whilst our contractor erects the new fence shortly after. Seeing as they have a shortage of vehicles, the commencement of work on this fence will depend on their ability to arrange for a vehicle. They have indicated that they should be able to have a TLB available soon.
9 April, 2025
Securing our boundary with Garstkloof
The configuration of the new palisade fences by Vogel and Selby Streets has been finalized and we have received official approval from the Department of Nature Conservation. We have assessed a sample piece of fencing from the contractor to ensure that it's sufficiently strong.
The existing fence in Selby Street will be replaced with a new palisade fence that is going to be taller and stronger. The location of the pedestrian and vehicle gates will be moved to allow better access for all types of vehicles. Along the southern side of Villa Selby another fence will be added four meters from the existing fence from Selby Street to the golf course. Behind Vogel Street a new fence will be constructed four meters from the existing outer walls. This construction will include gates to allow access for cleaning and maintenance. Construction of the fences is expected to start before the end of the month.
We would like to thank all contributors as your contributions help ensure that we keep on moving foward with our street closure project!
27 February, 2025
The construction of the northern-sector fences as well as the gate in Richmond Street was completed this month. We are aware of a culvert on the inside of the fence along Solomon Mahlangu through which intruders may get access into our enclosed area from the Wolwespruit settlement side. There is a also a section along the fence where soil erosion due to the heavy rains may endanger the stability of the fence. Both of these issues have been discussed with Gautrans who is responsible for these areas. We are awaiting tenders to close off the culvert as well as to stop the erosion. Meetings were held on site with Gautrans and potential contractors.
The next set of fences that we are looking to erect will be along Vogel and Selby Streets. Vogel Street will see an additional fence constructed a few meters away from the existing walls to form a double fence with a no-man's land in-between. In Selby Street the old palisade will be replaced with a new fence (steel palisade or grid-type) that is going to be of a better quality and stronger than the current one. We have acquired updated quotes for all viable fencing options. We are currently evaluating the options on the table to determine which configuration will yield the best security within the budget. We have already reached agreement with the department of Nature Conservation on the fences in principle, pending the final details. Once the configuration of the fencing has been finalized we will approach them once more for their final approval.
There have been some delays in erecting the two project progress signs due to some back-and-forth regarding the design based on the proof that was sent by the supplier. We are expecting the signs to be installed within the next two weeks.
23 January, 2025
The construction of the northern-section fences is progressing well as the section that runs along Solomon Mahlangu is nearing completion. Plinths are being added underneath the fences and construction on the section along Delmas Road (between the Castle Park and Lindehof complexes) has started. Refer to the fences update email sent to all contributors on 21 January for more detail.
As mentioned in our first newsletter (sent to contributors on 10 January) we are working on erecting two large signs at the locations where the booms and guard houses are going to be. Each sign will show the current status of the street closure project and will be updated periodically. The design has been finalized and approved and we expect to have them up within the next month.
10 December, 2024
We are glad to report that Welriet's CUP application including the fences has been approved by the relevant authorities! Consequently the construction of the northern-sector fences has just started.
The contractor will aim to finish the section of the fence that runs along Solomon Mahlangu Road by the end of the year. The construction of the sections along Richmond Street and Delmas Street are planned for early next year.
Our aim for the new year is to retain the momentum in securing our perimeter and to improve the monthly contributions. WiPRA would like to thank all contributing members for their essential contributions and patience as we bring this street closure to fruition.
Until next year we wish everyone happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
20 November, 2024
During last week's meeting about Welriet's updated CUP application no issues have been raised with regards to the fences.
However, we have been informed that the application will only be considered for approval on 6 December.
This means that once we have the approval this won't leave enough time for completing the construction of the northern-sector fences. If we get approval by that date it may be possible to construct the section of the fence that runs along Solomon Mahlangu before the end of the year, depending on the availability of the contractor. The sections along Richmond street and Delmas street would be constructed in January.
12 November, 2024
Our application to the Department of Urban Management for the fences on the northern sector has reached the final stages. Since Welriet has a CUP agreement for the area that includes this sector the department has requested that Welriet submit an updated CUP application that includes the fences. This updated application was submitted last week and promptly reviewed by the department. The department has now requested a meeting with Welriet and WiPRA later this week for obtaining clarification about some of the details of the planned fences before they grant their final approval.
We have since decided on a contractor to use for the construction of the concrete fences. Pending the approval of our application we endeavor to start with the construction by the end of the month.
9 October, 2024
The survey that we ran during the past week has now concluded and the results will inform our marketing initiatives going forward to help improving our contribution rate. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Our application to the Department of Urban Management for the fences on the northern sector is ongoing. We are engaging with the department and they have indicated that they would like to have quotations for different types of fencing options (concrete, steel, mesh, etc.)
