The City of Johannesburg has revealed it has no specific budget for maintaining old-age homes, with repairs funded only if resources allow. This has led to deteriorating conditions at facilities like Eeufees Oord and Dewetshof Retirement Village. Councillors and residents report residents are now funding fixes themselves.
In responses tabled at the March 2026 council meeting, the Department of Human Settlements told DA councillor Neuren Pietersen that maintenance for old-age homes draws from a centralised pool, prioritised by need, risk and budget availability. Urgent repairs proceed only subject to funds, leaving defects unresolved at several sites.
Financial data shows strain: in September 2025, only 19.31% of residents across 39 homes paid full rent on time. The City billed R872,000 but recorded a net loss of R168,314 after adjustments. For 2025/26, R31 million covers maintenance for all council stock, with Region F receiving R6.1 million.
At Eeufees Oord Old Age Home in Westdene, DA councillor Genevieve Sharman said she is appealing to neighbours for help after a gate motor was stolen, leaving gates open. Resident Desiree Sharpe noted an 85-year-old paid for a burst geyser repair, which still leaks, alongside broken cisterns, damp and unlit streets.
Dewetshof Retirement Village was not targeted for repairs this year, with issues like collapsed ceilings and leaking taps pending allocation. The City attributed some delays to internalising maintenance from Johannesburg Social Housing Company. Officials confirmed not all facilities are in planned programmes.
