After being lambasted with damning allegations of mismanagement, corruption and financial malpractice in local media, several meetings were held by the Social Development Portfolio Committee to determine the veracity of the claims against the Durban Association for the Aged in an attempt to restore the sterling name of the organisation.
Satisfied that the records testify to effective and efficient functioning of the organisation, member of the Social Development Portfolio Committee and the KZN Legislature, Les Govender, said having been raised in Chatsworth and serving in various NGOs over the years, he was cognisant of the exemplary work done by DAFTA in enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens in their twilight years.
“I was therefore deeply shocked and concerned to read about the damning allegations against the organisation and as a member of the Social Development Portfolio Committee, I have engaged in several meetings with relevant stakeholders to ascertain the veracity of the allegations since it appeared in the media. It is rather unfortunate that irresponsible journalism is fuelled by faceless and nameless individuals who lack the courage of their convictions to identify themselves when making allegations that have serious consequences, not only for the organisation but for the vulnerable beneficiaries of service,” he said.
Govender said when a few individuals team up to promote selfish agendas they, in effect, seek to destroy the image of the organisation.
“To besmirch the reputation of the organisation’s president, who has selflessly served the organisation as a volunteer for many years, is shocking. In my meetings with the officials of DAFTA, I have gathered enough insight to conclude that the organisation has been doing the best it could despite the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic. I am satisfied that the records testify to effective and efficient functioning of the organisation,” he said.
DAFTA’s Executive Committee, in a press release issued to the Chatsworth Tabloid, said it is a sad state of affairs when media houses fail to establish or investigate information as such irresponsibility causes a negative ripple effect on organisations working hard to keep their head above water since Covid-19.
“The result of these baseless allegations caused panic and unhappiness among hundreds of senior citizens who view the Durban Association for the Aged as a safe haven during their twilight years. This misguided group (who were unnamed sources in media reports) has had very little success convincing the majority of their hideous and unwarranted attacks on the president and the management. In response to the disturbing article, the associations affiliated and community leaders have mobilised in numbers to voice their support for DAFTA and its President, Krish Govender,” read the statement.
The delegation have since signed a memorandum which was handed to Govender, bringing into the public domain the reality of challenges experienced by the organisation in dealing with individuals who appear to relentlessly tarnish the reputation of the organisation.
“Management has acknowledged that DAFTA’s 52-year-old constitution is in need of review and has accepted the recommendation by the Department of Social Development to address the amendments. DAFTA has successfully renewed its registration with the NPO Directorate on an annual basis without incident. The Audited Financial Statement is submitted to the NPO Directorate annually and has never had any issues raised. The latest financial statement has been tabled at the last Executive Committee Meeting and was unanimously adopted. Management is unaware of any incidents of unfair labour practice. In fact, four staff have approached the CCMA with regards to wage negotiations and the matter was not heard but referred for both parties to negotiate. The matters are pending. Four staff members have been served with a notice to attend a disciplinary hearing in January, initiated by management. Another CCMA matter involves the ex-CEO which has been ongoing since 2019,” said the Executive Committee.
Pillay said some of the chairpersons of the various service centres under the wing of DAFTA, who he liaised with, have distanced themselves from the allegations and have offered their full support to the Board of Management.
“I have held discussions with the Head of Department of Social Development in KZN and will facilitate a meeting with the Exco of DAFTA in order to bring the truth to light and restore the sterling name of the organisation. Despite the dark cloud created by the allegations, I wish to assure the staff and volunteers that their efforts are appreciated and I wish them all well as they continue being beacons of hope for our senior citizens,” said Govender.
