The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) relentless efforts have successfully led to the reopening of the Tembisa and Mohlakeng Old Age Home by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) MEC, Faith Mazibuko.
The DA Gauteng has been tirelessly calling for the reopening of these vital facilities since July 2019, as mandated by the citizens of Gauteng. Through our Councillors in Ekurhuleni and Mogale City and MPLs in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), we have managed to keep this issue on the agenda. Our continued efforts have finally paid off, as the two centres reopened on 18 July 2025, coinciding with Mandela Day celebrations.
These centres play a crucial role in providing essential care and support to the elderly in our community, and their reopening will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many vulnerable residents.
The DA Gauteng will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the department and its MEC provide quality services to the senior citizens of Tembisa and Mohlakeng. Opening these facilities must not be a mere tick-box exercise; it should be a genuine intervention that is accompanied by proper oversight to ensure that both facilities remain sustainable and do not collapse.
Only the DA Gauteng is big enough to fight for vulnerable people like this at both the local and provincial spheres of government, and across different regions of Gauteng.
A DA-led Gauteng Social Development Department would have ensured that these facilities were built properly from the outset and made operational upon completion. This would ensure the elderly are given a safe place to live.