Marlboro, Gauteng

Demographics

About 10,000 people, 2,500 households residing in the township. A large number of Marlboro resident reside in homes that have been passed down over generations. The racial makeup of the Suburb is 85.30% Indian/ Asian and 15.70 other races.

History

It has had a long and multifarious history, in apartheid 1948, the township became a "black spot" and residents were threatened with removal. Freehold title was abolished and some families were removed, leaving the majority as tenants of the government.

During the 1980s, Marlboro was characterized by conflict and development. There were long boycotts and clashes with the apartheid government, but during that time roads were tarred for the first time and houses and nearly 50 blocks of flats were built.

There has been a population boom in the township following the repealing of apartheid laws that restricted the movement of black people.

People from across South Africa and from neighboring countries flooded into the area seeking work and shelter.

Local government

In the council there are two councilors, elected by votes from the Marlboro Township and who are responsible for the township and assert its interests.

Local political issues

Marlboro South, known as Marlboro Industrial area, is a source of employment to Alexandra area where several plants and factories are located; the two areas are linked with an integrated road network.

Nevertheless, the area suffers from the lack of municipal services from the local authorities and has high level of crimes.

Because the most business owners are moving to better developed business areas, they abandon their premises and factories are closing, these premises being occupied by homeless people illegally. A big problem remains lack of public consultations and the loss of public sector skills. Anthony Blandford, director for the City of Johannesburg's Presidential Alexandra Renewal Project and the city council are going to restore the area by changing the zoning of the area from industry to a mixed-land property. Marlboro Industrial Area Development Committee has been formed to keep the project development and put it into practice.

Political issues in Marlboro include framework area development, growth of population and working power, opening of additional public schools and revision of property taxes. There are 12 sectors that need revision and improvement.

1. Economic development
2. Human and community development
3. Housing
4. Infrastructure and basic services
5. Environment
6. Spatial form and urban management
7. Transportation
8. Health
9. Safety
10. Financial sustainability
11. Governance
12. Corporate and shared services

A local waste disposal company, SA Waste Holdings (Pty) Ltd, has been lately in the news. The company employs many people from Marlboro and neighbouring Alexandra. However, residents of Alexandra have often complained to the authorities about the potential health risks emanating from the company's recycling plant.

Education

Marlboro Gardens Combined School is the only school for the local children. One more school was planned in Marlboro Industrial Area, but local residents are against it as it would be unhealthy for their children to study in the area where industrial plants are concentrated.

References

References

1. "Official website of the City of Johannesburg".
2. "Marlboro South Industrial Organisation".
3. "Marlboro Industrial Business Forum complaint". MIBF (1998).
4. "New deal for declining Marlboro South". The BIG Media (2002).
5. "Social Development of Marlboro Township".