DA does oversights at neglected Joburg retirement homes
More needs to be done in Johannesburg retirement villages.
The DA in Johannesburg did oversight visits to three retirement homes in Johannesburg to assess the living conditions and address residents’ concerns on November 7.
DA spokesperson for Social Development Bridget Masango MP, DA Shadow MMC for Health and Social Development Clr Beverley Jacobs, DA Johannesburg caucus leader Clr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame, Ward 70 Clr Caleb Finn and Section 79 Committee Health and Social Development member Clr Joanne Horwitz led the oversight.
According to the delegation, the retirement homes visited have many challenges, including unlawful occupants, neglect, inadequate maintenance, insufficient social wellness programmes, safety violations, persistent water and electricity technical issues and unaffordable electricity charges.
Specific concerns at the Mothwa Haven Retirement Village include crime, SASSA confirmation letters, inconsistent hospital policies and inadequate government subsidies.
The Northam Place residents expressed frustration over poor living conditions, including a lack of hot water and electricity and damaged boundary. There is also an urgent need for social wellness programmes and frail care facilities.
The Donovan McDonald Retirement Village struggles with maintenance, vandalism, and infrastructure theft, compromising residents’ safety.
The DA said, “Across Johannesburg, elderly residents feel neglected, bearing the brunt of rising inflation and increased charges. The DA pledges to actively address these concerns with relevant council and parliamentary departments to ensure the well-being of the elderly and vulnerable.”
The Southern Courier tried to get comment from the Department of Human Settlement. Promises to send comment through did not materialise at the time of publication.
