Page Content
Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Vasco da Gama engaged senior citizens in Yeoville, Region F, on issues affecting them as many were not present at the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting this week.
Among the main concerns raised by the elderly were undocumented foreigners who intimidate and rob them of their meagre belongings.
They also claimed that there were many cases of property hijackings, which resulted in some old people being homeless.
The demand for accommodation and provision of RDP houses for the elderly cannot be overemphasised as most of them have been tenants for many years.
There are many illegal churches mushrooming in the area and illegal taverns, which cause noise pollution. This had a negative impact on their well-being. Drugs continue to be a problem in Yeoville. The elderly complained that the drug lords were working with the police and were not arrested. They are concerned that assistance from SAPS was not sufficient. Representatives from the SAPS said they have joint operations with security companies and JMPD. They assured the elderly that they are not working with criminals.
Cllr Da Gama expressed deep concern that not enough was being done to remedy the situation. He pleaded with SAPS and JMPD to enhance their efforts and visibility in the area to protect the elderly.
Superintendent Dan Machete from JPMD elaborated on the current crime prevention measures in Yeoville, admitting that he was aware of the crime issues and they were dealing with them through the “Buya Mthetho” programme. He urged residents to report any leads to 011 375 5911 for the JMPD Call Centre and to send a Whatsapp to 082 7791361.
Cllr Da Gama also urged a Home Affairs official present at the engagement to arrange an outreach to Yeoville to address the undocumented foreigners’ issue as it was one of the burning issues raised by the old people.
Busisiwe Nkosi from the City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department said they will prioritise the elderly in social relief programmes. The City has a programme specifically for elderly, which includes social workers assisting with nutrition programmes, referral to affordable retirement homes and counselling.
