‘Pensioners are being abused and ridiculed’ – South Hills resident
On numerous occasions the DA councillor was requested to investigate incidents at the old age homes in Moffat View where the elderly were robbed, mentally and physically abused and ridiculed by those who are not at all supposed to be living on the premises nor in the dwellings.
As a concerned resident of South Hills and a community leader, I am disgusted and appalled by the conditions our elderly at the old age villages are living in.
As a community we try where we can to assist and also request from city officials to make things a little better for our aged parents at the old age villages, but over the last few years their conditions are such that they live in fear and are being ridiculed by adults and children who are not supposed to be living at these premises.
On numerous occasions the DA councillor was requested to investigate incidents at the old age homes in Moffat View where the elderly were robbed, mentally and physically abused and ridiculed by those who are not at all supposed to be living on the premises nor in the dwellings.
The MMC of Housing was also notified of the living standards and conditions of the premises and only lip service was given like a seasoned politician, and he too failed the community of the old age homes. Lest we forget that these pensioners are paying for their accommodation and the circumstances they find themselves in is, to say the least, ungodly.
A few occasions during holidays the elderly are remembered, but the rest of the year they fend for themselves.
My message is clear that our pensioners in Moffat View are under siege by bullies and neglectful city officials.
We need an intervention to save our elderly so they can retire with dignity.
SAPS refuses to assist as well, meetings have been held by SAPS officials and Queenshaven nurses. All fell on deaf ears.
Anonymous
Ward 57 councillor Faeeza Chame responds:
In Ward 57, we have six retirement villages. Out of the six, only four are municipal owned.
For years the housing department did not manage the villages the way they should. For example, Karina Place and Northern Place Villages don’t have security. Swinburne Village has security, but only one to manage day and night. This is putting the residents at risk of possible break-ins.
In Moffat View Retirement Village, everyone just walk in and out without being checked by the security officers. I made sure a new gate was installed to give the residents more peace of mind and make life easier for the guards, but still people will walk through.
In most of the villages there are children staying with their parents. This is illegal because when they signed their contracts it was clearly stipulated that the units are either for a single senior or a married elderly couple.
This issue was brought to the attention of the housing official, director and the area managers, including MMC van Wyk, to intervene. Letters to vacate was issued. The elderly people whose children live with them received notices for their children to vacate the units. Unfortunately, the parents asked the department where will their children go and stay.
This is unfair to other tenants who pay rent on time and just want to enjoy their stay peacefully.
I have always fought for the elders’ well-being and will continue to do so. I will strive to make their lives better, although under difficult circumstances.
Complains of robberies must be reported to SAPS or the CPF. If no assistance is received, the SAPS must be reported to the province.
SAPS comment will follow as soon as available.
