5 January 2000
Speaking after a community meeting held at Vusumoya (K2) Khayelitsha last night Rev, Nojoko (The Chairperson of Khayelitsha crisis Committee) said, "The community of Khayelitsha said with one voice that the Centre must be opened very soon and their children must be protected and not be tossed hither and thither by "the bass and seuntjie" style of Alan's management. The community of Khayelitsha resolved last night to meet face to face with Alan Jackson and his Board tomorrow, 6 January 2000, in order to table their recommendation to save Elukhuselweni."
"It is surprising to note that 8 days since the children were removed their medication and the history records of their illness remained in the cupboards of Elukhuselweni. How does somebody trained in Child Welfare keep children somewhere without their treatment? What treatment have they received to date? Whatever happens due to lack of medicine intake should be Alan Jackson's responsibility."
A member of the Provincial Legislature Mr Leonard Ramatlakane added, "We have today met with the Corporate Investment Manager of Caltex namely; Mr James Ngubo. We have established that Caltex made a contribution by sponsoring the building (Elukhuselweni Home) towards Khayelitsha community upliftment, and not to any individuals. It became clear during the cordial meeting with Caltex that the community of Khayelitsha has to be central to any development of the centre, including the mooted restructuring." Mr Ramatlakane emphasized: "Alan Jackson can therefore not treat the community of Khayelitsha as if they have a lesser stake in the Elukhuselweni development."
"Setting up an inclusive committee that has Department of Social Services, community reps, private sector, to investigate the short, medium term, and the long term solution regarding the effective operation of Elukhuselweni is the way to go. Social Services Department must take care of the children in Elukhuselweni right now, pending the final outcome of the investigation."
For further comments contact,
Rev. Nojoko at 082 479 8056 or
L. Ramatlakane at 082 896 3946