New Beginnings’ lease debacle rolls on
New Beginnings Care Centre has been involved in a leasing debacle with the Department of Public Works for the past 15 years.
The community-driven organisation offers a sanctuary to the destitute and is based in Ekurhuleni’s oldest former women’s prison, which is the property of the Department of Public Works.
According to Pastor Stephen du Plessis, who runs the centre, no formal lease exists between the two parties.
“This is of great concern to the centre, which receives no subsidy from the government, as it has been difficult to monitor water and electricity consumption, which sometimes amounts to over a R100 000,” says du Plessis.
“We are not asking for money, all we ask is that they allow us to sign a lease so that the building can be in our name, so that we can install a meter box to control consumption. Rates are killing us.”
The Department of Public Works has confirmed that the premises is state owned, and that there is a disputed lease agreement between the department and the centre.
According to Thami Mchunu, spokesperson for the department, the dispute is centred on the operations of the centre, and this has led to protracted delays in implementing a proper management agreement.
Mchunu says new application forms have, however, been sent to du Plessis in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Du Plessis says millions of Rand have been spent on the renovation and maintenance of the former prison as, at the time the centre took occupation, it was badly dilapidated.
“All we need is support and recognition for the work we have been doing and the role we have played to serve the community,” says du Plessis.
“We are social enterpreneurs and do not receive any funding or grants.”
He adds that the centre is in the process of filling in forms and putting together the necessary documentation for the department, as they prepare for a requested meeting.
