An after-school programme serving between 40 and 50 young people in Rocklands has lost its venue at the Rocklands Civic Centre after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) booked the space until March next year.
Last session held at civic centre
The EU Hub 2 programme supports Grade 8 to Grade 12 learners with academic and social help. Organiser Wendy Abrahams, who runs Advance Edukos said she was saddened by the loss, as efforts to find a new venue at nearby schools and churches had come to nothing.
“I’m really sad about this. I’m sad that the children will not have a place,” she said.
Fewer sessions likely
Abrahams said the programme may now have to cut the number of days it runs in Rocklands and share time at the nearby library instead. This could mean learners receive support only once a week.
“I don’t know how impactful that is going to be in terms of academic support, psychosocial support, and so on,” she said.
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Paying to book the space was also not an option open to them.
“It wasn’t even discussed with us — we were just informed,” she said.
Councillor also out of office
Ward councillor Danny Christians confirmed, that he knew the centre had been cleared, saying it happened before every election. He noted that he too had to leave his office at the centre and find other spaces.
Christians said he would reach out to Abrahams and try to help her find an alternative venue.
Francine Higham, Mayco Member for Community Services and Health said: “Advanced Edukos is currently utilising two facilities in the area: Strandfontein Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Rocklands Civic Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Furthermore, users of Rocklands Civic Centre were engaged in February 2026 regarding the facility’s unavailability for a three-month period, during which it will be utilised by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the purposes of the upcoming voter registration weekends ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
“The Department has reviewed the availability of all other facilities within the sub-area and confirms that none are able to temporarily accommodate Advanced Edukos during this period.
“We therefore proposed, as an interim measure, that Advanced Edukos extend its use of Strandfontein Hall from Monday to Thursday while Rocklands Civic Centre remains unavailable, and then return to its regular schedule once the IEC’s use of the facility has been concluded.
“It is important to note that several City facilities have been identified for use during the upcoming Local Government elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
“Strict control measures must be implemented regarding the use of identified venues. This includes blocking off relevant dates. Organisations or individuals who already have bookings on affected dates, are advised to please approach the facility managers for further guidance.
“Any IEC related questions should be directed to the organisation.”
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