Auditor appointed for Kraaifontein retirement home

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has appointed an independent auditor to assist the KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis in Scottsville, Kraaifontein.

KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis is a residential facility for the elderly.

The department said in a statement that on Thursday, July 31, it met with the current KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis board and decided to appoint Dr Louw Pieterse as administrator and mentor.

Western Cape MEC of social development, Jaco Londt, said: “The department has received numerous complaints over the years about KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis.

“Every time there has been a complaint lodged, DSD officials have followed up to investigate and made recommendations for issues to be addressed. Unfortunately, the situation remains unstable, with norms and standards not being upheld.”

One of Dr 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.

Mr Londt said 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,” he said.

While the department encourages the public to inform them of any alleged abuse or neglect of residents at any facility for the elderly to be investigated, it also cautioned against sharing unverified or false allegations, “as has sometimes been the case with KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis,” Mr Londt said.

For more information about the department’s services, visit your nearest local office, or call the tollfree number 0800 220 250.