AN old age home, which has been a shelter to gogos and madalas of KwaMashu for 42 years, is closing its doors.
The KwaMashu Christian Care Society (KMCCS) has been operating for over four decades, giving care and support to residents aged 60 years and above. Sadly, that is now about to end.
This comes after the KZN Department of Social Development announced it will relocate beneficiaries at the KMCCS following sustained governance, financial, and operational challenges at the facility.
KMCCS currently accommodates 74 older people, supported through departmental funding.
It is alleged some of the beneficiaries are not taking the news well.
Daily Sun paid a visit to the old age home situated easi but was told to contact the social development office. The reporter was not allowed to speak to the residents.
KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga said over the years, the organisation has experienced serious governance failures. These include mismanagement of funds, irregular appointments, and fraud allegations.
"These challenges have negatively affected service delivery and compromised the safety and wellbeing of older persons residing at the facility. An internal audit conducted by the department revealed financial mismanagement at the facility.
"As a result, the department had to intervene on these matters stated above while ensuring continuity of care for beneficiaries," she said.
The MEC said to stabilise operations and protect the elederly, the department appointed the Gugu Dlamini Foundation. They were brought in to temporarily manage administrative and financial functions, including subsidies and oversight of Sassa grants.
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"Despite numerous engagements involving departmental leadership, the Office of the Premier, eThekwini Municipality, and political stakeholders, the situation at KMCCS continued to deteriorate. The organisation remains non-compliant with legislative requirements under the NPO Act," said Shinga.
She revealed that a massive historical debt is posing a risk to the residents.
"Historical debt amounting to R3,1 million owed to the eThekwini Municipality poses a serious risk to the continuity of basic services such as electricity and water. Any disconnection of services would place older persons at immediate risk and contravene the Older Persons Act," she said.
In light of these risks, the department has approved the relocation of the residents to other registered facilities across KZN.
"An implementation plan has been developed, and the department has secured centres for older persons to be relocated. Consultations with families and guardians are underway to obtain necessary consent, ensuring the relocation process is conducted with dignity, care, and minimal disruption to beneficiaries," she said.
The agreement with the Gugu Dlamini Foundation has been extended until 31 March 2026 to ensure stability during the move.
"Our priority is the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of older people," said Shinga.
She added that the department is concerned about reported threats, attempted break-ins, and political interference at the home. These matters are being addressed by security.
A worker at the facility said they are aware of the closure but could not comment further as she was rushing to a meeting.
