In a last-ditch attempt to turn things around at the beleaguered KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis in Scottsville, the Western Cape social development department decided to bring in an independent auditor to assist the home for the elderly in Scottsville.
This follows a meeting between department officials and the current board of the home this morning (31 July), where a decision was taken to offer the services of expert Dr Louw Pieterse who will assist as administrator and mentor.
In recent years, numerous complaints have been lodged with the department regarding issues related to the management of the home, which, according to social development Minister Jaco Londt, remain unresolved. In a statement following the meeting, Londt noted that “norms and standards were not being upheld,” despite official investigations and recommendations.
Heading the Institute for Contemporary Research Africa, Pieterse has a wealth of experience and knowledge in assisting residential facilities for the elderly with financial management and governance issues.
Well-being of elderly is priority
While the department provides funding to residential facilities, these are owned and managed by NGOs and the department cannot take over the management of facilities. Thus, one of Pieterse’s first tasks will be to help the board in calling an annual general meeting so that a new board can be elected as per the constitution of the facility.
Londt explains, “While we cannot get involved in the management of these NGO-run facilities, the department can provide guidance and support. The priority is the well-being of the elderly residents who deserve competent leadership that will step up and do what is needed to turn things around. I would like to thank the board for accepting Dr Pieterse’s assistance. If we can bring stability back to this facility, there will be an improvement in services for the residents who call it home. They deserve to be cared for with dignity and the utmost respect. We are hopeful Dr Pieterse can help them move in this direction and that there is a willingness from all parties involved to do what is best for the residents.”
“While the department encourages the public to inform us of any alleged abuse or neglect of residents at any facility for the elderly so we may investigate, we also wish to caution against sharing unverified or false allegations, as has sometimes been the case with KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis. The department will give the administrator the opportunity to do his job by enforcing the rules and regulations of the facility as set by its Constitution and the Older Person’s Act,” he said.
