Bisley community wins fight against hall construction

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27-05-2025
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The Witness
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This decision follows months of sustained advocacy by Bisley residents, who raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed site on Holder Road.

Plans to build a community hall in Bisley have been officially halted following sustained objections from residents, who raised concerns over the suitability of the proposed site and the lack of public consultation.

The hall will now be rebuilt at its original location in Oribi Village — a move residents say reflects a fairer, more considered approach to development.

This decision follows months of sustained advocacy by Bisley residents, who raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed site on Holder Road.

Key issues included potential traffic congestion, environmental impact, and the lack of prior consultation with the community.

Local resident Noluthando Mzobe said the outcome was a relief.

“We are thrilled that our voices have been heard.

“This is a victory for community engagement and for preserving the character of our neighbourhood,” she said.

The Witness previously reported on the community’s opposition, which included calls for greater transparency in the planning process.

Anthony Waldhausen, co-founder and chairperson of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers, and Civics (Marrc), credited community mobilisation for the outcome.

All the protesting from the residents and Marrc resubmitting questions to the municipality and to the Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), stopped the construction of the hall,” he said.

They will now rebuild the Oribi hall, because the current one is falling apart.

“As Marrc we were mainly supporting the Bisley Ratepayers Association and the residents with the legal and the compliance aspect,” said Waldhausen.

He added that while Bisley residents support development in the ward, they opposed the hall’s location.

“The due process was flawed, and the affected parties were not consulted.

“The community is glad that the refurbishment of the Oribi hall will now take place and calls for the development and upliftment of Oribi Village,” added Waldhausen.