eMzinoni Multi-Purpose Centre left to rot
“Despite millions being channelled into the project by both the Govan Mbeki Municipality and Sasol, the facility has become a white elephant,” said Clr Samkelo Hlatshwayo.
The eMzinoni Multi-Purpose Centre, once envisioned as a flagship community project, now lies in ruins, its promise lost to alleged negligence by the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The multi-million rand facility, which was initiated during the 2011 financial year following extensive Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultations, was completed but never officially handed over to the community.
Instead, the centre was abandoned, becoming a haven for criminal activity and vandalism. Criminals have stripped the facility of valuable infrastructure, including windows, doors, palisade fencing, and plumbing fittings.
A deteriorated structure with broken ceilings, vandalised tiles, and missing taps remains. At one point, the abandoned building served as a shelter for homeless individuals.
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Despite its dire state, the municipality has remained vague about the costs of constructing the centre. However, the DA in the Gert Sibande District claims to have reliable information that Sasol contributed millions through its Social Labour Plan.
DA Clr Samkelo Hlatshwayo expressed deep concern over the municipality’s failure to complete and operationalise the centre.
“Despite millions being channelled into the project by both the Govan Mbeki Municipality and Sasol, the facility has become a white elephant,” said Hlatshwayo.
He noted that the municipality’s inaction has cost the community a vital resource.
“During a recent oversight visit, we found the building in an appalling state, with ceilings collapsing and what little was left of the infrastructure now vandalised,” said Hlatshwayo.
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Hlatshwayo emphasised that the centre, which was initially intended to include a library, boardroom, offices, and outdoor sports fields, could have played a crucial role in alleviating unemployment and reviving the local economy.
The DA said the municipality is not serving the people. It is unacceptable that a project meant to uplift the community has been left to decay, with no accountability or urgency to rectify the situation.
The DA has pledged to table a motion in the Gert Sibande District Municipality, calling for immediate intervention to revive the project and oversee its eventual handover.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, told the Ridge Times that the municipality will convene a media briefing to respond to the eMzinoni multi-purpose centre issue and all the ongoing projects within the municipality.
