Note to Editors: Attached please find a soundbite by Ofentse Madzebatela MPL in English here.
Despite being officially opened on 20 March 2026 by the former MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, and the Mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, the Winterveldt Social Integrated Centre remains non-functional and is not rendering any services to the community.
This state-of-the-art infrastructure is meant to bring social development services closer to the community. It was supposed to offer a wide range of integrated services, including social development support, South African Social Security Agency services, Department of Home Affairs assistance, a walk-in centre for substance abuse rehabilitation, services for persons with disabilities and skills development programmes. The facility is also equipped with gym resources.
Winterveldt Social Integrated Centre was contracted in 2014 and officially opened in March this year; nearly 12 years of waiting. Six months after the official opening, it remains empty.
See photos here, here, here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands answers from the MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to determine why this centre is not operational. We will table questions to determine how much has been spent on this centre, when it was supposed to be completed, the reasons for the delays, and why it is not operational.
Furthermore, we will request a full audit of how the money for this facility has been used, which contractors have been appointed, how much money has been spent on security for this building, and the total amount spent on the project to date.
The longer this facility remains closed, the more it inconveniences residents who must travel long distances to neighbouring areas for services. It will still incur costs for the department to safeguard an unoccupied building. Based on experience, the longer such facilities remain unoccupied, they are prone to illegal invasion, theft and vandalism.
This is one of many infrastructure projects that have been completed but remain non-operational.
A DA-led government would ensure that when a project like the Winterveldt Social Integrated Centre is contracted, project timelines are strictly followed, qualified contractors are appointed, and sufficient staff members are available to work at the centre upon its completion. We would not open a centre like this simply for show.