The eThekwini municipality is facing fierce criticism from civic bodies, branded as "sloppy" over ongoing renovations at the Phoenix Sizakala Centre, more commonly known as the Phoenix rent office. Numerous residents have filed complaints about conditions and service levels at the facility, prompting protests and calls for accountability.
Over the past week, members of various civic organisations have rallied in solidarity, staging marches and picketing outside the centre on Longcroft Drive. The growing unrest reflects deep-seated frustration, with residents feeling their grievances have been inadequately addressed by municipal officials.
Members of the Voice of Phoenix and residents in a protest march against the lack of service delivery experienced at the phoenix rent office.
Image: SUPPLIED
On Saturday, 14 March, the Voice of Phoenix (VOP), a local non-profit organisation, led a march from Phoenix Plaza to the Sizakala Centre. Demonstrators carried placards reading "bad service, bigger problems" and "paying rent, getting disrespected."
VOP chairperson Nielisha Manipershad articulated the group's resolve.
"We will not back down and accept poor services in Phoenix, followed by tick-the-box exercises and lies," she said.
Fellow VOP chairperson Vassie Govender highlighted insufficient staffing at the centre.
"With a population of over 350,000 residents, the centre operates with just eight staff members, which is unacceptable for one of the city's top rate-paying communities," he said.
Residents have reported an alarming lack of seating, forcing the elderly to stand for prolonged periods, as well as broken ablution facilities and deteriorating building infrastructure.
The Phoenix Civic Movement (PCM) also made a notable appearance outside the centre on Friday, 13 March, advocating for urgent reforms. Chairperson Vivian Pillay expressed the community's need for better services and called for an end to "estimated billing," which disproportionately affects lower-income households.
"The indigent policy has not been fully implemented for all deserving residents. The 50% write-off for outstanding arrears must be rejected with the contempt it deserves," Pillay said.
PCM's list of demands includes renovating the building, ensuring access to the entrance that is currently locked, employing more qualified staff, reinstating door-to-door delivery of utility bills, a flat rate for utilities for impoverished residents, special services for the elderly and disabled, and scrapping all outstanding arrears for indigent individuals.
Members of the Phoenix Civic Movement outside the gates and main entrance of the Phoenix rent office which has remained unexplainable closed.
Image: SUPPLIED
Municipality responds
In response to the mounting concerns, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana acknowledged the complaints. She said management is monitoring ongoing Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes affected by a prevailing court case.
"Management is committed to ensuring that all required awards are finalised as soon as possible," Sisilana said.
She emphasised that ongoing maintenance issues are expected given the building's age and heavy public usage, asserting that the municipality is working diligently to address any problems to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
"It is incorrect to suggest that the City has misled communities about the interventions being implemented while a long-term solution is underway," she stated.
Sisilana confirmed that a new contractor is anticipated to begin comprehensive repair works by April 2026. Interim measures remain in place to support the centre's functionality, including operational air-conditioning.
But for the residents who have marched, picketed and spoken out, promises of future repairs ring hollow against the daily indignity of standing for hours, using broken facilities and feeling disregarded by the very officials meant to serve them. They have made it clear: they will continue to monitor the situation closely, and they will not back down.