I refer to your front-page article dated 24 August.
Having lived right opposite the Helderkruin caves and waterfall and now living just below the caves, I have experienced and seen first-hand the activities of these religious and other groups. As the article states, the last six months or more have certainly been worse than ever.
I have regularly witnessed groups of people and individuals making their way down to the caves where they are stripped naked in full view of those living on the perimeter of the reserve. People bathe in the stream, rituals are performed and there are times when make-shift shelters are constructed and fires burn at the foot of the cave. There are also times when people just sit around on the ridge and I have at one time seen persons with binoculars looking towards the homes on the perimeter.
Some years ago, there were also religious groups having Sunday open-air services with day-long chanting, singing and drumming. Whilst I respect the religious and cultural persuasions of others, it is not at all pleasant to have hours of forced upon and intense noise right on your doorstep when that day is the only one during which you as a citizen and ratepayer of Roodepoort have an opportunity to kick back and relax or observe a quiet religious day of rest.
The most disturbing aspect surrounding the visitors is the loud and hysterical screaming that almost daily emanates from the caves. It is extremely unsettling and during these times every door and window is shut. This kind of activity prevents those of us living in close proximity from enjoying the peace and quiet of our homes.
I am not sure how this issue can be resolved, but my view is we should ALL follow rules and regulations and the rule of law.
Those of us living on the perimeter of the caves do not know who is foe and who is friend. We simply want security and peace and quiet.
