Democratic Alliance Ward 31 Councillor, Remona McKenzie has successfully secured security guards to prevent vagrants from occupying the abandoned La Bella building and has also overseen the erection of a fence at the neighbouring property to deter further unauthorised occupation. These measures mark a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to restore order and security to the area.
After persistent oversight visits, meetings with municipal departments, and continued pressure on officials, steps are finally being taken to address the community’s concerns.
“ The once-iconic La Bella venue, situated at 199 Stephen Dlamini Road, is no more. What was once a beloved gathering spot, where families and friends enjoyed freshly made pizzas, hearty breakfasts, leisurely brunches, and vibrant evenings in the beer garden, has now become a site of decay and frustration. Residents fondly remember meeting over a cup of coffee, discussing community concerns, and unwinding after long days. But today, the scene tells a different story.
“Since La Bella closed its doors, the facility has been left to ruin, falling victim to vandalism and neglect. The property falls under the Electricity Department’s jurisdiction, and despite numerous discussions with municipal officials, there was initially a lack of transparency, urgency, and commitment to resolving the issue. The municipality’s tendency to be reactive rather than proactive has further exacerbated the problem, leaving residents in Musgrave and surrounding areas frustrated and demanding action,” said McKenzie .
She said that recognising the need for accountability, she took proactive steps by compiling a database of all abandoned buildings in the ward, which was formally submitted to officials. “I have continuously pushed for the municipality to take responsibility for these neglected spaces. We cannot allow once-thriving landmarks to deteriorate and negatively impact residents’ quality of life.” However, the standard response from the municipality has been a lack of resources and budget constraints, a recurring excuse that has left many questioning the commitment to service delivery.
She assured that recently there has been some movement on the matter. “A public tender for the lease of the property closed on 30 January, and officials have assured that details will be shared once the adjudication process is completed. In the meantime, the Real Estate unit has engaged with the Electricity Department, urging them to allocate funding for security personnel to safeguard the site while the tender process is finalised. I have been relentless in pushing for urgent intervention,” McKenzie added
She emphasised that it was unacceptable for residents to feel unsafe due to an abandoned building that should have been secured a long time ago. The matter is now at the reporting stage, with hopes that a responsible and responsive bidder will soon be identified.
Councillor McKenzie continues to push for urgent intervention to prevent further degradation of the site and to ensure the safety of nearby residents. “The flea market, nearby businesses, and property values have all suffered due to this neglect. We need firm and immediate action to rectify this situation.” The community’s patience is wearing thin, and their demands for action are justified.
“This facility was once a place of joy, and now it has become a nightmare for residents. We demand that this matter be prioritised with urgency. We are tired of the selective approach by this municipality and the continued poor service delivery.I will not stop advocating for residents until we see meaningful progress.”
As the community awaits the next steps, residents will continue to hold municipal authorities accountable, ensuring that what was once a thriving landmark does not remain a symbol of neglect. Councillor McKenzie has vowed to provide regular updates, keeping the community informed every step of the way. Residents have every right to demand accountability. “I stand with them and will continue to fight for the solutions they deserve.”
