By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
Kingsol Chabalala, MPL
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) said Alexandra residents were not benefiting from the state-of-the-art Alexandra Heritage Centre citing lack of electricity or water for four months and two months respectively.
Chabalala said this following the DA’s oversight inspection at the “neglected” Alexandra Heritage Centre yesterday.
He argued the facility was unable to operate without water and electricity, “as these compromise the well-being of both employees and visitors”.
“The Democratic Alliance discovered this information during an oversight inspection at the Alexandra Heritage Centre today as part of our Heritage Month campaign.
“We were also disappointed to learn that this facility is not contributing to the Alexandra economy because it is not adequately marketed to attract tourists and investors.
“The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has failed the people of Alexandra by not promoting this facility, which has resulted in low numbers of tourists visiting the centre,” he said.
He said the centre had a rich history with the late former president Nelson Mandela, “which has the potential to grow local investment and create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of Alexandra”.
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“The DA demands that the Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, urgently intervene and ensure that this centre has access to water, electricity, and has proper and regular maintenance. There is a need for security to ensure the safety and hygiene standards for people visiting the centre.
“Preserving our heritage sites is of utmost importance to the DA because it honours our forebears’ contributions, positively impacts the economy and provides employment opportunities.”
