By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it has written a letter to the North West Social Development to demand answers regarding the delayed funding of the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg.
The Portfolio Committee said it was met with several challenges at the centre, which is an independent living institution for the elderly that accommodates senior citizens who are capable of living on their own, but may require minimal support services.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said they conducted an oversight visit at Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg, as part of the oversight week programme that took place in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Magagane further said the oversight week programme started on the 11-13 February 2025, with the aim of strengthening oversight and public participation, as well as to promote accountability and transparency in government.
“Challenges found at the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home were that the North West Department of Social Development has not allocated funds to the centre for the current financial year and were not given any formal reasons for the delay. The centre only receives R97 845 per annum which is minimal to cover daily operations and basic essential needs of senior citizens.
“So, we have resolved to write a formal letter to the Department of Social Development to solicit reasons for the delay on funds, especially that the centre adhered to compliance requirements,” she said.
Magagane added that they will give feedback on resolutions taken based on responses given by the department at the end of March 2025.
The Guardian 