Question NW2883 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
18 October 2023 - NW2883
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1).Whether the Benoni Town Hall is a heritage site; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2). whether his department is aware of the derelict state of the specified hall; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total amount (a) will it cost to repair the hall and (b) has his department allocated to repair the hall? NW3308E
Reply:
(1). The Benoni Town Hall has not officially been declared as a Heritage Site. However, by virtue of the building being older than 60 years, in terms of section 34 (1) of the National Heritage Resources Act, “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority”.
(2). No, my department is not aware of the derelict state of the building as the City of Ekurhuleni manage it. On enquiring from the City of Ekurhuleni through the Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Authority, the Department was informed that the Benoni Town Hall is one of the facilities listed on the Heritage assets of the City of Ekurhuleni as part of the GRAP 103 compliance. The hall was officially opened on 12 October 1938 and closed off in 2014 due to a maintenance backlog on the roof and walls.
(a). My department is not aware how much it would cost to repair the Hall as the City of Ekurhuleni manage it.
(b). My department has also not set aside funds for the maintenance of the hall as it is an asset of and managed by the City of Ekurhuleni.
THANK YOU