The Gauteng Department of Social Development again refuted allegations raised against the Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre.
Last week a former resident of the centre, Mariska de Winnaar, added to allegations previously raised by the Democratic Alliance and a staff member at the centre.
She echoed allegations of sodomy, rape, underage sex and children running away from the centre.
De Winnaar added allegations of children being served rotten food, locked indoors and not taken to hospital when needed. She also said the centre has inadequate medical facilities.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Concerned staff member also alleges ‘sodomy and sexual misconduct’ at Don Mattera centre
Mbangwa Xaba, spokesperson for the department said the most recent and previous allegations were false.
Xaba commented on allegations of sexual activity and rotten food being served to children at the centre.
“Children at the centre are not being sodomised, raped or engaging in any other sexual activity,” said Xaba.
He said the only incident the department is aware of was attempted sodomy and dates back to 2016.
“The matter was brought to our attention and has since been dealt with. Since then no other incidents have been reported to the department,” said Xaba.
Xaba said because there is “stringent supervision” of the children at the centre it is unlikely they would have the opportunity to engage in sexual behaviour.
Also read: WATCH: Sodomy, underage sex and more added to list of allegations against Don Mattera Child and Youth Centre in Edenvale
Xaba emphasised that the centre does not give rotten food to the children.
“The food given to the children is of good quality.”
Xaba said the food comes from a service provider tasked with providing meals to the centre.
“The service provider brings fresh food and prepares it at Don Mattera,” said Xaba.
“If children did receive rotten food it must have come from elsewhere.”
Xaba said some children at Don Mattera are locked indoors.
“Only children in conflict with the law are locked indoors. Because they are there against their will some children have to be locked indoors,” said Xaba.
Also read: ‘Allegations against Don Mattera centre false and ill-motivated’ – Department of Social Development
He said Don Mattera provides a service to children which the department believes is in line with the standard requirements.
Xaba said at the centre children have access to medical care 24/7.
“If a child does need to be taken to a hospital the centre would not refuse them,” said Xaba.
“The centre protects the children brought to it and cares for them to the best of its ability,” said Xaba.
Editing and packaging: Marietta Lombard and Charmaine Slater.
