Update: Waters raises concerns about SAHRC investigation into Don Mattera Youth Centre

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) recently condemned the actions of Member of Parliament Mike Waters for releasing information about its investigation into Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Edenvale.

“I find the Commission’s attitude strange. It is in the public interest that they are informed as to what the Commission found at the CYCC,” said Waters.

Since February the NEWS has reported extensively on allegations which included sodomy, rape and damaged structures at the centre.

Also read: MEC provides feedback on Don Mattera CYCC allegations

The allegations were made by politicians, former residents of the centre and staff members of the centre.

On June 24, Waters issued a statement to the media which included information about SAHRC’s ongoing monitoring of the centre.

The NEWS reported on July 4 that Waters released information about the centre which was issued in a letter to him without the consent of the commission.

“The media and ourselves [political parties] have an obligation to report back to the public and inform them of what the commission discovered.”

He said his understanding of the sensitivity of the matter was the reason why he wrote to the commission and asked them to investigate.

Also read: MEC calls for inquiry into Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre’s management

Waters first wrote to the commission on August 14 last year.

“The fact that the Commission claims it has not yet concluded its investigation is concerning.”

On May 15, Waters again emailed the Commission and asked when he would receive a report.

“The very next day I received an email, which I thought was a report as I had requested,” said Waters.

“The covering email did not state that it was only an update.”

Waters said he welcomed the ongoing monitoring of the centre.

Editing and packaging: Marietta Lombard and Charmaine Slater.