Businesses and the tourism sector in Kliptown continue to suffer due to the unnecessary delays in fixing the vandalised and abandoned Walter Sisulu Square. This is unfortunate as this heritage site has a huge potential for attracting investors to grow the local economy and create employment opportunities.
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) launched a petition seeking the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) to fix Walter Sisulu Square, which was vandalised during the July 2021 unrest.
The DA engaged with the community and small businesses, which have been severely affected by the neglect of this facility by the government. The businesses had to move to other areas and are struggling because they can’t afford to rent.
The DA submitted questions to the department to determine who is responsible for fixing this facility. In response, the department indicated that it is the City of Joburg’s responsibility.
The DA believes that SACR, as the custodian of all provincial heritage sites, has a responsibility to ensure that they are fully functional.
The hope to restore this historic facility is not lost. To sign the petition to force the Gauteng SARC to preserve our heritage and refurbish Walter Sisulu Square, click here.