BOITSHEPIVILLE. – The Boipatong Monument and Youth Centre, as well as the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, are facing operational challenges due to a high vacancy rate.

Kingsol Chabalala, the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR), recently highlighted this issue. He pointed out that various key positions at these heritage sites, such as tour guides, receptionists, and cleaners, remain unfilled. Last week, the DA had planned to conduct an oversight inspection at these heritage sites to assess their functionality.

Chabalala shared his findings, stating: “The Boipatong Monument and Youth Centre is only partially functional and is not open on weekends due to a shortage of staff. This impedes tourists from visiting the precinct and also prevents local entrepreneurs from benefiting from this valuable heritage site. It is crucial that our residents have full access to this heritage site, as it has the potential to boost our tourism sector and create employment opportunities. Furthermore, the Old Sharpeville Police Station lacks an archive gallery.”

Chabalala announced that the DA intends to raise questions to the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, in order to understand why these vacancies have not been filled at these important heritage sites. Additionally, they plan to inquire about the preservation of the history of the Sharpeville Massacre and whether archives are being showcased for residents and tourists.

Meanwhile, the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation has invited all active and registered institutions to host programs at the Boipatong Monument for a duration of six months. These programs are expected to encompass fields such as Performing Arts, Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Crafts, and Design.