A group of “fearful and concerned” workers at the Durban and Coastal Mental Health (DCMH) are calling for urgent intervention into alleged governance failures, unpaid salaries, and the deterioration of essential services within the organisation.

The workers spoke on condition of anonymity, for fear of victimisation, saying speaking out was a desperate plea from employees and vulnerable residents.

“We have reached a point where we can no longer remain silent while the organisation continues to deteriorate under what we believe to be serious governance, financial management and leadership failures.

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“We are employees who remain committed to our responsibilities and continue to report for duty, deliver services and fulfil our obligations despite the extremely difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves. However, our commitment and dedication are being met with continued uncertainty, financial hardship and a growing sense of hopelessness,” the staff members shared.

They said the organisation still owes employees 20% of their June 2026 salaries, 100% of their July salaries and 100% of their August salaries.

“We are now at the end of September, with the very real possibility of another month passing without any salary payments.

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“Behind these unpaid salaries are employees with families, financial commitments, rent, transport costs, food expenses and children who depend on them. Employees are expected to continue working and delivering essential services while their own livelihoods are being placed at risk.”

What is particularly concerning is the apparent normalisation of this situation, the staff said.
“We are increasingly worried that the board and management have become comfortable with the continued non-payment of salaries, with no clear, sustainable recovery plan being communicated to employees.”

On the matter of alleged governance failure the workers said, “We believe that the organisation’s ongoing financial and operational difficulties cannot be separated from the governance and leadership challenges that have persisted since 2020.”

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At that time, concerns regarding alleged maladministration and governance irregularities involving the board reportedly led to investigations and a loss of confidence among some donors and funding partners.

“We believe these matters warrant an independent investigation into the board’s conduct, its decisions, its financial oversight and the processes through which members are elected and appointed.”

One of the staff concerns is the loss of funding partners and donors over the years. “We understand that concerns about the board’s transparency and governance have contributed to some funders withdrawing their support or losing confidence in the organisation.”

At present, the organisation reportedly relies heavily on funding from government departments. The workers believe that the organisation has the potential to recover, attract new funding and rebuild its reputation provided there is leadership transparency.

CEO: Mbonisi Sibisi responds
DCMH is aware of the concerns regarding outstanding salary payments. The organisation has been experiencing significant financial constraints, which have unfortunately affected its ability to meet its full monthly salary obligations consistently.

It is important to clarify, however, that this is not a situation that DCMH has ignored or failed to address. The organisation has continued to make payments to employees as funds have become available, with the amounts paid fluctuating according to the funds available to the organisation at the time.

In 2026 to date, DCMH has paid the equivalent of 9.6 months of salaries across the organisation, including 2.3 months’ salary payments during the past three months.

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Management has also maintained communication with employees throughout this period. Staff meetings have been held to openly explain the financial challenges facing the organisation, and employees have been updated when payments are made, including being advised of the amounts that remain outstanding.

We recognise that delayed salary payments place an enormous burden on employees and their families, and we do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation.

The current situation is primarily the result of severe cash-flow constraints within the organisation, economy and NPO sector in general. The amount that the organisation is able to raise directly to sustain and service its beneficiaries is significantly lower than the cost of delivering these services and maintaining our centres and programmes.

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DCMH has not treated this as a short-term problem. We have been implementing both immediate and longer-term measures aimed at stabilising the organisation’s finances and ensuring the sustainability of our services.

We are encouraged by the improvement in donor confidence, the receipt of funding and the commitment demonstrated by our partners, volunteers, staff and broader community.

DCMH is confident that the salary situation will be resolved and remains committed to doing so while protecting the continuity and quality of the essential mental health services provided to the communities we serve.

KZN Social Development Department spokesperson Thuba Vilane responds
All payments were made to Durban & Coastal Mental Health (NPO No. 002-158). Both the first and second tranche payments have been paid.

This is confirmed by the BAS Disbursement report, which reflects the payments made to the above-mentioned organisation. The payments included funds allocated for the salaries of social workers.
However, on September 22, 2026, the Department received information from an anonymous caller alleging that social workers’ salaries had not been paid in full.

The Department is currently investigating the matter to verify the allegations and to ensure alignment between the expenditure incurred and the realigned budget as reflected in the 2026/2027 Service Level Agreement. Feedback will be provided in due course.

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