/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West will submit written questions to the MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, to interrogate the lack of support to the Khuseleke One Stop Centre for victims of violence and crime in Vryburg.

The questions emanate from an oversight inspection by the DA’s Spokesperson on Health and Social Development, Gavin Edwards, Member of Parliament, Sello Seitlholo and Councillor Hendriette van Huyssteen to the centre on Friday.

The visit revealed that the CCTV cameras are non-functional and the security gate is operated manually.

The purpose of the centre is to house victims of violence and crime that is referred for shelter by the SAPS. These women and children’s lives are often endangered and therefore optimum security is a non-negotiable necessity.

It is concerning that the centre has no empowerment programmes in place to assist victims to develop skills or find jobs to rebuild their lives after leaving the centre.

The recreational activities available are limited to a TV room, gym equipment and library consisting of a few books and computers. There are currently no tutors to assist with computer classes or other skills development programmes.

Due to the Covid-19 regulations, the children staying at the centre are unable to attend Early Learning Centres. The centre has a playground, but there are no other resources to ensure learning activities. This is especially concerning for children housed for an extended period of time.

The centre management has, on several occasions, contacted the Naledi Local Municipality to unblock the overflowing drain, but to no avail. There is also a brokenwater pipe on the premises that has not yet been repaired by the Department of Public Works. The area is not cordoned off, posing a safety hazard to residents and staff.

We have requested DA Councillor, Hendriette van Huyssteen, to assist the centre with the blocked drain. We will also write to the MEC for the Department of Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi to request urgent attention to all maintenance challenges.

The DA is committed to building a social assistance system which is able to deal with challenges posed by increased levels of stress and trauma experienced by women and children in particular.

We will continue to apply pressure on the Department of Social Development to fullfil its constitutional obligations towards the vulnerable in society.

Issued by The DA