Home struggles without subsidies

DUE to the non-payment of subsidies from the department of social development, Huis John Vorster, situated in Westbourne, has been struggling to meet its obligations in caring for the elderly.

The home cares for 78 citizens who receive pensions from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).

“We are supposed to receive a monthly subsidy from the department of social development for nutrition, medical care, administration and entertainment. We were called to submit our April and May subsidy claims, but not for last month,” manager Teresa Latti said.

Latti indicated that the home was hoping to receive the April and May subsidies within the next two weeks.

The Rep reported (“Old age home in financial crisis,” June 24 2017) that the home was in dire need of help from the community.

“Every time a new financial year begins, we have to wait three months for subsidies. This has been happening for many years and has been taken up with the department and the MEC Nancy Sihlwayi. Promises are always made, but never kept.”

Latti said the biggest challenge all old age homes in the province were experiencing was that subsidies have not increased since April 2008.

“The assistance from the community has been beyond our expectations.

“We currently do not have any problems feeding the elderly, thanks to the kind-hearted people who have been donating groceries, fruit, vegetables and meat,” she explained.

The home will have a bazaar/flea market on August 26 and any unwanted items for their white elephant table will be appreciated.

Any form of donation will be welcome. For more information, contact Latti at (045) 838-2613.

The social development department in Komani was contacted for comment and questions supplied, but The Rep was referred to the provincial office which has not responded. By Wednesday, the local offices of the department indicated that approval was awaited from the province to allow comment.