Pauline Davis pensioner facing eviction over late rent
“I do not know where to turn; I am scared that I will lose my home.”
With shaking hands, Bernard Morris, a resident of Pauline Davis Court, clutches onto a final notice he received from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) finance department.
The notice, issued on January 30, states the water and electricity of his unit will be suspended within 14 days because of an outstanding amount of R4 174.23 for rent.
“I have never fallen behind on payments. What if the city evicts me? Where will I go?” said the 78-year-old.
Born and bred in Benoni, Morris moved into these municipal flats for the aged in Harpur Avenue in 2018.
Living comfortably in his one-bedroom apartment, the eternal bachelor could meticulously account for every cent of his Sassa pension.
His savings were, however, swallowed up following a hit-and-run accident on the corner of Harpur Avenue and Tom Jones Street in August.
Morris explained he was travelling on his trusted motorcycle when an oncoming vehicle struck him, resulting in a severe break in his right leg.
“I went to the Life Glynnwood Hospital where they stabilised me and performed an operation on my leg,” said the former artisan by trade.
“This emergency treatment cost over R40 000 – every penny of my savings.”
Once stable, he was transferred to Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg where he spent 16 days in ICU and a further 21 days recovering from his injuries.
Pointing to his dimly lit and minimally furnished unit devoid of a fridge or radio, Morris said he had no option but to sell anything of value to keep afloat.
However, payments towards his rent continued to fall behind.
“I use electricity sparingly to make it last longer.”
His lone kitchen cupboard contains a couple of tea bags and a container of porridge.
“I have become dependent on weekly meals served by a local church and the nearby service station sometimes gives me a half loaf of bread,” he said, embarrassed.
“I do not like asking for help. Finances are tight for everyone; I cannot expect my neighbours to feed me.”
Regarding the official disconnection notice, Morris said he contacted the relevant departments’ administrators to make payment arrangements.
“They are willing to assist and have allowed me to pay off the accumulated debt monthly, but for this to happen I need to make an upfront payment of R1 000,” he said, rubbing his hand over his damaged shin dotted with surgically placed screws.
“I do not know how I will make this payment, but unless I do basic services to my unit, I will be suspended and eventually face eviction.
“I realise I am not the only one to fall on difficult times and acknowledge I need to pay my dues to the CoE. It feels like I am stuck in a deep pit with no means to save myself.
“I feel helpless and hopeless.”
To assist Morris, Clayton Viljoen of Urban Ruins Project, an NPO in Boksburg committed to providing Morris with groceries and non-perishable foods.
Anyone willing to further assist the pensioner in securing an upfront payment towards his outstanding rent may contact Viljoen for banking details.
Monetary donations will be paid directly to the CoE.
For more information, contact Viljoen on 081 747 0833.
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