A Mthatha home for the aged is embroiled in a disagreement with the social development department over grant money to the value of R700 000 the home claims it is owed.
Empilweni Home for the Frail and Aged claims the department owes it R725 900 in grant money over the past three years.
But the department disputes this, saying some of the residents of the home don’t qualify for grants.
Empilweni board of directors chairman Mphuthukezi Richard Sodo and centre manager Reverend Dumalisile Ngcuka said the department was not willing to assist in addressing the matter.
“The department has not paid us the monies due to us since April 2014. We have tried our best for many years but nothing is forthcoming until now,” said Sodo.
Sodo and Ngcuka said the department had since April 2014 refused to pay grants to 21 residents at the home.
“Their argument is that the people are younger than 60 years of age. The people we are talking about are disabled and cannot do anything on their own.
“Some have been staying here for 16 years now and do not have family members to look after them. We want the money for welfare and their general upkeep,” said Ngcuka.
They said the department was supposed to pay each of the 21 people R1 700 a month.
The number has since reduced to 13 as others died.
The home, which is a non-profit organisation, accommodates a total of 140 residents.
“Most are bedridden including those who are less than 60 years of age and some are wheelchairbound,” said Ngcuka, adding they were appealing to social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi, head of department Stanley Khanyile and Premier Phumulo Masualle to intervene.
The home was established in 1983 by the African Medical Scholarship Group of Eastern Cape Doctors and has a staff complement of 58 people.
Siyabulela Mbebe, 48, who suffers from leprosy, has been staying at the home since 2000.
“I do not have any parents and relatives at home. This is my only home and when I die I will be buried in here. The department must please pay the home. We do not want to be kicked out of this place,” said Mbembe, who is a wheelchair user.
Social development department spokesman Gcobani Maswana said that they would investigate the matter.
“We cannot be custodians of the elderly and disabled people but at the same time do something contrary to that,” he said.
Old age home in battle to secure social grants
Empilweni Home for the Frail and Aged claims the department owes it R725 900 in grant money over the past three years.
But the department disputes this, saying some of the residents of the home don’t qualify for grants.
Empilweni board of directors chairman Mphuthukezi Richard Sodo and centre manager Reverend Dumalisile Ngcuka said the department was not willing to assist in addressing the matter.
“The department has not paid us the monies due to us since April 2014. We have tried our best for many years but nothing is forthcoming until now,” said Sodo.
Sodo and Ngcuka said the department had since April 2014 refused to pay grants to 21 residents at the home.
“Their argument is that the people are younger than 60 years of age. The people we are talking about are disabled and cannot do anything on their own.
“Some have been staying here for 16 years now and do not have family members to look after them. We want the money for welfare and their general upkeep,” said Ngcuka.
They said the department was supposed to pay each of the 21 people R1 700 a month.
The number has since reduced to 13 as others died.
The home, which is a non-profit organisation, accommodates a total of 140 residents.
“Most are bedridden including those who are less than 60 years of age and some are wheelchairbound,” said Ngcuka, adding they were appealing to social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi, head of department Stanley Khanyile and Premier Phumulo Masualle to intervene.
The home was established in 1983 by the African Medical Scholarship Group of Eastern Cape Doctors and has a staff complement of 58 people.
Siyabulela Mbebe, 48, who suffers from leprosy, has been staying at the home since 2000.
“I do not have any parents and relatives at home. This is my only home and when I die I will be buried in here. The department must please pay the home. We do not want to be kicked out of this place,” said Mbembe, who is a wheelchair user.
Social development department spokesman Gcobani Maswana said that they would investigate the matter.
“We cannot be custodians of the elderly and disabled people but at the same time do something contrary to that,” he said.
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