New security protocols at the Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre have raised questions about access to the facility, after a Ward 70 committee member and the Roodepoort Record were denied entry during a visit in late August.

Ward 70 committee member June Phillips said she and the Record were told that visitors must first formally notify the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) before being granted access to the centre.

Phillips said residents had raised concerns about frequent sewage spills, water leaks and black mould inside units and elsewhere at the facility.

“Residents are also complaining about security concerns, drug abuse, criminal activities, and illegal occupants living in many of the units,” says Phillips.

The Record has previously reported on the ongoing challenges at the embattled retirement facility.

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“While I agree with the need for stricter security protocols at the centre, I find it ridiculous that, as a member of the ward committee, I am denied entry into the facility, or expected to make an appointment,” says Phillips.

She added that part of her role as a ward committee member is to conduct oversight at the facility.

However, questions were raised about the effectiveness of the security measures just days later.

On September 1, Florida Community Police Forum secretary Salwaa Begg, whose mother lives at the centre, said she was able to drive through the facility’s gates without being stopped or required to sign in.

“I was visiting with my mother and found it strange that I could drive straight into the centre without having to sign in as usual,” she says. “There was no sign of the security guards.”

The Record approached the DHS for comment on the alleged repair and maintenance problems, the City of Johannesburg’s efforts to remove illegal occupiers, the new security protocols and the reported withdrawal of the private security contractor.

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New security protocol

The City acknowledged that stricter security protocols had been introduced because of the high number of criminal incidents reported at the facility.

“There have even been incidents involving persons falsely claiming to represent the DHS or the City of Johannesburg gaining entry into the facility, necessitating the new access control measures,” the City said.

“The security measures require anyone other than family members of residents to submit a prior notification to the department of their visit for access to be granted.”

Repairs and maintenance

The DHS acknowledged that outstanding repair and maintenance issues remain at the facility.

“These issues have been formally recorded, and the necessary work will commence following the required approvals and issuance of the relevant purchase orders,” the department said.

Illegal occupiers

The department said the matter of illegal occupiers was still being pursued.

“The matter relating to illegal occupiers is still being actively pursued by the legal department, which continues to engage with the relevant parties to facilitate its resolution.”

The Record reported in September and October 2024 that the City of Johannesburg had twice had court applications relating to the eviction of illegal occupiers rejected under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act.

Residents fear reprisals

The Record has spoken to several residents about alleged ongoing criminal activity at the centre.

Residents told the Record that they are often threatened and intimidated by some of the illegal occupants and are afraid to report people or incidents for fear of reprisals.

Security contractor

Regarding the reported non-payment of the private security contractor, the DHS said the security provider’s contract had lapsed.

As an interim measure, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has allocated two security guards to the site – one for the day shift and one for the night shift.