Mental health society in Bertrams pleads for assistance
“As an old facility we do not have all of these documents in order and to obtain them we will require the services of an architect."
Central Gauteng Mental Health Society in Bertrams appealed for regular donations after losing 167 of its donors after the Life Esidimeni tragedy.
The acting chief executive officer of the organisation, Bhengu Shongwe, said the organisation’s premises in Bertrams houses over 60 people facing moderate to debilitating mental health-related illnesses.
“They require unwavering support to function effectively,” said Shongwe.
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Shongwe said the organisation also faces licensing issues after the Department of Health in Gauteng announced new licensing requirements for working with mental health NGOs across the province in August 2017.
The departments then stated that the new licensing dispensation was more comprehensive and wide-ranging.
“It requires a copy of the constitution of the NPO, zoning or rezoning certificate, occupancy certificate, certificate of acceptability of food handling, a health certificate, copy of the list of board members, copy of a business plan and costing for proposed activities,” said MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane on behalf of the MEC for Health Gwen Ramokgopa in an oral reply before the Gauteng Legislature in 2017.
“It further requires proof of property ownership or lease agreement, SAPS clearance certificate and tax clearance certificate, among others,” Nkosi-Malobane said at the time.
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Shongwe said meeting the new requirements can prove to be a difficult exercise for the Bertrams organisation going forward.
“As an old facility we do not have all of these documents in order and to obtain them we will require the services of an architect,” explained Shongwe.
During the EXPRESS’ visit, she pointed out some cracks in the wall to underline how old the building is.
“It is also a big challenge for me because I don’t have a budget for these.
“There are other homes belonging to the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society that I need to look after. We need about R500 000 to ensure that we get all these certificates, which include the certificate of competency and the certificate of rezoning.”
Those who can assist can contact Shongwe on 011 614 9890.
