Senior citizens in a state of panic

Hennie Oosthuizen (75), a resident of Annie Burger Old Age Home, believes senior citizens are in captivity at their homes due to bribery, fraud and corruption.

He said this old-age facility has changed from a peaceful place into hell.

“This was a farm about 60 years ago. The Burger family had no children and the farm was donated to the council to use for building this facility for the poorest of the poor to have a peaceful retirement. Now it costs no less than R15 000 to obtain a unit,” he said.

Oosthuizen said they now have to contend with the abuse of the elderly, even though Act 13 of 2006 specifically provides for the rights of South African citizens to the basic necessities of life plus the right to safety.

However, he said it would seem the provisions of the Act do not apply to residents of Annie Burger, as their rights have been replaced by:

• Abuse by drug addicts.

• Abuse by radicals that resist any form of control and think Covid-19 is a joke.

• Abuse by theft.

• Abuse by school-going children that are arrogant to elders.

• Abuse by management that ignores the pleas of the residents.

• Abuse from political parties that just simply ignore them and make them feel they have no rights.

He said fear rules at Annie Burger and elders don’t live in peace.

“Verbal, emotional, mental and physical abuse affect the elderly people’s health in many ways.”

He said theft, intimidation, noise, misuse of alcohol and drugs has made the residents very afraid.

“The number of illegals during lockdown increased from 24 to 42 people. This increase was also due to a lack of management.

“The illegals range from newborn babies to adults. Between 10pm to 5am drug users walk around the units on a daily basis intimidating, stealing and threatening the residents.

“During lockdown, three units were broken into and occupants waked up finding people inside their unit. The SAPS has been very helpful, but they can’t do much if the occupants, through fear of retaliation by the illegals, do not want to open cases against the perpetrators.

“About 12 years ago two women were shot here. The media was very involved then as it was sensational news. Are we waiting again for someone to die before action will be taken?”

He said Annie Burger has 195 units of which 22 are double units for married couples.

“A number of married couples have inquired about accommodation. At present, the situation is as follows: 27 units are empty (not occupied or occupied), while 65 per cent of the double units are occupied by a single person.

“To secure Annie Burger, we only have one security guard but two gates. There is no access control.”

The MMC for housing was contacted for comment on March 16 and 31; however, there was no reply.

City of Joburg’s Bubu Xuba from the housing department’s communications office said, “The department notes the content of the story and will be addressing the issues raised with the concerned residents.

“We thank the residents for bringing these issues to our attention and look forward to their speedy resolution, in partnership with the residents.”