By Doreen Mokgolo
Vandalism by renovators and poor maintenance of Tshwane City Hall has left the popular facility as a white elephant and a shadow of what it used to be.
The historic venue was used for important municipal functions, public meetings, cultural events, and gatherings for the Tshwane community.
In 2018, the metro appointed a contractor to renovate the facility, but work was abandoned midway because the contractor’s shoddy renovations violated the National Heritage Act of 1999.
Since then, the facility has been shut down for public use. The only signs of life are the security guards protecting it from further vandalism and the rats that have since found refuge there.
The ceiling is leaking and falling, furniture bought as part of the renovations stands collecting dust while others are falling apart, and some of the walls are half-painted.
On Tuesday, Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s MMC of Corporate and Shared Services, paid an oversight visit to the facility.
She said she was disappointed and concerned with the extensive vandalism and unwarranted renovations.
“The renovations have caused damage to the site, violating the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999,” she said.
“We will work to bring those responsible for its destruction to justice with appropriate consequences.
“The importance of asset protection by the city cannot be overstated; preserving our historical and cultural assets not only safeguards our heritage but also promotes civic pride and community cohesion,” she said.
Morodi added that the City Hall is more than just a building; it symbolises the city’s heritage and is a cornerstone for civic engagement.
“We will be exploring all available options to restore the City Hall to its former glory and ensure actions are taken against the perpetrators of vandalism,” she said.
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“We will be engaging with heritage conservation experts and securing the necessary funding to ensure that the renovations are in compliance with the National Heritage Act.
Pictured above: Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s MMC of Corporate and Shared Services.
Image source: Supplied
