UPDATE: ‘Jabulani’ become a shadow of its old self

THE once thriving hub of activity that was the Jabulani Rehab Centre has become a sombre shadow of its former self, all because of a lack of funding for maintenance.

It’s morning, residents mull about around the yard with nothing to do, some contemplating their apparently bleak future if the centre is forced to close its doors permanently.

The once colourful, African art decorated buildings have faded, the paint is peeling and covered in mould, the roofs are leaking, windows and doors broken, the yard is overgrown with weeds and shrubs, and general filth greets you as you enter the premises – testiment to the decay that has all but destroyed it.

Intoxicated residents loiter around with bottles in their hands, obviously trying to drown their sorrows, and not wanting to deal with the realities of their future.

The Association for the Physically-Challenged (APC) dmade the decision to sell due to increasing operational costs, and had indicated to close its doors in May, further postponed due to negotiations between the Ntambanana Municipality and uMhlathuze housing department.
A meeting was held on Tuesday between APC, Ward 5 Councilor ZZ Xulu, uMhlathuze Municipality housing and the Ntambanana mayor, to find a solution to the impasse.
Confirming the outcome of the meeting, Xulu said uMhlathuze housing promised to use four spare houses at Dumisani Makhaye Village, to house the 11 remaining residents; two per house, as a temporary measure.
‘For the inhabitants to work on their crafts, we found a temporary structure which they will use as a workshop while waiting for the proceeds from the Jabulani Rehab sale to build a permanent one.
‘The APC promised to bear the costs for water and electricity for the 11 residents. Land has been identified, which will be used to build a home for all the residents, with the workshop built within the premises,’ said Xulu.