by Kingsol Chabalala MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR)
It is a disgrace to the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo that the center named after him and showcasing his life’s work is in a state of disrepair.
During an oversight visit to the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct in Wattville, Benoni, it was visible that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is failing to take ownership of this historical monument as they are mandated to do. The facility is starting to become overgrown with weeds and grass.
There are structural defects and when it rains water comes through the wall and floods the craft center. Two interactive monitors were damaged by water leaking from the wall.
There are cracks in the walls, the ceiling of the NC Conference room is falling apart and the library roof is leaking.
There is absolutely no maintenance even though there is a budget of R67 000,00 annually for maintenance of this monument.
We were informed that there were no cleaners for a month due to delays in renewing contracts.
There is clearly a lack of management and supervision of the staff at this center. When we arrived at the centre there was no one at the reception and staff were basking outside in the sun. The visitors’ register was also missing.
The centre has adequate resources to attract tourists and to educate our people about the history of OR Tambo, however, it is not sufficiently marketed. The place was very quiet, and we were also informed that residents are not utilising the centre as they are not well informed about its purpose.
It has become apparent that under the ANC in Ekurhuleni, service delivery and implementation of projects remains a problematic issue.
The DA will table questions to the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko to ascertain why there is no maintenance at this center and what is being done with the funds allocated for the maintenance of this monument.
Monuments such as these play a crucial role in educating our people about the history of our freedom fighters as well as growing the township economy by attracting tourists.
Come 2019, DA will bring Total Change and ensure that monuments are taken care of and well marketed to ensure that all South Africans benefit from the country’s legacy.