As the nation and the rest of the world commenced the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the DA marks this period with a call for 365 days of activism. 16 days of lip service simply cannot cut it!
The Democratic Aliance (DA) in Johannesburg is deeply disappointed that the City of Johannesburg’s governance crisis leaves the most vulnerable amongst us to fend for themselves.
The Johannesburg Health and Social Development Section 79 Committee, a vital oversight body, has been incapacitated due to political instability. The committee failed to convene as scheduled on the 14th of November because its chairperson was reassigned to an MMC position, leaving it leaderless and unable to fulfil its mandate. This is a result of internal governance failures within the municipality.
Meanwhile, one of Johannesburg’s largest shelters for vulnerable women and children, Kotze Shelter, has been closed since December 2023. The facility was closed following an Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHASA) assessment, which deemed the building unsafe. Yet, the question remains: How did the City of Johannesburg allow this vital lifeline to deteriorate so drastically?
In stark contrast the DA-led City of Cape Town successfully operates over 20 well-maintained shelters and five Safe Space facilities, while the City of Johannesburg now offers its residents just 2 shelters.
The closure of shelters in Johannesburg has forced women and children onto the streets, exposing them to life-threatening risks.
The Joburg Property Company’s failure to maintain municipal properties has compounded the crisis, while the social development department staff face significant challenges in delivering basic services.
The ANC/ActionSA/EFF/PA coalition has failed to care for its most vulnerable residents, which constitutes a moral failure, underscored by the closure of a major shelter during a critical period of activism.
The Democratic Alliance will continue to hold the City of Johannesburg accountable by demanding that the City’s committee for Health and Social Development urgently reconvene, elect a new Chairperson and get busy with the work of protecting vulnerable people in the City.