The Enduduzuveni Disability Center in Umlazi, located south of Durban, is in a state of decay and partially abandoned, with parts of the roof having collapsed.
During an unscheduled inspection conducted by the government, it was found that the Enduduzuveni Disability Center in Umlazi is in a deplorable condition. Tuesday saw the center visited by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Portfolio Committee for Public Works, along with representatives from the eThekwini municipality.
Petros Msimango, the committee chairperson, reported that the Enduduzuveni Center, which serves as a community hub for people with disabilities, is on the verge of collapse due to ongoing criminal vandalism. He noted that vandals stole plumbing pipes, light bulbs, doors, and electrical cables, leading to disorder. Although the center has existed since the early 1990s, its future looks bleak, and residents are calling for help.
Periodic Availability of Water and Electricity
During the site inspection, committee members personally witnessed collapsed roofs, empty halls and rooms, overgrown lawns, and missing windows. Furthermore, the center experienced unstable water and electricity supply. Msimango stated that they had heard about the difficult situation of the inhabitants and plan to meet with relevant departments to find a solution.
The committee is expected to hold a meeting with the Department of Social Development, eThekwini officials, and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). Residents of the center complained about the presence of criminals in the area and attempts by people to build shacks on the premises.
Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, Zandile Miyeni, stated that they intend to address the issues raised by the committee and the center's residents.
Unsuitability for Use
From 2001, 30 people with disabilities resided at the center, some using wheelchairs and others being blind, although the number of residents has decreased. The residents used to unite to perform crafts, selling and sharing the profits. They knitted jerseys and wool scarves, and also wove plastic door mats, but this activity ceased several years ago.
In February 2017, former Minister of Social Development, Vezive Tusi, announced the closure of the center. This sparked a conflict between the center's residents and government officials. The department claimed that the center was unfit for use and required building repairs.
Mpumelele Zimela, who has lived at the center since 2010, recounted that she was promised work at the facility, but after a six-month training program, she was told to leave. She shared: 'I decided to live here because I had nowhere else to go. I watched this place deteriorate while I waited for work here.'
Sisi Khumalo, founder and executive director of the Community Development Services Africa (CCDSA), a non-profit organization based in Umlazi, works as a social entrepreneur and facilitator to assist local NGOs. While conducting a campaign to assess school functionality in the Umlazi vicinity, he discovered that the Enduduzuveni Center lacked societal attention regarding people with disabilities. Therefore, they decided how best to help them.
Khumalo reported that all stakeholders, including sponsors, gathered to develop an action plan that includes renovating the facility to improve its condition. He added: 'We faced many obstacles working with the municipality, and there have been difficulties for many years that led to the further deterioration of the center since 2015. We sent emails to the municipality and held meetings, but nothing worked. This deterred potential sponsors.'