The Older Persons Act of 2006 stipulates that: “The elderly people of South Africa have constitutional rights to dignity, equality, protection from discrimination, abuse and exploitation.

“They also have rights to social security, adequate housing, healthcare, a safe environment, with specific protections and services.”

While the country observers 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children (November 25 to December 10), the elderly residents of the Pauline Davis Court and Deneys Conradie Residentia feel that the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) tardy response to their ongoing concerns is placing their lives in danger while exposing them to potential abuse.

Residents of the housing complexes, which fall under the management of the Benoni Human Settlement Department, recently raised their concerns with the Benoni City Times.

Residents agreed to being interviewed by the publication, however requested to remain anonymous, fearing that their comments may jeopardise their safety and may even lead to their rental agreements being terminated.

“The officials’ reign of terror have most of us fearing that we would end up living on the streets,” said one resident.

“We dare not ask too many questions or raise too many concerns.”

Pauline Davis Court

Questionable allocation of units, leaking pipes, rodent infestations and crumbling infrastructure remain at the top of the list of queries regarding this facility.

“According to the department, there is currently a two year waiting list for elderly people seeking safe and affordable housing,” said one resident.

“Vacant flats are occupied as soon as it becomes available, with many new residents being unaware of the waiting period. Some claim that they were simply required to pay a fee of between R2 000 to R10 000 in order to secure their occupancy.

“This is alarming, as it seems that individuals who are able to make hefty payments are shortlisted above those who have gone through the legitimate processes of being placed on the list.”

Residents said that regular infrastructure maintenance such as water leaks go unaddressed.

“We have to lodge complaints directly to the department offices yet nothing is ever done. The answer is always the same, ‘a contractor has to be appointed’ or ‘there is no money’,” said the residents.

“The facility is overrun by rats, sewage pipes are leaking excrement onto the passages. We are expected to live in rotting flats, is this how you treat the elderly?”

Deneys Conradie Residentia

Down in Railway Street, residents of these council owned flats fear that crime threatens their lives.

“Our facility has been plagued by countless break-ins. To date, criminals have been gaining access to the parking area by breaking through the concrete palisades,” said one of the residents.

“Thus far criminals have targeted parked vehicles, taking whatever valuables they could get their hands on, but when will they start targeting our units?”

Significant damage was also caused to the glass door and security gate at the entrance of the complex, by suspected criminals.

“The breaches and damage were reported to the housing department, yet repairs were not prioritised,” said one resident.

“Those who were willing and able, conducted security patrols in an effort to keep the residents safe and to give them peace of mind.”

“It soon became evident that the department was in no rush to beef up security. We contributed towards the repairs but were subsequently rapped over the knuckles with officials reminding us that the complex belongs to the CoE and work may only be conducted by accredited contractors.”

Resident Association

Aggrieved residents continued by saying that they have proposed the establishment of Resident Associations at both complexes.

“Many of the residents at these council owned flats are skilled artisans. We believe that with the establishment of these forums, we can assist the department by addressing minor faults, repairs and maintenance,” they said.

“That way we take ownership of our complexes and save the department from daily visits about security breaches or never ending maintenance complaints.”

According to residents the proposal has been rejected.

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CoE responds

Responding to an enquiry from the City Times, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated that maintenance at the council owned facilities are carried out as and when required.

“Maintenance work is however determined by the need and availability of budgets,” he said.

“The city currently has a backlog of repairs and maintenance which will be addressed when the necessary budget is allocated and a service provider is appointed.”

Responding to claims of alleged bribery, Dlamini said that any exchange of money in order to gain preferential treatment for housing allocation is illegal and that the CoE distances itself from such criminality.

“Investigations into these claims will be carried out, but we call on residents with further information to come forward,” said Dlamini.

“Complaints can be reported to the CoE Anti-Fraud Hotline on 0800 102 201 thus allowing our internal structures to thoroughly investigate the matter.

“We take allegations like this seriously and investigations will be launch once the relevant information is received.”

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