Vandalism and attacks hamper service delivery
23 November 2020
In the past two months, several of the City’s Health Department staff have been hijacked, robbed of City and personal possessions, threatened and caught in the crossfire of gang violence, amounting to 32 incidents. Last week, The Hague Recreation Centre in Delft was damaged extensively in the third incident at the facility in four weeks. Additional funds will no longer be made available to repair vandalised or damaged facilities
‘Our facilities and staff are under siege and the City will no longer provide additional funds to repair or replace facilities damaged or vandalised during protests. We will allow the insurance processes to run its course, but should this not be sufficient to cover what is needed, the City will not cover the shortfall. It is simply not sustainable,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The most recent incidents involving City Health staff include a facility manager hijacked at gunpoint in Mitchells Plain on 17 November 2020 and staff members held at gun point and robbed of their possessions while doing home visits in Delft on 13 November 2020.
‘These are but the tip of the iceberg in what can only be described as an assault on the very services and people who risk their lives daily to help the most vulnerable in our communities. There is no justification for attacking health workers, who have dedicated their lives to help those who are ill and in need. Our staff at the front line must be protected. While we can invest in security, there are times when protesters overpower security due to their numbers,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Other incidents include the closure of clinics, mainly in Khayelitsha, Delft and Mitchells Plain, because of gang violence, protest action or the intimidation of staff.
‘The Matthew Goniwe clinic was threatened with arson and several incidents of harassment have been reported. It is unacceptable that our staff are traumatised and prevented from rendering services to their communities. It is those very residents who are the losers when clinics have to close or are unable to operate because of a lack of staff or equipment,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The Recreation and Parks Department recently reported that since the beginning of the new financial year in July 2020, theft at facilities is already amounting to close to R2,3 million, with vandalism costs at approximately R10 million.
In the most recent incident, on Wednesday, 18 November 2020, The Hague Recreation Centre in Delft was vandalised and burgled for the third time in four weeks.
During this latest incident, 11 windows were broken, fire damage caused to two doors, to the floor and kitchen equipment.
In addition, 60 plastic chairs, 20 tables, 40 trestle tables, three fire extinguishers and four dirt bins were stolen.
The estimated cost of the damage is R200 000.
‘The vandalism is a result of protest action, which only deprives the community of a safe facility where children’s activities took place. Until the damages are repaired, the facility cannot be used. With the holidays at hand, there is a strong possibility that no activities will be able to take place. The blame lies squarely with the thugs and criminals who vandalise and rob the facility and our communities of these spaces,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
Residents can report illegal activities by phoning 021 480 7700 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline. Members of the community can also send an email to rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
