The Ekurhuleni Metro’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme is a striking example of how millions of rand is often spent on infrastructure without reaching all the communities that were supposed to benefit.
The original construction cost of the three centres amounts to approximately R57,4 million – 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 the ongoing expenditure on security, maintenance, repairs and routine renovations.
Eden Park has never come into operation. Vosloorus is also still not operational and has been heavily impacted by theft, security problems 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 and that the Tsakane rental agreement would be finalised by March 2026. The deadline came and went, but the promised outcomes were not achieved.
The Metro’s own reports point to unsuccessful supply chain management processes to appoint suitable operators, as well as 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.
On 30 July this year, the Council instructed the responsible departments to complete renovation work, 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.
In the next meeting of the Oversight Committee on Social Development in September, the Freedom Front Plus will insist on a thorough report detailing each centre’s operating costs, including security, renovation and other expenditure.
Voters have the opportunity to vote for change on 4 November. Vote Freedom Front Plus for responsible governance, better service delivery, and a metro that manages residents’ tax money with respect and accountability.
