ActionSA has sounded the alarm over the Brixton Recreation Centre's state, urging the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to enforce existing legislation and by-laws to address the crisis.

The Centre was once a hub for community activities but has now become a shelter for displaced foreign nationals following the devastating Marshalltown building fire in August 2023.

In a statement, the party emphasised that recreation centres and community halls are vital to the community development portfolio and play a crucial role in generating much-needed revenue for the City.

“Revenue collection is crucial to ensuring that the city can provide service delivery through renting out community halls. Further to this, the role of recreation centres is pivotal in the rolling out of youth and community development programs which seek to address social ills and contribute largely to society as a whole.”

The party acknowledged the need for affordable accommodation, social housing, and shelters for the homeless and displaced. It expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Department of Human Settlements to provide these essential services. However, it cautioned that the City must not be seen as encouraging lawlessness or disregarding immigration laws and municipal by-laws by offering free accommodation to undocumented foreign nationals who do not comply with South African regulations.

ActionSA also reaffirmed its full commitment to the Inner City Rejuvenation Program, originally launched by its president, Herman Mashaba, during his tenure as Mayor of Johannesburg.

The party further stressed the importance of reclaiming hijacked and abandoned buildings.

“It is important that hijacked and abandoned buildings are reclaimed, refurbished and gentrified for affordable housing, students’ accommodation and economic development,

“The Brixton Recreation Centre is a prime example of how residents of a community can be robbed of a community hall and social programs that would benefit them. ActionSA will not allow that to happen and will always stand with South African communities,” the party said.

ActionSA reaffirmed its commitment to conduct oversight and urged the City to prioritise its residents by restoring recreation centres to the communities.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za

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ActionSA calls for the restoration of Johannesburg's Brixton Recreation Centre