The Brakpan Herald on Tuesday morning received panicked calls from concerned residents that the Eric Holdtman Service Centre in the Tweedy Park Complex faces an uncertain future.
The uncertainty stemmed from the dissolvement of the centre’s board. There was fear among many that the centre would permanently close.
Motsamai Motlhaolwa, communications director for the Gauteng Department of Social Development, explained the centre’s board was dissolved on July 31 due to the board not forming a quorum in terms of the organisation’s constitution.
Motlhaolwa stated a new board will be appointed after all the organisational and departmental guidelines for nominating board members has been concluded and adhered to, adding that this can take up to 90 days.
Until a new board is appointed, services will continue under the support and supervision of the department until the interim board is in place.
When asked if the staff and security services will be replaced, Motlhaolwa confirmed staff will not be replaced as they are still in the employ of the organisation.
According to Motlhaolwa, the security services were terminated by the board and a new service provider is in the process of being appointed.
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A visit to the centre on Tuesday by the Herald revealed it was business as usual.
While the security service was not at the gate to the premises, the service centre was operating as normal. Food is also still available to the members.
The centre is a valuable and much-loved facility at Tweedy Park and provides a host of activities and services to pensioners.
It was named after Eric Holdtman, who did so much for the care of the elderly.
He served 23 years on the council of the former Brakpan Municipality and eight terms as the town’s mayor.
Any pensioners that receive a Sassa grant can get a membership at the centre for a minimal fee. Members can participate in the activities, use the services and get a discount on meals prepared by the centre.
Another service the centre provides is basic healthcare. They provide general medical check-ups, including measuring blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
They also provide transport for collecting chronic medication at hospitals or clinics, or pick up medication on the pensioner’s behalf using their clinic card.
The centre also has a library with a variety of books, many of them Christian literature.
Other activities include Bible study, carpet bowling and bingo as well as exercise activities and games such as darts, chess and jigsaw puzzles.
In addition, the centre has over the years hosted large functions, including the annual flower show organised by the now-defunct Brakpan Horticultural Society.
