The City of Tshwane is grappling with a growing sinkhole crisis, with 64 sinkholes reported across the metro, the latest appearing just meters from a home in Lyttelton Manor. Opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+), are now pushing for affected areas to be declared a national disaster, warning that aging infrastructure and water leaks are exacerbating the problem.
A City Swallowed by Sinkholes
Residents in suburbs like Centurion and Lyttelton Manor are living in fear as massive sinkholes continue to form, swallowing roads and threatening properties. A recent collapse on Jade Street has left a gaping hole, highlighting the severity of the issue.
“What is very troubling is that there just doesn’t seem to be the budget to fix these sinkholes,” said one resident. “They keep occurring again and again, and there’s no money to repair them.”
The problem goes beyond geology—while the region’s dolomite bedrock makes it prone to sinkholes, experts say 60% of the collapses are caused by water and sewage leaks from deteriorating infrastructure.
Property Values Plummet as Residents Flee
Homeowners are not only worried about safety but also plummeting property values.
“You’re sitting in fear,” one Centurion resident said. “This is your life’s investment, and now suddenly, this is happening. Property values are going down, and people are moving out or thinking of moving out.”
Calls for National Intervention
With the city facing financial strain, opposition parties are demanding urgent intervention. The DA is petitioning provincial government and National Treasury for hundreds of millions in funding, arguing that Tshwane cannot afford repairs on its own.
“The city is pretty close to bankrupt,” a DA representative said. “The situation is going to get worse unless money comes from somewhere.”
The City of Tshwane has allocated R14 million to address the crisis—far short of the estimated R200 million needed for full rehabilitation. Officials were unavailable for comment, but the metro is also lobbying for disaster zone classification, which could unlock crucial national funds.
As sinkholes multiply, residents are left wondering if help will come before the ground beneath them gives way completely.