AN investigation by a curious resident has revealed inhumane conditions at some of the local unregistered organisations run by a family allegedly battling alcohol and drug abuse.
The Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Hope House, both located in Izotsha and Margate, was found to be severely overcrowded, with no running water and unsanitary conditions. Many of the elderly tenants were allegedly without rooftops and suffered from cold conditions.
Following the revelation of over 100 sick and elderly people trapped in those shelters, the police arrested three women and one man in charge of the NPOs, Deon De Beer, Angeline Theunessen, Alet Swart, and Linda Meyer.
The suspects who are currently out on bail are facing charges of tampering with infrastructure, extortion, and neglect.
Giving her account of the story, Geraldine Mostshe, who approached the police after having observed the NPOs, said there are still vulnerable people still staying at these shelters and that the Department of Social Development (DSD) has not been helpful.
“The people responsible for these shelters are playing with senior citizens’ lives. Most people living at these shelters are pensioners, and they pay rent via their grants.
“As the complainant, I have engaged with the Director of the Department of Social Development (DSD), Mrs Khuzwayo, where I had been advised that she was not aware of these shelters and that they are not registered,” she said.
In a statement to the police dated September 28, 2024, Maotshe stated that a local police captain at Margate police station and some community forums tried to intimidate her from opening the case.
Despite promises to respond, DSD KZN did not respond to questions from the publication.
The publication sought to determine whether an investigation would be conducted and possible prosecution of those running illegal organisations risking the lives of those in need of healthcare.
We also asked the department if they had the exact figures for illegal organisations operating in the province.
Swart, Mayer, and De Beer also did not respond to questions sent to them.
According to the South Coast Herald, Shelter residents who did not want to be named said they paid the woman running the shelter R900 a month in rent.
“We live in terrible conditions. It’s so sad to see the elderly in tears. They are sometimes mistreated by the shelter management, and there’s little we can do as we don’t have anywhere else to go. At times, we have witnessed items brought in by the community but taken away and sold. We are desperately seeking help from anyone to place us in better living conditions or proper management to take over the shelters,” said the residents.
They also alleged the property in Oatlands was hijacked by those running the shelter as there was no lease agreement from the owner and that the property has since been stripped and vandalized
Maotshe said that those living in the shelter have not been evicted and that the owner agreed to continue sheltering them.
While hopes were still placed on the DSD to intervene, the Herald reported that some organisations have extended their helping hand to provide emergency support and food for the residents at both shelters.
In an opinion piece penned by Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko, stated that NPOs played a pivotal role in helping the government fulfil its constitutional mandate.
She said this was enshrined in the country’s Bill of Rights to improve the quality of life for all citizens and unlock their potential, but stressed that NPOs follow the rules.
“The government is committed to supporting NPOs, but this support is contingent on their adherence to the laws and regulations that govern the sector. Compliance is not a burden – it is the foundation of growth, sustainability, and societal impact,” she said.
“NPOs contribute significantly to addressing societal challenges such as gender-based violence, substance abuse, healthcare, skills development, food security, elderly care, care for orphaned and vulnerable children, and care for people with disabilities, among others.
“They are often at the coalface of service delivery, filling the gaps where government resources may be limited or slow to respond. Yet, while their work is invaluable, it is equally important that NPOs maintain strong compliance standards to ensure seamless service delivery and secure the necessary funding from the government and other funders.
Mazibuko stated that without a compliant, vibrant, and effective non-profit sector, many of these rights would remain inaccessible to some South Africans.
Sunday Independent