Judgment shatters efforts to restore retirement centre

The Department of Human Settlements have been dealt a blow in court as their urgent application to carry out evictions at the notorious Donovan McDonald Retirement Centre was rejected.

The centre has been mired in controversy for years as it faces a myriad of problems from illegal occupants residing in units to widespread repair and maintenance challenges, to alleged illicit activities, including drug peddling and sex work being conducted there.

Some illegal occupants are reported to be residing at the centre to care for an elderly family member, even though the centre is supposed to be reserved for residents who can still look after themselves, while others gained residency at the centre by staying on after the passing of a family member.

Widespread rumours of corruption have been circulating for years, where units at the centre are allegedly being ‘sold’ by certain officials. Some rightful residents of the centre claim to know which employees are involved in the alleged scheme, but are unable to provide proof. They do allege that it is an ‘open secret’ as to who is involved.

The matter regarding urgent evictions of illegal occupants was brought before the court on August 20, and according to Department of Human Settlements communication officer Neo Goba, judgment was, at the time, reserved.

It has since emerged that the City of Joburg’s application was denied by Judge Stuart Wilson on Monday, September 2.

The City admitted in court papers that it had lost control of the centre, a fact which drew harsh criticism from Wilson since the City did not adequately explain how it had lost control in the first place, or acknowledge its responsibility for conditions at the centre.

According to Florida South Residents Association (FSRA) chairperson Rodney Churchyard, the eviction application is an attempt by the City to regain control of the centre.

“We are not happy with the judgment as this means that legitimate residents of the centre are once again drawing the short straw.

“We’ve been working for years to try and get this centre back to what it is supposed to be. We have received nearly no cooperation from the department until recently, when new management was appointed.

“The new management of the department seems to genuinely want to change things around, and this judgment is a blow to their – and our – efforts,” Churchyard said.

The Roodepoort Record has directed questions to the Department of Human Settlements regarding the way forward, seeing as the current situation at the centre cannot be allowed to continue. Their answers will be added when received.

Security guards at the centre were also recently robbed when gunmen gained entry to the facility via an overhanging tree along its perimeter.

The security guards were held at gunpoint and their cellphones and other valuables were stolen.

According to Goba, while security for the facility is provided by the JMPD, the department will be sending contractors to assess and replace non-functional security lights posing a security risk to the elderly tenants.

Questioned on the continuing repair and maintenance crisis at the centre, Goba said the department has appointed, through its sister entity, the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, a team of professionals to assess all repairs and maintenance issues relating to all facilities within the region and contractors will be appointed thereafter.