Department denies conspiracy allegations

The Department of Social Development has flatly denied the allegations that there is a conspiracy against Samaritan Children’s Home and its house mother, Sara Galane even though there is a shroud of secrecy over the exact rules and regulations that were allegedly not complied with.
Last week Polokwane Observer published an in-depth article regarding recent occurrences at Samaritan Children’s Home during which the children in the home’s care were removed and placed at the Polokwane Place of Safety. By the time of going to print, the department’s comment had not yet been received and only arrived when the publication was already in print.
According to Social Development spokesperson, Joel Seabi, Samaritan Children’s Home was not compliant and as a result funding was halted and later the children were removed. He cited Section 197 of Children’s Act 38 of 2005 without specifying exactly what the nature of the non-compliance was.
“The requirements for a child and youth care centre are both stringent and critical to adhere to, and as the Department we normally assist such institutions to be able to comply. Similarly, we have been trying to assist Samaritan Children’s Home to adhere to the norms and standards as required,” Seabi further stated. However, he still did not specify or explain what requirements were not adhered to.
Regarding the alleged conspiracy, Seabi flatly stated, “There is no conspiracy whatsoever to our knowledge”.
Galane’s legal representative, John Mohoto, confirmed the case is currently on the Polokwane High Court’s roll and is scheduled to be heard again on 22 May. “In the meantime, there is nothing anyone can do except wait for the court case,” he concluded.

Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za