Vita Nova demands outstanding rent from Gauteng EMS
Vita Nova Centre, Gauteng EMS, outstanding payment, Michelle Immelman, Palesa Tsotetsi, Springs Advertiser,
Michelle Immelman, director of Vita Nova Centre, is demanding the outstanding payment owed by the Gauteng Department of Health’s emergency medical services.
According to Immelman, she was approached by the EMS in regards to renting a vacant hall that is inside Vita Nova’s premises. It would be used as a facility base for the EMS.
“The initial agreement in July 2020 between myself and the EMS was for them to occupy the hall where they would be liable to pay a monthly rent. After the agreement, the hall was then renovated to accommodate the requirements of the EMS.
“For the 2021/22 financial year, they owed us R240 000.
“On April 21 this year, they paid R160 000, which left them with an outstanding R80 000 that was carried over to the 2022/23 financial year,” she said.
Immelman explains that from April to September 2022, the amount owed to them for the rental is R180 000, which includes the R80 000 that was in arrears.
“They now owe us a total of R270 000 to date.,” said Immelman.
Immelman says she has spoken to an EMS employee who told her that payments had been locked and there is no certainty as to when the funds will be released.
“I have emailed so many people within the financial department for the EMS, but I have not received any help or direction.
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“I even went as far as issuing an eviction letter as a way to try and get them to pay the money owed to us,” said Immelman.
Despite the outstanding debts, Immelman expresses that the EMS staff members at the facility are helpful towards them.
“With load-shedding being a major issue, the EMS staff at our premises have assisted us a lot, especially when we needed oxygen for some of our residents.
“I don’t have a problem with the staff being at our premises. My only concern is the outstanding debts owed by the department. We have also incurred other debts due to not having enough money to help us with our daily needs,” said Immelman.
Comment is awaited from the Gauteng Department of Health.
