Frustrated Norkem Park residents are calling for urgent intervention from the municipality and EMPD to address the disruptive noise from local taverns that has pushed them to their breaking point.
Residents of Norkem Park are voicing growing frustration over the persistent noise and disturbances caused by local taverns, particularly The View Lifestyle and Corner 55. With final exams underway for local students, many say their efforts to address the issue have been met with little response from authorities.
Tasha Brady, a local resident, shared her concern that despite repeated attempts to contact tavern owners directly about the noise, particularly late-night music, their pleas have gone unanswered. The noise is not limited to weekends but extends to Thursdays and long weekend Mondays, disrupting the community. Brady also highlighted other issues, including broken bottles, excessive litter, and car parts littering the streets, as well as an increase in violent incidents like stabbings and shootings.
In addition, Brady reported that damaged municipal property, including road signs and a CCTV camera, and incidents of drunk driving have become common. She also accused some tavern owners of operating without the correct zoning permits and said there have been allegations of corruption within the EMPD, with officers reportedly seen washing their cars at an illegal car wash linked to one of the taverns.
“These taverns are not just a noise nuisance—they’re a threat to our safety, and they’re lowering our property values,” said Brady. “The only way to restore peace is to shut them down.”
The owners of the taverns, however, deny the accusations. Joe Phoolo, owner of The View Lifestyle, called the complaints “personal attacks” and assured that all necessary documentation was in order. “All my documents are up to date, and the South African Breweries would not supply alcohol if I wasn’t compliant,” he said.
Nkosinathi Mpofu, owner of Corner 55, expressed a willingness to engage with the community, stating that they maintain an open-door policy for feedback. He emphasized that they operate within their liquor license hours and keep the noise levels at half capacity on quieter days like Thursdays and Sundays. “We have been checked by both the police and EMPD, and no cases have been filed regarding noise or fighting,” Mpofu added.
Despite these reassurances, residents remain adamant that stronger action is needed from both local authorities and tavern owners to restore peace and safety in the area.
