Neglect and poor condition allegations surround Samaritan House
Poor living conditions, neglect, a lack of food, furniture and proper transport to and from school are among the allegations levelled against Samaritan House, a place of safety for vulnerable children in Polokwane.
POLOKWANE – A source who works closely with the centre, and whose identity is being withheld, this week approached BONUS saying the situation wears heavily on one’s conscience and it is for this reason that speaking out is the last remaining option.
You might also want to read: Dabbling with danger – a daily struggle for street kids
Despite receiving a hefty list of donations from corporate companies, individuals and well-doers on a regular basis, the source says children don’t receive the basic necessities.
To add insult to injury, the Department of Social Development has also stopped paying out grants to the centre as, according to Spokesperson Joel Seabi, the management of the centre no longer complies with the rules and policies stipulated as a prerequisite for funding.
According to the source, the 22 children housed at the centre, don’t receive well balanced meals and sometimes go to school on empty stomachs.
“As far as food and bathing essentials go, the children at Samaritan House rely on donations from walk-in donors.
“In addition, getting to and from school is a challenge.
“In the past weeks, the children walk to school and back as management does not provide money for petrol for the school bus. The children go to school with very little to eat and sometimes without having breakfast.”
The situation has resulted in some of the children receiving warnings from school for latecoming. Living conditions at the centre are often a window-dressing exercise, the source says.
“The house is not furnished at all. There are no beds for the children to sleep in. They sleep on the floor with minimal blankets which won’t protect them in winter. Younger children also sleep on the floor, sharing blankets with the older children.”
The source claims there are no tables or chairs at the house, “which means the children do their homework on their laps”.
“Whenever a departmental visit is scheduled, the centre’s 22 children are moved to another home in Flora Park, with all their belongings.”
This house is apparently fully furnished with beds, chairs and tables to create the impression that the children’s needs are being met.
Despite regular donations of nappies for babies and toddlers, the source claims the younger children are potty-trained from a too young age as nappies are only given at night time or when they attend school.
As a result of an unpaid electricity bill, further allegations made by the source include children having to bath in cold water before going to school in the mornings, and in the evenings, having to operate in the dark as the electricity has been disconnected.
Children also have to share underwear, the source claims.
From Social Development, Seabi told BONUS, they too are fighting the struggle to get the children properly looked after.
“We are fully aware of the situation at the centre and have been fighting in court to have the situation resolved.”
According to Seabi, the home manager has not been complying with the rules and policies needed to qualify for funding.
“The centre management has taken us to court because of the funding they no longer receive. The matter is currently being heard in the High Court,” Seabi said.
BONUS contacted the centre manager, Sarah Galane, to afford her an opportunity to answer to the allegations made. After several conversations, she opted not to comment.
