Note to Editors: Please note Shontel de Boer, MPL sound bite in English
The DA calls on KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) COGTA MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi and Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, to immediately intervene following allegations of gross mismanagement, maladministration, corruption and exploitation at Westbrook Retirement Village.
The appeal follows a recent DA oversight inspection at the facility, based in the small seaside community on KZN’s North Coast, which is owned by eThekwini Municipality and caters for low-income elderly residents.
During the inspection, the DA was alerted to allegations that administrative staff ask for bribes from individuals who are desperate to secure a unit at the village.
There are allegedly also vacant units due to outstanding debts from previous tenants who have passed away. This while the municipality will not allow the units to be occupied as they do not know how to administer outstanding debts of the deceased.
The DA’s oversight also revealed a facility that is not properly maintained with huge holes on the driveway (view here), a fence that has been broken for ages, poor external lighting and other defects (view here).
Residents claim that the supervisor, who is supposed to visit and inspect the village daily, simply parks her vehicle outside while she sits in it for less than an hour before she leaves.
The question is: What is going on at this facility and where is the supervision?
Applicants to the village have also claimed that they are treated badly and given the run-around when visiting the municipal offices. They have singled out three female staff members at the housing department who they have accused of numerous irregularities, including demanding payments way above the norm and being extremely rude.
The DA will insist that this is investigated by the municipality’s CIIU department and the MECs for COGTA and Social Development and action taken. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
It also cannot be that some of KZN’s most vulnerable members of society are expected to pay bribes, simply for housing. These seniors are dependent solely on government grants to survive.
KZN’s COGTA and Social Development MECs must urgently intervene and ensure that this village is properly managed and that the elderly are not exploited.