It has been alleged that the provincial government will manage the centre’s operations. There was also talk of the facility permanently closing.
While this is yet to be confirmed, the Herald’s visit to the centre on Tuesday revealed it was business as usual.
The service centre is operating as normal with the staff continuing to be paid and contracts to use the premises remaining intact.
Food will also still be available to the members. While the security service employed by the centre was not at the gate to the premises on Tuesday morning, they have reportedly been paid in full and should continue to render their services.
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.
A comment is awaited from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
