Elderly cry out at Donovan McDonald

The faces and voices of the disgruntled residents of Donovan McDonald Old Age Home told the story of their frustrations.

On Wednesday 22 June, the Roodepoort Record initiated a meeting with the Donovan McDonald Old Age Home residents to create a platform where they could voice their many grievances freely.

A problem arose when Sihlangene Security members, who were liaising with the Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD), said the Department of Housing did not authorise the use of the hall at the centre. “The meeting cannot be allowed to continue,” said Daniel Molefe, Sihlangene Security operations manager. This was despite the fact that residents had permission from current leaser of the hall, Fatima Solomon, to use the premises.

This only aggravated the residents’ annoyance who voiced some of their concerns before the meeting even began. Nevertheless, aspirant DA councillor Caleb Finn and Sihlangene Security worked together to get the required authorisation to hold the meeting in the centre’s hall.

Solomon arrived and gave the go-ahead for the meeting to continue in the hall. The residents streamed in and took their seats, ready for the meeting to begin. Apart from the residents and the Record, Caleb was also present. No city officials made an appearance.

First to speak was Ria Hogan whose car was stolen from the centre’s premises despite there being 24 hour security. “I spent five years saving up for that car,” she said. Hogan received no compensation for the theft of her car. “Security does nothing. They sit on their phones at the back for three hours,” she added.

Next to speak was Geraldine Labuschagne, the daughter of a resident. “I’ve been coming to visit my mother for four/ five years and I’ve only signed in twice,” she said, emphasising that anyone is free to enter and exit the centre without security checks.

Another resident, who does not wish to be named, also stressed the lack of security. He said that he cannot feel at home if he does not feel safe. “Why can’t we be safe as we were in our homes growing up?” he said.

At this point the JMPD and Department of Housing agreed that the meeting could not be allowed to continue in the hall and those inside were asked to leave. Many of the residents refused and remained seated. “Let’s see who is going to carry us out!” said a dissatisfied man.

Outside in the parking lot, the Record spoke to other residents, including Valerie Stewart, Mr M Begg, Herman Ecksteen and his wife Miriam. They spoke collectively, complaining about general maintenance issues such as dirty bins, broken cupboards, taps, pipes, lifts and toilets as well as no lighting inside the premises. They said these issues have persisted for months with no attempt from the Department of Housing to address them. They also reported washing machines and dryers being broken, forcing residents to wash their clothes by hand. “The council always says they have no money, but we pay R230 rental each month,” one said.

Another resident, Don Bierman, complained about people, especially youngsters, who live in the centre illegally without paying rent. “This is a retirement village, it’s not meant for families,” he said. He voiced his disapproval at the fact that he waited two and a half years to be placed in the home, while others live there illegally. Many of the other residents echoed this as a problem, some even stating that the illegal residents have drug problems and engage in illegal activities such as theft and vandalism.

After this Superintendent Malapane from the JMPD arrived to disperse the meeting.

The Record has contacted JMPD and the Department of Housing concerning these issues and is awaiting comment.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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