We have since acquired additional quotations for concrete palisades as well as different types of mesh-type (ClearVu equivalent) fencing. During the coming week we will weigh up the different options so we can make a final decision as to which type of fence to install and which contractor to use. We will also continue to ensure that the application continues to progress.
27 August, 2024
Since the last update we have finalized the layout of the fences on the northern sector of the suburb (by Wolwespruit). We have also obtained a letter of support from Welriet as they have an interest in this area due to their CUP agreement with City of Tshwane.
Further to this we investigated the option of erecting concrete palisade fences instead of steel palisades. We found that installing reinforced concrete palisades that include a plinth (to prevent digging underneath) would cost about the same as steel palisades. Concrete palisades have the distinct advantage that they cost much less to maintain in the long run.
We finalised our application for the fences on the northern sector and submitted it to the Department of Urban Management on 14 August. This application includes the fences which will run along Solomon Mahlangu Drive, a section of Richmond Street, and the section of Delmas Road along the servitude between Castle Park and Lindehof complexes (indicated by white lines on the maps below). This will effectively enclose the open veld to the south of Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
We have decided to submit a separate application for this northern sector, as the fences along the Garstkloof veld will require approval from the Department of Nature Conservation in addition to other departments. This will delay any application, while approval of the northern fences on their own will be faster.
Meanwhile, we will obtain additional quotes for the concrete fences. We will also be working on finalising the application for the remainder of the planned fences.
24 July, 2024
While finalizing the application for the additional fences to the Department of Nature Conservation a new option for the fence on the Wolwespruit (northern) side was identified. Instead of erecting a second fence next to the existing ones along Magato and Paarl streets we could instead erect the fence on the other side of the veld along Solomon Mahlangu Drive, effectively enclosing the whole open area. This will have the following benefits relative to the original plan:
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The enclosed area forms a no-man's land which can be monitored and access-controlled.
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It will prevent vagrants from squatting in that area.
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The area could potentially be developed into a park with walking/bicycle trails, barbecue facilities, etc.
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It will require a lesser amount of fencing and therefore less funds required for the fences. This will help to shorten the time needed to collect the funds required for the project's implementation overall.
While investigating this new option it was found that Welriet has an interest in this area as they have a Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP) agreement with Tshwane which includes it. We therefore discussed the option with Welriet, who indicated that they support the concept and agreed to supply a letter of support to this effect.
We have identified the following activities which we will put into effect:
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Finalize the exact layout of the fence by the northern side (to be done by the end of this week).
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Engage with contractors for recommendations and updated quotes.
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Acquire letter of support from Welriet.
Once these action items have been completed we will submit our application to the Department of Nature Conservation. The application will request permission for all of the planned fences.
As previously mentioned we have already collected enough funds for the first phase of fence construction. However, in order to keep up with the costs of the street closure in the long run, the number of active contributors is going to have to improve. Failing this there are going to be delays in the implementation of the project later down the line. If you'd like to join as a monthly contributor — or know of a neighbour who would be interested — please refer to the Sign Up page for the relevant forms to submit.
Once again, thank you to each active contributor as you're helping to advance the implementation of this street closure!
21 June, 2024
After our meeting with the potential contractors we had received 4 proposals for the additional fences. In order to get an estimation of the cost for the civil works along the section of veld adjacent to Ketting street we also got a quotation for that work from another contractor.
Before any fences can be erected an application must be made to the Department of Nature Conservation for their approval. We have compiled our application based on the contractors' proposals. We also had another meeting with the department to flesh out the final details and ensure that they agree with the specifications. We are currently finalizing the application, applying the last required changes before we submit for the department's approval.
Once we have acquired the approval for the fences, construction can begin. At this stage we have collected enough funds for a first phase of erecting fences which will probably be the section along Paarl and Magato streets.
With the roll-out of contributor signs completed, the signs displayed across Wingate Park indicate which households are contributing monthly. The fact that we already have enough funds for the first phase of fence construction is great news! However, unless the number of active contributors improves, a lack of funds will delay the construction of the remaining fences and the street closure as a whole. If you'd like to join as a monthly contributor, please navigate to the Sign Up page to access the relevant forms to submit.
Thank you to each and every resident who is actively contributing as you're helping to expedite our street closure!
9 March, 2024
We have continued the roll-out of the contributor boards in the past few weeks including a few opportunities for contributors to fetch their board from a central location.
Meantime we are continuing the preparations for implementing the planned perimeter upgrades. In particular we are currently preparing a request for tenders. We are also preparing the applications to the relevant authorities for obtaining permission to erect the second outer fence.
