During January and February 2022, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WCDoHS) embarked on a recruitment drive to create short – to medium term job opportunities for 112, over 35-year-olds. To date, 73 opportunities have been created, with 30 being in Khayelitsha, 30 in Qolweni, Plettenberg Bay and 13 in Mossel Bay. With the continued assistance of the respective Municipalities, the Department of Labour, and in some instances, the community, it is envisaged that a further 17 will be recruited in Mossel Bay, and the balance for the Transhex project in the Breede Valley municipal area.
This past Friday, we received reports that there was a security breach at the Qolweni Phase 3A (169) housing project site, when one of the units was vandalized and a window frame stolen. A criminal case has since been opened at the South African Police Services (SAPS). Minister Simmers said: “I condemn this criminal act in the strongest possible terms and welcome the criminal case that was opened with the SAPS. We cannot allow any matter to derail the significant progress we’re continuing to make with this project, particularly since residents have been patiently waiting to live in an improved and dignified manner. Some may view this as a minor incident, however any form of vandalism or theft can have an enormous impact on the completion of the project. These nefarious acts cannot be left unchecked. I urge the community to be vigilant and assist the law enforcement agencies in bringing these perpetrators to book and face the full might of the law.