The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng urges Randfontein residents and various stakeholders to sign a petition to force the Department of Social Development to open the abandoned Mohlakeng Old Age Home. Vulnerable elderly residents in dire need of professional care are suffering, yet this facility with 75 beds has been standing empty and gathering dust since 2019.
This information was discovered by DA MPLs Jade Miller and Refiloe Nt’sekhe, along with Councillor Innocent Thobeko, during a recent oversight inspection at Mohlakeng Old Age Home.
See the photos here, here and here.
The facility, which was launched in April 2019 and relaunched in October 2024, has not been fully utilised by any elderly resident, instead money has been wasted on two opening ceremonies.
The DA will table questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, to ascertain why this facility remains closed to the public and how much has been spent on security.
A DA Gauteng-led provincial government would ensure such facilities are occupied immediately after the official opening. Based on previous experience, the failure to occupy completed projects has made them vulnerable to theft, vandalism and illegal occupation.
The DA will fight for this facility to be open for the benefit of the elderly in need of a place of safety. To join the DA fight, please sign the petition here.