South African city spent R57 million on buildings but the community received no service from them
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme spent R57.2 million on buildings, but they are not operational or face challenges.
This was revealed by Marlize Herbst, a councillor in the Ekurhuleni Metro, who said that this is a was an example of how money is wasted by the city.
Herbst said that the construction of the Early Childhood Development buildings amounted to R57.4 million.
This money included R20 million for Vosloorus, R20 million for Eden Park, and R17.4 million for Tsakane.
“These amounts reflect only the initial capital costs and do not include ongoing expenditures on security, maintenance, repairs, and routine renovations,” she said.
- Eden Park has never come into operation.
- Vosloorus is still not operational and has been affected by theft, security issues, and a lack of maintenance.
- Tsakane continues to struggle with unresolved infrastructure and rental problems.
“The Department of Social Development undertook in November 2025 to ensure that Eden Park and Vosloorus would be fully functional,” she said.
“The Department also committed that the Tsakane rental agreement would be finalised by March 2026.”
However, like many local government commitments, the deadline came and went, but the promised outcomes were not achieved.
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s reports indicate ineffective supply chain management processes in appointing suitable operators.
They also point to ongoing vandalism and disagreements between departments over who is responsible for maintenance.
“Even when the buildings are vacant or underutilised, the Metro still has to pay for security, repairs and maintenance, while theft and damage rack up costs,” she said.
On 30 July 2026, the Ekurhuleni Council instructed the responsible departments to complete renovation work.
They must also assist prospective operators, establish a clear interdepartmental implementation framework, and consider alternative operating models.
They were also requested to cooperate with the Gauteng Department of Education and to submit a report by September.
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Should cut out the thrills , just follow the money trial ….. September has arrived do you think the report that was to be given has done so ..well all the corrupt money is on No.
Will be a wonderfull experience in this country get ONE PROJECT completed on time in budget and without Challenges as bad work is now called . Such an event will be named a national holiday .
This curse on us is named the ANC .