Nancefield Retirement Village is under attack

Johannesburg’s MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, visited Nancefield Retirement Village on October 1, to assess the site after attempted invasions.

The facility has struggled with 21 illegal occupants, compromising the safety of senior residents.

A pensioner living in the Village for 12 years said she had enough of the noise, disruptions and fear that has become a part of daily life.

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“We cannot sleep with one eye open every day; it is stressing us,” she lamented.

She said despite the initial peaceful years, the recent influx of illegal occupants and unruly grandchildren has led to a surge in crime, including a break-in two months ago.

“We had many meetings and promises, but nothing has been done,” she said, expressing scepticism.

However, she remains hopeful the MMC’s recent visit will bring long-overdue change, including upgraded security and the removal of illegal occupants.

“We want to be safe. We hope for a change.”

Mabaso praised the swift response of tenants, the ward councillor, and city officials. However, he acknowledged the severity of the issue, citing breaches in security measures.

“Illegal occupants have broken through walls and exploited vulnerabilities. Some tenants have invited unauthorised individuals, including children, to reside on the premises.”

He said to address concerns; the city plans to install an electric fence to protect the perimeter wall, construct a guardhouse at the rear entrance, deploy additional security personnel, activate a biometric system for controlled access and petition the court for eviction orders against illegal occupants.

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An illegal occupant living in the facility with her son since 2012 expressed concerns about their situation.

“We did not choose to be here. We came with my dad and applied for an RDP house in 1996, but we are still waiting,“ she said.

“My father passed away, and we have nowhere to go.”

The occupant feels victimised and insecure because of their uncertain status.

“We are treated like criminals, but we are not. We have been registered as dependents on my father’s database, but now we are being targeted.”

She expressed frustration about the lack of action on their RDP application, discrimination against their child, insecurity and fear of eviction and the high crime rate in the area.

She acknowledged crime is high and that recent incidents like burglaries have occurred and that security is inadequate.

“We hope for a better living, a change, especially with the children and grandchildren,” she said, hoping for MMC’s intervention.

Administration and policy clarification

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Mabaso clarified there was no provision for inheritance or subsection of units. He said units are allocated through the Elder Persons Act and city policy. The city’s waiting list is growing due to illegal occupations.

When asked how long residents have before they are evicted, Mabaso said the court process determines the timeline for evictions, citing that they will push for a swift resolution.

“We will provide alternative accommodation only if compelled by court,” Mabaso said.

“We argue providing accommodation to those who violated processes would compromise the citizens’ safety.”

“We responded to an invasion last week, not an eviction,” Mabaso confirmed.

Mabaso said he would ensure the city will take comprehensive measures to safeguard the senior citizens.

“We will not tolerate any breaches in security. We owe it to our seniors to provide a secure environment.”