Stranraer elderly can stay – for now

THE fears of 38 elderly women, living in an old-age home in Sydenham, have been allayed for now.

Last October, the women, many of whom rely on their pension to survive, were informed that the monthly boarding fee at Stranraer House, in Randles Road, would increase from R1 630 to R3 000 in February.

The pensioners, who receive an old-age grant of R1 780 a month, were issued letters by the Stranraer Charitable Trust about the increase.

They were told they had until the end of December to decide if they intended to stay or move out. The founding trustees, who subsidised the home, had died and with no extra funds, there was no alternative but to increase the boarding fees.

The home provides the pensioners with their own rooms and meals.

The women previously told the POST that many of them could not afford the increase as they did not have other income or families to assist them. They also said they could not afford the fees at other homes.

Maureen Rambhadursing, the director of the Poor Flat Dwellers Association, said the matter was being investigated by the Community Schemes Ombud Service.

The CSOS was established to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes and to ensure good governance.

“After meeting with the ladies and seeing the challenges they are faced with, we lodged a complaint with the CSOS. These women’s rights were being violated and we could not allow such prejudice to the elderly. The increase notice has been put on hold as the investigation continues, so the women are feeling at ease.”

Rambhadursing said a hearing date was yet to be set.