Row over development on Athlone orphanage site

A PROBE into the development of flats on the property of an Athlone orphanage has raised questions about the management of the facility.

In a letter to mayor Dan Plato and the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town, the Kromboom North Civic Association alleged possible mismanagement and dysfunction at the former St Francis Children’s Home, now the Realistic Child and Youth Care Centre.

According to reports, the provincial social development department had asked Realistic to assist St Francis Home as there had been management issues.

Residents from the greater Athlone area meanwhile objected to the proposed development on the premises.

The development makes provision for the building of three or four-storey apartment blocks consisting of 62 two-bedroomed units.

The total site area is 4 500 square metres.

In the letter, Kromboom North

Civic Association secretary Andre Oliver said when they heard of the proposed development, they started an investigation and interviewed management at the home to try to understand how such a “huge development could have been initiated”.

“During our investigation, we found there was a contradictory statement by those involved.

“It became clear that there was gross mismanagement at this institution. Properly constituted meetings were not held, bank statements disappeared, financial reports are non-existent and a respected treasurer has resigned,” Oliver said.

There was gross mismanagement at this institution Andre Oliver Kromboom North Civic Association

Chair of the home’s board, Kaz Ziekerman, said the facility was trying to rectify its financial position after being left in dire straits by the previous management.

He said selling part of the land for development was viewed as a way to get out of debt amounting to more than R1 million.

He added that the orphanage would not be affected.

“The situation has been misconstrued, the information is totally wrong. To escape from the financial headaches, it was agreed to go ahead with development purposes.

“We are now in the process of reconstituting board members, and have invited additional members to come on board.”

Spokesperson for Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez, Joshua Chigome, said St Francis was placed under the administration of Realistic which oversees all administrative and operational management.

“Should there be further complaints, they should please be forwarded to the department as we are closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

Mayco member for spatial planning, Marian Nieuwoudt, said the land use application was in the appeal process and would be considered by the relevant authority.

“The development proposal does not affect the existing children’s home building, as the proposal involves the portion of land on which an existing residential building is located.”

Brigette Moses, on behalf of Vicar General Keith de Vos, said the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town did not own the home or the property. Nor was it involved in the operation of the home.

“Historically we have been entitled to have a representative on the board of the home, but as far as the current members of the diocesan office can tell, we have not been able to exercise this right for some time due to the lack of communication from the committee.

“We are urgently looking into the matter to ensure that we fulfil whatever responsibilities we may have in this regard,” Moses said.

Realistic did not respond to questions by deadline.