14 May, 2024
We are getting ever closer to starting the construction of the additional fences!
The Request For Proposals (RFP) document has been finished. Given the nature of the terrain along the section of veld adjacent to Ketting street we have decided to issue a separate RFP for the earthworks that will be required to be done there.
On 13 May we had a meeting with potential contractors to show them the terrain by the Garstkloof veld and hand over the RFPs. It was well attended. The contractors’ proposals must be handed in by 24 May and the evaluation of said proposals will be done during the week following.
We need to ensure that once we start the construction phase the contributions received from residents can keep up with the expenses so that the project doesn’t get delayed due to a lack of funds. If you’d like to join as a monthly contributor, please navigate to the Sign Up page to access the relevant forms to submit.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the households that are contributing as your contributions are helping to make this street closure a reality!
11 February, 2024
This past week we had the first batch of contributor boards made! For this initial phase the boards are being distributed among the WiPRA 6 households whose accounts are paid up.
The purpose of the contributor boards is to increase awareness of the street closure and to get more residents to sign up and pay their contributions diligently. If we can get more residents to contribute this will help shorten the time needed for implementing the planned perimeter upgrades before we go operational.
As for the double fence we have determined what is required in order to obtain permission from the department of parks. To this end we are currently having discussions with the relevant parties in order to finalize the exact location and configuration of the second outer fence.
22 January, 2024
Our application for the street closure has been handed to the city council and will run its course throughout the year. In the meantime Jan Malan from Streetsafe will monitor and do whatever is possible to expedite the process.
As WiPRA our main focus will be to start implementing the planned upgrades to the perimeter as well as to ensure that the contributions from members improves so that the perimeter upgrades won't be delayed due to a lack of funds.
For the double fence that is planned to be erected along Magato & Paarl streets and along the Garstkloof veld it is crucial that we first obtain permission from the department of parks for erecting the second outer fence around the relevant parts of Wingate Park. Last week we have already engaged with the relevant persons of the department to establish what this application entails.
We will keep on reporting on our progress. In the meantime we would like to thank all signed up members that are paying their monthly contributions as this helps ensure the success of this project!
15 December, 2023
We managed to acquire all the outstanding deliverables and our application for the street closure was finally submitted to the city council yesterday! 🎉
Next year we can start implementing the planned upgrades to the perimeter while the application runs its course. In the meanwhile we would like to request all signed up members to ensure that their accounts are paid up as non-payment of contributions will delay the implementation of our project.
WiPRA would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all contributing members and other role players for making this milestone possible!
Until next year we wish everyone happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
13 November, 2023
The traffic impact study (TIS) has been completed in the past week. It shows that we will easily satisfy the necessary requirements with regards to facilitating the smooth flow of traffic. With the TIS done the application as a whole is very close to being ready for submission. Here follows an extract of the checklist of deliverables so far:
☑️ POA to appointed agent (Street Safe)
☑️ Site Plan indicating exact Gated Area
☑️ Minutes of Public Meeting
☑️ Residents' Support (Map & Table format)
🔲 Crime Statistics in Area
☑️ Traffic Impact Study
🔲 Support Letter by Ward Councillor
🔲 Consent by Owners adjacent to planned entrances
🔲 Payment of Council Application Fee
The remaining items could be completed within the next two weeks, but we are facing a major stumbling block. Looking at the accounts for the resident contributions we have noted that some signed up residents have not yet paid for the month of October. If there are signed up residents that are not contributing the project is not going to be sustainable. We are continuing to do what is necessary in order to be able to submit the application. However, we cannot commit to paying the application fee while it is clear that the residents' contributions are not going to cover the monthly costs over the long run. If all signed up residents pay their contributions this will give us the confidence to actually pay for and submit the application.
We will keep on checking and reporting on the state of the accounts periodically. We strongly believe that we as residents of Wingate Park can stand together by paying our contributions to ensure the success of this project!
24 September, 2023
We have reached a participation rate of 72 % of the households of Wingate Park for the street closure. This means that we have surpassed the required rate of 70 %, and we are busy preparing the application to the city council. The documentation specifying the households that are participating in the scheme has been finalized. A further requirement of the application is that a traffic impact study is conducted. The traffic counts were done on Wednesday, 20 September, and the traffic impact study is expected to be finalized by the end of October.
Monthly contributions for the closure start in October.
It is important to note that even though we have reached the minimum required participation rate to appease the city council and satisfy our budget for the closure, we will continue collecting more sign ups in order to further increase our participation rate.
A higher participation rate will:
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increase the chances of the closure to succeed and be sustainable, and
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shorten the time needed to collect the funds for implementing the perimeter upgrades and going operational.