The Elethu Home for the Physically Disabled in Daveyton is in urgent need of assistance as it struggles to care for its 20 residents amid ongoing funding delays.

According to project manager Khaya Mnyanda, the facility has been pushed to the brink, with staff going unpaid for three months and food supplies running dangerously low.

“Our residents rely on us for three meals a day. We are in a very difficult position right now. We are in desperate need of food,” he said.

Mnyanda said despite the dire circumstances, his team has remained committed.

“I have 15 staff members who haven’t received their income for the past three months. They have been incredible. They continue to show up every day and give their all, but it’s unfair that they are working without pay.”

The home provides 24-hour care to its residents, many of whom are entirely dependent on the facility for their daily needs.

However, delays in funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) have left the organisation unable to pay staff or procure essential supplies, raising fears over the collapse of critical services.

For the third consecutive year, non-profit organisations (NPOs) across the province are facing funding delays.

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As of last month, many have been operating without subsidies, severely affecting their ability to function, pay employees and feed beneficiaries.

Mnyanda said Elethu’s situation has worsened, as it continues to wait for funds approved months ago.

“We received our funding approval letter in January and submitted our Service Level Agreement, but we still don’t know when the funds will be paid. We have communicated with the department, but there has been no clear answer,” he said.

“Our situation is critical. Other organisations have already closed, and we fear we may be next.”

In the meantime, the home is appealing to the public and private sectors for urgent support to stay afloat.

“We are barely surviving. We are asking for help from anyone who can assist while we wait for the department,” Mnyanda added.

Elethu urgently needs basic food supplies, including maize meal, cooking oil, fruits and vegetables, samp and beans, sugar, rice, and bread.

Community members and businesses willing to assist can contact Mnyanda on 073 272 1842.

Benoni City Times has requested comment from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

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