Chiawelo residents demands action against nearby church for noise
Disgruntled residents in Chiawelo, Soweto, are pleading for action to be taken against a church that disturbs their peace. For more than 16 years, residents say they have had to endure the noise coming from the church’s live band and daily worship services. They accused the Unity Fellowship Church of undermining them. According to the residents, the daily noise pollution impacts on their health, particularly the elderly and sick people. When the church service is underway, residents in nearby residences have to endure the noise. One resident, Grace Peela, says she has been having it hard. “I am drained. I have to go to work without sleep. I’m a nurse, sometimes I feel drowsy. It’s a dangerous to my patients.” They even approach the CRL to intervene, Peela says. “I have sent the videos and all the documents to CRL to intervene. I hope this time we will get help. I hope the solution won’t be temporary.” According to Peela, the church started without proper public consultations in October 2009 and belong to the charismatic Pastor Mpfariseni Mukhuba. Noise pollution is regulated by the City of Joburg as part of their municipal bylaws. However, JMPD officers were allegedly assaulted by some church members when they tried to intervene. JMPD Spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, says while they remain committed to enforce the by-laws in regard to noise pollution, they rely on environmental health. “The JMPD affirms its unwavering commitment to enforcing the city’s noise bylaws. Our primary role is to ensure public safety by actively addressing disturbing.” In 2015, Peela took the matter to Parliament and presented her case. The matter was then elevated to the Johannesburg Council to table, report and address, but so far, she says there hasn’t been any concrete resolution. Efforts to get hold of Pastor Mukhubu to comment were fruitless.
