Jabulani Centre to close down
The announcement was made by APC chairperson Jane Chennells
THE Jabulani Centre between Nkwalini and Empangeni, purchased by the Association for the Physically Challenged (APC) in 1972 to look after 25 physically handicapped residents, is to close down at the end of the month.
The announcement was made by APC chairperson Jane Chennells.
She said despite the hard work by all parties involved in the project, the buildings have become dilapidated.
The APC has spent large amounts of money in an attempt to keep the protective employment workshop facility going, with no support from government apart from a small subsidy from the Department of Social Development (DSD).
‘In 2008 APC commenced negotiations with the Department of Human Settlements to provide houses for the residents,’ Chennells said.
‘In 2015, 15 residents were given their own houses in Dumisani Makhaye Village, leaving 10 residents at Jabulani.
‘Despite numerous requests to attend meetings with APC and the residents, the department has not made an appearance.’
Chennells said that they were told the houses are on a waiting list and would be allocated at some future date.
Residents were offered temporary accommodation in corrugated tin houses in eSikhaleni, but residents refused to move owing to the houses’ poor state of repair.
No further funding
Chennells said APC is no longer in a position to maintain the dilapidated buildings at Jabulani, nor to pay the salaries for cleaners and other staff.
The buildings can no longer be insured.
‘The association can no longer bear the cost of electricity, which is in excess of R11 000 per month, and the quarterly water account of between R5 000 and R6 000.
‘The Community Works Programme of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has been providing workshop opportunities for all 25 of the residents, but their contract has come to an end and the workshop will be closing.’
Ten residents have not been allocated government houses, none of whom are permanently in wheelchairs and all ambulant.
‘They will be allowed to remain at Jabulani until the government has provided their houses,’ said Chennells.
Those who have been allocated government houses in Dumisani Makhaye Village will move to their new homes.
All staff, except for one cleaner and one person to ‘man’ the gate, have been retrenched, effective from the end of this month.
APC will employ the services of a private security company to safeguard the residents and property 24 hours a day.
A meeting of stakeholders at Jabulani is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.30am.
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