Unutilised public buildings in Mpumalanga converted into shelters for GBV victims
During an infrastructure imbizo held in the city, the minister of public works and infrastructure, Dean MacPherson, reiterated his promise to uplift dilapidated public buildings to be utilised for public good, particularly to address the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
'We have an important role to play in helping to provide the facilities needed to safeguard the most vulnerable in our society. Between 2019 and 2025, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure handed over only two properties to be used as GBV shelters. Yet, within just one year, we have more than tripled that number; 15 properties have now been handed over. In the weeks and months ahead, we look forward to increasing this number as we work to bring an end to gender-based violence,' said MacPherson at the Nelsville Community Hall on May 19.
MacPherson has already handed over 10 properties to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to be used as shelters for victims of GBV.
The 10 properties, of which five are located in Emanzana, four in Lothair and one in Delmas, had previously stood vacant and unutilised, but will now be renovated by the provincial government.
ALSO READ: KwaMhlanga entrepreneurs walk 300km to provincial government for change
'Of the 52 districts across the country, 47 already have such facilities and work is being expedited to ensure the remaining five receive shelters as soon as possible. The handover of these properties is part of the work we are doing to ensure that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure plays a meaningful role in improving the lives of all South Africans,' MacPherson said.
The Mpumalanga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, joined the imbizo.
ALSO READ: Residents fed up with lack of by-law enforcement by City of Mbombela
Thomo said the engagement forms part of broader efforts to address both systemic and community-related challenges in infrastructure development.
'These issues often include disruptions caused by protests or dissatisfaction with project execution. These coupled with systemic challenges such as project delays, cash flow constraints and inconsistencies in contract governance, impact project delivery timelines and hinder the growth of local small, medium and micro enterprises and emerging contractors. The imbizo created a valuable platform for collaboration between the national and provincial government to address these challenges in infrastructure delivery and highlighted the need for practical solutions to ensure more effective and community-focused development,' said Thomo.
The imbizo was attended by some vocal community members who took the chance to voice their concerns to MacPherson and Thomo.
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