Ensuring transparency and fairness at the upcoming Shepstone Place committee elections
A step in the right direction as an election date is being confirmed
The Action Group meetings held to rectify the situation at Shepstone Place Home for the Aged have reached the final stage. Last Tuesday, the second to last meeting was held at the Town Library’s projection room.
READ MORE:Â Former Shepstone Place administrator accused of fraud
Acting chairperson Brian Greaves reported on decisions and progress. Thereafter, Councillor Edith Lite stressed that there must be transparency and fairness, as well as trust in the election and nomination process on the day.
“Anyone who wants to be a part of this committee must make sure they attend the meeting and be elected openly and fairly,” she said.
The annual general meeting (AGM) should take place sometime late in September or early October. Mr Greaves explained the setbacks of the civil and criminal cases against former Shepstone Place administrator Debbie Potgieter. Everyone agreed that they are not happy with the pace of the case.
“This is a high-profile case and all of a sudden, there is no communication and some people are reading it negatively, while others understand how the law works. I propose that before the elections, there needs to be more engagements made about this. The community wants answers,” Councillor Lite said firmly.
In response, Mr Greaves said that according to him, it seems as if the civil case has to be settled first.
“We have received communication from Mrs Potgieter’s attorney on an out-of-court figure,” he explained.
He assured everyone that they are as anxious as the public to get justice and are not trying to slow the process down. Thami Mazibuko from the African National Congress Constituency Office was concerned about what he referred to as “grey areas” in the Constitution.
Mr Greaves said his understanding of the Constitution was: rules and regulations put together to govern the home, and to make managing the home easier. Brenda McFie suggested that the new committee sit down and see where the gaps are, based on the Old Persons Act and the rules. Councillor Lite went on to applaud Mr Greaves, saying:
“You are doing something very great. It takes a man with a backbone to do what you are doing. Things are really getting better and one can see that you are a hard worker, I need to emphasise that the home is in good hands. I like that you have this open door policy and that you are not sitting still; you are knocking on doors.”
After touching on the Constitution, she added that:
“This body has no powers to take anything out of the Constitution, but we can propose on the day of the annual general meeting for any additions, subtractions or amendments.”
Mr Greaves mentioned that his concerns were the chairmanship, as well as the size of the committee. A final meeting is set to be held on Monday, September 2, for a close-out report with all relevant persons and departments.
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