Zola Club facility dispute deepens amid calls for NPO to vacate premises
The matter came to the fore during a meeting held on June 1, where concerned residents and representatives of various organisations raised objections to the centre's continued use of the facility
dispute over the use of the Zola Club facility has created tensions among community members and non-profit organisations operating from the venue, with some residents calling for Kagcisham Women Development Centre to vacate the premises.
The matter came to the fore during a meeting held on June 1, where concerned residents and representatives of various organisations raised objections to the centre’s continued use of the facility.
Among the issues raised were allegations regarding the program manager’s relationship with members of the community.
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Some residents claimed that she had shown a lack of respect towards local NPOs, while others questioned whether she should be permitted to operate from the facility, arguing that she is not a resident of the area.
Community members also alleged that the organisation has not worked collaboratively with other non-profit organisations using the facility, resulting in strained relations among some users of the venue.
Residents said these concerns have contributed to growing dissatisfaction and have prompted calls for the organisation’s removal from the facility.
Speaking to Urban News, program manager at Kagcisham Women Development Centre, Amelia Zulu, said the organisation’s involvement in the Zola community began after residents requested its services, having identified a need for the programmes it offers.
Explaining the services offered by the organisation, Zulu said Kagcisham Women Development Centre is a non-profit organisation that supports orphans and vulnerable children through an after-school feeding scheme, homework assistance programmes and the distribution of food parcels to families in need.
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Zulu said the organisation followed the necessary procedures before using the facility by submitting all the required documents to the City of Johannesburg and was thereafter granted permission to operate from the facility.
Zulu alleged that one organisation has been mobilising people against her organisation and creating hostility towards both her and her team.
She said the City of Johannesburg has intervened several times in an effort to mediate the conflict. According to Zulu, the City recommended that the seven organisations using the facility form a committee to help manage the venue and ensure its effective operation.
Zulu explained that representatives from the organisations elected her as chairperson of the committee.
“I did not choose myself for the position; I was elected by the members, but that decision seems to have caused tension among some people,” she said.
She stated that the positive changes she introduced at the facility were not welcomed by everyone, with some people alleging that she wanted exclusive control of the venue.
Urban News attempted to obtain comments from community members who raised the grievances, as well as representatives of organisations operating from the facility. However, attempts to secure comment were unsuccessful after the reporter was allegedly intimidated during the process.
A parent whose child benefits from the organisation’s programmes, Zanale Ndebela said the initiative has made a meaningful difference in their lives, helping to support and uplift children in the community.
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“This programme has given our children a safe space. They now have a place that is both educational and safe to go to after school, and as parents, we are happy about that.
“We see on social media that children are being kidnapped, exposed to drugs, and influenced by negative behaviour, so knowing they are here gives us peace of mind that they are safe and well taken care of,” she said.
Urban News again tried to obtain confirmation from the City of Johannesburg on whether Zulu had been granted permission to use the facility, as well as clarification on the procedures required for organisations wishing to use municipal facilities. However, no response was received at the time of publication.
