On Tuesday, Johannesburg High Court Judge ruled in favour of MEC Mahlangu, who had filed an urgent application for the temporary removal of the board pending an investigation into allegations of mismanagement of funds meant for running the Takalani Home.
Mahlangu based the application on audit reports going back as far as 10 months. The reports point to terrible living conditions at the home, gross mismanagement of funds and government funds used for personal gain.
In March the department picked up that R2 million was donated to the home by a private donor. R1,5 million of that money was immediately transferred to an unknown account. The department was therefore concerned that funds government put into the institution might also be used for personal gain instead of ensuring the well-being of the children.
The home receives funding from the department four times a year and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) makes payments monthly.
The Avril Elizabeth Home has been appointed administrator of Takalani Home until a forensic investigation by the department has been completed.
Warning other non-governmental organisation (NGOs), MEC Mahlangu said, “I would not hesitate to intervene where there are allegations of mismanagement of funds as government aims to deliver quality services.”
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9892
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
