For a minimal fee of R75.05, plus standard monthly levies ranging from R233 to R389, senior citizens in Ekurhuleni are housed comfortably at safe old age homes owned by the the City of Ekurhuleni.
The city owns 25 old age home facilities, some in the form of flats and complexes with 50 units per complex. These homes are situated in different areas across the city to cater for the housing needs of senior citizens, said Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro.
“For senior citizens to qualify as residents in these council-owned old age homes, they must be at least 60 years old, South African citizens and residents of Ekurhuleni. However, exceptions can be made in different circumstances based on merit,” Gadebe added.
A fundamental criterion for the aged to be accommodated at these council facilities is the elders’ ability to tend to themselves and earn a monthly income (individually or jointly) within the bracket of R1 501 and R4 000.
At these homes, elders are charged monthly levies to cover fees for assessment rates, service charges, administration, maintenance costs and water consumption. The levy amounts charged in addition to the five per cent of income are:
• Double unit levy is R292.31.
• Single unit levy is R233.85.
• One-bedroom unit levy is R292.30.
• Two-bedroom unit levy is R389.74.
Electricity consumption is billed separately.
Should the tenants’ joint monthly income be lower than R1 501, the elders will only pay the stipulated monthly levy.
“Over the years the city has been battling technical faults with lifts inside the flats, affecting the mobility of the aged. However, the city is currently on course to ensure the safety of the elders by setting aside a budget of R12-million for the complete refurbishment of the lifts in nine of its complexes.
“In these complexes, the elders are guaranteed maximum security with the provision of functional lifts, secure gates, fencing around the complexes and adequate external lighting,” Gadebe said.
Prior to occupation, elders are expected to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Accommodation at council-owned old age homes/flats is reserved for the aged only and children are not allowed to reside permanently with tenants.
