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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has called on provincial Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, and her department to urgently intervene following strong evidence of mismanagement and extortion at the Pietermaritzburg-based Isabel Beardman Home (IBH) for the Elderly.

The DA’s appeal comes as the situation at the home deteriorates, with numerous complaints from occupants around dietary requirements and medical care needs not being met.

Further concerns include the withdrawal of the Community Chest Grant due to non-compliance and non-compliance in terms of the Non-Profit Organisation Act (NPOA) specifically regarding accounting records, financial statements and accounting officer reports.

Given the urgent nature of the concerns, there have been numerous attempts by IBH committee members, donors and stakeholders to engage with the board in the form of an Extraordinary Annual General Meeting (EAGM). Regrettably, they have come to nothing.

Additional attempts for updates regarding an ongoing lengthy audit have also proved fruitless. Meanwhile, an offer by residents themselves, to facilitate a meeting between board members and other parties, has also been refused by the board.

Worryingly, it appears that there are two board members who have assumed a gate-keeping role, allegedly refusing to divulge any information to residents or funders of the facility. One of these is supposedly an IBH employee who appointed himself as a board member. This is highly irregular and in violation of the Constitution.

The question is: Who is being protected, what is there to hide and why are certain individuals so desperate to get onto the board or hold onto their board roles – even if it means doing so illegally?

The IBH is an important facility when it comes to caring for the elderly in Pietermaritzburg. The DA, IBH committee members, donors and stakeholders will not allow it to be destroyed by the greed of a select few who believe they are above the law.

The IBH committee has now written to the board (view here), calling for an urgent meeting. As per the National NPO act and Companies act, the board has seven days to reply to the committee members.

The DA expects MEC Khoza and her department to put the necessary pressure on the board to ensure this takes place. In the interests of those who call the IBH home – and the many others who have a vested interest – this facility must be restored to good governance and constituted management.

Issued by Mmabatho Tembe, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Social Development