Elders challenge City of Joburg at Tribunal
The City of Joburg has twice been summoned to appear before the Tribunal, but failed to do so
A number of tenants in old age villages have written to the Human Rights Commission with regard to their challenges at most of these council facilities, ranging from the neglect of properties, disrespect by area managers toward elders to ridiculous rent increases.
Between May 2012 and July 2014 the rent has increased from R179 to R484 per month. An increase of 180 per cent or R305 on a double unit. In their response, the HRC informed tenants that they are aware of these challenges and has arranged a National Hearing scheduled for June 11. But in the interim they recommended that tenants approach the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT).
The City of Joburg has twice been summoned to appear before the Tribunal, but failed to do so. The last date of appearance was on April 10. When contacted by the Tribunal as to the reason why they did not appear, their response was: “It was the City of Joburg’s Sports Day” and the officials is playing golf. They have now been summoned for the third time to appear on May 13.
It is unfortunate and sad that so much disregard is blatantly displayed towards the people that also made their contribution towards the building of our country, be it economically, socially, in sport, education, health and other sectors of our society. This same disrespect reflects in the area managers, who is paid with tax payers’ money to attend to our complaints, but fails to do so. In fact, it is alleged that in one case and elderly lady was assaulted by an area manager when complaining about service delivery. Some units in these facilities are in a state of dilapidation, and yet the City of Joburg has the audacity to employ lawyers to intimidate elders to pay their rent, causing further stress and depression. The tenants have made it very clear and in solidarity with all villages, that we can only afford to pay 10 per cent of our monthly pension towards rental, and all rent arrears must be scrapped as has happened in other townships.
I have read with keen interest in your previous publication that the City of Joburg have made available R100 million for the upgrade and maintenance of all the old age villages. We have heard that before but, in any event, should that happen, now may be the appropriate time to replace all area managers with people who know and understand The Elder Persons Act of 2006 (4.2). All organs of state and all officials, employees and representatives of organs of state must respect, protect and promote the rights of older persons contained in this ACT.
Tenant, Moffatview Old Age Village
