Alarm raised over alleged mismanagement at Galeshewe child care centre

THE DEMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) has raised alarm over the Northern Cape Department of Social Development’s alleged failure to effectively oversee the operations and financial management of Sinothando Kids Haven, a child and youth care centre in Galeshewe.

According to Priscilla Isaacs, MPL and DA Northern Cape alternate spokesperson on Social Development, the party is investigating potential negligence by the department regarding its handling of funds intended for the care of vulnerable children at the centre.

"Child and youth care workers at Sinothando have not received their May salaries, and there are threats of no payment in June," Isaacs said in a statement. “This appears to stem from alleged maladministration, corruption, and serious mismanagement of funds.”

Isaacs further highlighted the plight of an employee who had been contributing to a pension fund for 10 years, only to reportedly discover that she was never registered with the fund until 2023, under new management. “This is not just a violation of labour standards - it’s a betrayal of trust,” she added.

Despite ongoing concerns dating back to 2010, the DA claims that Sinothando Kids Haven continued receiving departmental funding, allegedly without adhering to the standards set out in Section 38(1) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which demands transparent and effective financial control.

Isaacs criticised the department’s "over-reliance on NGOs to deliver statutory services" and accused it of failing to conduct consistent compliance checks. “The children are the ones who suffer when proper oversight fails,” she stressed.

In response to the growing outcry, the Northern Cape Department of Social Development issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.

“We acknowledge recent allegations regarding non-compliant management at Sinothando Child and Youth Care Centre,” the statement reads. “As an organisation governed by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, the department is committed to upholding all national norms and standards prescribed under Chapter 13.”

The department confirmed that the centre is registered and subject to regular internal and external oversight.

“We take these allegations seriously and are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met. Our highest priority is the safety, well-being, and development of the children in our care,” the department said.

Importantly, the department confirmed that a formal case has been lodged by the administrative manager of the facility against the financial manager. “It has been registered with the Hawks, and based on corrective action or the intention to rectify what was wrong, the allowance was paid,” they stated.

In a move to tighten financial control, the department has also assembled a dedicated team to inspect all financial aspects of the facility. “It is difficult because, on the one hand, we have a responsibility to ensure that the money being paid is spent for its intended purpose. That is a responsibility we take very seriously. And on the other hand, there are vulnerable children who need to be cared for.”

The DA has submitted written questions to the MEC for Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, demanding a full breakdown of the funding allocations to Sinothando Kids Haven, records of departmental oversight, and a plan to manage the fallout should financial wrongdoing be confirmed.

“We will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable children for the benefit of corrupt accounting officials,” Isaacs said. “If there has been mismanagement of funds, we expect the department to take swift action to recoup public money and restore accountability.”

As investigations by both the Hawks and the department continue, all eyes will remain on the facility and the steps taken to ensure that children’s rights and care remain protected amidst the growing administrative storm.