Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Refiloe Nt’sekhe MPL here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has, through an extensive oversight process, ensured the protection of the most vulnerable in Tembisa, by ensuring the reopening of the Tembisa Old Age home.
Since 2018, we have championed this fight both locally, in the Ekurhuleni Council Chamber, and provincially, in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. This facility was closed due to municipal issues (such as) that were, in fact, entirely preventable.
In response to oral questions tabled by the DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, MEC Faith Mazibuko conceded that the facility must be opened. She indicated that about R744,000 had been used to fix the infrastructure challenges that had led to the closure. Afrikat Solutions Party Limited was contracted for this project to repair the snag list.
All Work has now been completed, and the Department has received an Occupational Certificate from the municipality. The MEC indicated that the Department is already engaging the Community of Tembisa with regards to staffing and finding an NPO to manage the facility. She further committed to ensuring that the facility is officially opened in 2025.
This old age home will serve an important role for Tembisa Communities: elderly people have a safe place to live where they will be cared for. Nobody, especially not the elderly and frail, should be worried about where they will sleep at night.
The DA will fight tooth and nail for those who need our help most.