The City of Cape Town will no longer repair facilities vandalised and damaged during protests actions.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health Zahid Badroodien said, over the past two months, there have been 32 incidents of vandalism and robbery.
“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,” he said.
The most recent incidents involved City Health staff hijacked at gunpoint in Mitchells Plain and staff members held at gunpoint and robbed of their possessions while doing home visits in Delft.
Last week, The Hague Recreation Centre in Delft was damaged extensively in the third incident at the facility in four weeks.
“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 frontline must be protected,” said Badroodien.
“While we can invest in security, there are times when protesters overpower security due to their numbers.”
Other incidents include the closure of clinics, mainly in Khayelitsha, Delft and Mitchells Plain due to gang violence, protest action or the intimidation of staff.
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.
“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,” added Badroodien.
“The blame lies squarely with the thugs and criminals who vandalise and rob the facility and our communities of these spaces.”