MISMANAGEMENT of funds, high municipal bills and failure to pay staff for two months have prompted the Quadpara Association of KwaZulu-Natal to open a case of fraud against some of its board members.
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The allegations of fraud surfaced at a meeting which was held at the association’s offices in Ashley, Pinetown last week Thursday.
The QuadPara Association has been assisting disabled members through informal peer counselling, interaction and advice since 1992 and its Ashley Village project has grown into one of the most successful assisted accommodation facilities in South Africa.
One of the staff members, Patricia Khumalo, said it is was a pity ‘the place is falling apart and no one seems to care’.
Among the pressing issues was that the staff has not been paid for two months, mismanagement of funds, a huge municipal bill of R462 000 and buses which are not serviced and licensed.
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Administrator, Skhumbuzo Cele said by calling a formal meeting they expected to get answers from the board members.
“We invited them to this meeting but I was sent messages on the day they were suppose to meet with us saying they would not make it.
“How are we suppose to work if they do not have time for such matters? I am the only one who has been paid because I get paid externally, but what about my colleagues, they are struggling, they have families and need money for transport,” said Cele.
Cele said the organisation is struggling to receive funding because donors request for reports to account for what was done with the money.
“We have tried to get the board members to write that report but to this day no document has been produced,” he said.
The staff also claimed that large amounts of money have also gone missing.
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Khumalo, the deputy administrator, said this does not only affect them but the people who reside in the centre.
“There is only four staff, I do not understand how they are failing to pay just four people. We do have proof that the association has the money,” she added.
A concerned Khumalo said the association could be a great organisation but there are many factors that are not adding up.
“No one seems to care, the building is falling apart and no one seems to take accountability. So many people depend on this place, we do not want it to shut down,” she said.
QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) CEO, Raven Benny said the QASA management board had a meeting to discuss the allegations made at the QuadPara Association of Kwa-Zulu Natal by the staff and they will be investigating the matter immediately to find any evidence relating to the accusations and seek legal advice on the way forward.
“The media will be advised accordingly,” he said.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Capt Bongumusa Manqele confirmed that a case of fraud was opened at the station and police are investigating.
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