DA’s push for a permanent Brackendowns Police Station gets a boost

by Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe — DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 11 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 38, Brackenhurst and Brackendowns welcomes the reports from both national and local government which indicate that the pleas of the residents are receiving much attention.

In a response to questions for a written reply, the City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Real Estate, Cllr Kgopelo Hollo confirmed that the city has indicated that an item to permanently dispose of the property would be prepared for the Council’s approval. This follows meetings the city has had with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Given that DPWI had indicated and provided evidence of the payment they have been making to the city, this means the door is open for the city to transfer the ownership of the land to DPWI. Once this is done, SAPS will be empowered to develop a permanent police station serving the residents of Brackenhurst and Brackendowns, as well as surrounding areas.

While the DA welcomes the latest developments in this regard, we believe that each process to be followed in transferring the property should be done in a manner that enhances good governance practices. It is for this reason that the DA believes that the land should be sold to DPWI and not merely donated.

The DA started this process of having the Brackendowns Police Station property transferred to DPWI through a petition submitted to Parliament back in 2021. This was done in line with the DA’s Ward 38 manifesto commitment to work towards ensuring the safety of the residents in Brackenhurst, Brackendowns and surrounding areas.

It is the view of the DA that a permanent station will go a long way towards addressing issues of safety in the area and will continue to implore relevant spheres of government in achieving improved community safety in the area.

Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe

DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

0615404973