Mitchell’s Plain seniors voice service delivery concerns at Justice Department engagement

Mitchell’s Plain senior citizens voiced their frustrations over service delivery issues affecting them. 

During a community engagement hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, they raised concerns about inadequate healthcare, safety issues, unreliable public transport, and limited access to justice services.

While the event formed part of broader Mandela Day activities under the theme Uniting to Combat Poverty and Inequity, its core purpose was to address the service delivery gaps affecting senior citizens in Mitchell’s Plain and surrounding areas. 

The session, held on Thursday, July 24, at the FROG Centre in Woodlands, brought various national and local departments face-to-face with residents to address long-standing concerns directly. 

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel led the engagement, alongside departmental representatives and service providers.

The session opened with a moment of silence for the late former Cape Town mayor Theresa Solomons, who Mr Nel described as “a woman of care, passion, humility, honesty and commitment to service.”

Health care was one of the key concerns raised. Many seniors said local clinics and hospitals offered poor service, with some opting to travel to Somerset West for treatment. The health department was present to respond to questions about local health facilities.

Myrtle Jack, 61, from Beacon Valley, founder of God’s Angels Reaching Out and chairperson of the University of the Third Age seniors club, said seniors were often left out.

“They tell us things, but there’s no help, especially from health. I do what I can, but senior abuse is something that must be addressed urgently.”

Transport challenges were also highlighted. Elderly residents said the gap between pavements and buses made it difficult to board safely. Some mentioned safety concerns at Groote Schuur Hospital and overcrowded scholar transport vehicles, which indirectly affected them.

Community safety and policing were recurring themes. Seniors pointed to drug use and gangster activity in public lanes, particularly near the Lentegeur sub-station. 

Many said the police in Mitchell's Plain were slow to respond to calls, while the Strandfontein station was more reliable. There were also complaints about long queues for police certification and criminal record documents, Mr Nel said in his speech.

Brigadier Mark Hartzenberg, deputy district commissioner for the Mitchell’s Plain policing sub‑district, said elder abuse often went unreported due to fear of retaliation, mistrust of the police, or fear of being placed in a care facility. He said abuse could include emotional, physical, or economic harm, such as withholding access to pension grants.

Justice services, especially the master's office, were flagged as difficult to navigate. Seniors called for assistance with affidavits, testimonies, and help accessing hospitals or court services -especially after the death of a spouse.

Luce-Lynn Fondling of L&C Community Outreach Programme said seniors were slowly getting more exposure to essential services.

“People now know more about how to get municipal support, report abuse, and get help from the master's office. This kind of outreach makes a big difference.”

Constance Croats from the deputy minister’s office said this engagement was only the beginning. “Sometimes seniors can’t access services. This is the first step. The next step will be to bring departments like SASSA to the people.”