Lack of birth control pills
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the shortage of birth control tablets at Benoni, Daveyton and Etwatwa clinics.
Michele Clarke MPL said residents in these areas claim clinics have had no birth control tablets for the past few months.
“I have been informed by several residents that they have been turned away on more than one occasion because they have run short of birth control tablets.
“This is unacceptable. Clinics need to ensure that there is enough stock.
“This has a negative impact not only on family planning but on the overall health and well-being of our girls and women.
“We call on the MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramakopa, to urgently investigate and ensure that these clinics are fully stocked with medication,” said Clarke.
The City Times is awaiting comment from the Ekurhuleni metro.
Property use consent
The Ekurhuleni Town Planning Scheme provides for four types of residential land use categories, with different
rights of use and limitations.
Among other non-residential land use categories are business and industrial.
A key right for an owner of a land or building in a residential-zoned area is that it should be used for a dwelling house or dwelling purposes only.
ALSO READ:
Metro takes a hardline on illegal connections
Other additional purposes of use may be added only with the permission of the metro.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe explained that additional use may be for a child-care facility, place of public worship, hairdresser, guest house, etc, in case of a Residential One category.
“Residential Two category may be used for the abovementioned purposes but, in addition, may also be used for a tavern or spaza shop.
“A spaza shop needs to meet requirements that it should be part of the dwelling house and not exceed 20m².
“Therefore, for residents to be in line with the metro’s town planning scheme, they have to request consent for use of a building beyond what it is zoned for, such as operating a hairdresser, spaza shop or tavern in a residential-zoned building,” Gadebe said.
In the case of a tavern, the regulations and licensing for liquor selling will be applicable.
In a case where the use of a building is totally different from a particular zone category, such as panel beating or other forms of businesses, an application for rezoning of the building would be required.
“Rezoning means that the building might no longer be for residential purposes, depending on the extent of changes, and might be either for business, industrial or any other proposed use,” said Gadebe.
“Land development applications, such as consent use or rezoning, may be submitted at the City Planning Department at the metro’s customer care centres, with required documents and applicable fees.”
Log onto www.ekurhuleni.gov.za for more details and forms or use the My Ekurhuleni App.
Help for small businesses
The metro has intensified its efforts to increase economic participation by traditionally marginalised sectors of society through a community empowerment programme called Mintirho ya Vulavula, which means actions speak louder than words.
Regional roadshows kicked off on November 27 and will run until December 5 to assist business entities and co-operatives owned by designated previously disadvantaged groups.
The targeted enterprises and co-operatives for the roadshows are those that are at least 51 per cent owned by black people, black youths, black women, black people living with disabilities, black people living in rural or underdeveloped areas or townships, co-operatives which is at least 51 per cent owned by black people, black military veterans.
“This is to assist them to be economically competitive and able to participate in the mainstream economy,” metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe said.
“The roadshows are to educate and provide information with regard to the application processes for inclusion in the sub-contracting processes for the metro’s preferential procurement programmes.”
The Mintirho ya Vulavula programme is part of the City’s 10-Point Economic Plan which, among others, focuses on the support of small and medium enterprises.
“The programme is also a measure to achieve the legislative requirement that organs of state should apply preferential procurement systems in designated economic sectors to promote designated previously disadvantaged groups,” Gadebe said.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
