Over 1 000 sign petition against Menlyn event noise

Residents across Pretoria east have launched a petition demanding action against alleged excessive noise from events hosted atMenlyn Centre, saying disturbances affect multiple suburbs and disrupt communities across at least five wards. The petition, which has already gathered over a thousand signatures, calls for Menlyn Centre to take responsibility for managing noise impacts and for the Tshwane metro to review approvals for future large-scale outdoor events. According to the petition, residents and councillors argue that a gin event hosted on March 28, followed by another event on March 29, generated noise levels that exceeded acceptable residential limits.

Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller further alleged that planned repeat events, continue to affect the peace and well-being of surrounding communities. “This is not a single suburb issue. We received complaints from across Pretoria east, with residents saying the noise travelled far beyond the immediate vicinity of the mall,” Muller said.

She added that residents expect a balance between commercial activity and community well-being. Muller explained that people understand that events form part of economic activity, but they must not come at the cost of residents’ peace. “The scale of the sound carried across wards raises serious concerns that must be addressed.” Ward 83 councilor Andrew Lesch said the petition reflects growing frustration among residents who feel their concerns are not being adequately considered.

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“The number of signatures shows the extent of the impact. Residents are asking why such high noise thresholds are permitted near residential areas and whether mitigation measures are sufficient,” Lesch said. Ward 45 councillor Betsie Basson said she received complaints from residents who reported that the sound was clearly audible inside homes.

“Residents described continuous bass and amplified sound traveling across suburbs. Many families, including elderly residents and those with young children, said the disturbance lasted for hours,” she said.

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