Jafta is saved from closing down

Boksburg Society for the Aged through their outreach programme, Directorate Enforcing Older Person’s Rights (DEOPR), came to the rescue of the senior citizens at Jafta, who have been given the notice to vacate by the end of September.

A joint statement by Boksburg Society for the Aged, DEOPR and Jafta stated DEOPR Caring Facility for the Aged will now take care of the facility.

Hennie Els, CEO of DEOPR, said they came on board to stop the embarrassment and suffering of the senior citizens.

“The Boksburg Society for the Aged is an organisation registered as NPO with registration number 001-819 and has a registered outreach programme.

“A formal meeting was held between members of the board of directors and management of the Boksburg Society for the Aged, with directors and management of the DEOPR and management of Jafta.

“It was agreed the decisions and way forward would be in terms of the older persons’ rights and to promote the rights of older persons as per the facility would not be taken over as a running concern, only the property lease is taken over and the protection of the older persons and to ensure the well-being of the older persons who may die if moved.

“The parties have agreed that short of closing the place down and prejudicing the older persons that are mainly frail that Boksburg Society for the Aged through the outreach programme DEOPR would take the property and caring of the older persons’ over as of October 1 and the entity would be registered and managed as DEOPR Caring Facility for the Aged.

“This process started on September 20.

“Employees have been given notice of retrenchment by Jafta and employees have been offered severance packages when and if funds are available. This would be in line with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act.

“Neither Boksburg Society for the Aged nor DEOPR can guarantee that all staff would be taken over and application forms have been distributed for staff that would be interested to be interviewed. Interviews would be held with all the staff and after due diligence, some may be employed in terms of a new contract between the parties,” explained Els.

As explained to the staff, DEOPR and Boksburg Society for the Aged follow a strict employment process and candidates have to comply with:

• Registered with relevant authority like Nursing Council, etc.

• Must have relevant verifiable credentials and certificates.

• Have a SAPS criminal clearance, as they cannot employ any person with a criminal record for any crime of dishonesty, sexual offence and/or violence.

• People who have a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act against them cannot be employed.
Residents and their relatives have been assured their lives would not be disrupted and they would not be forced out and they will remain as is.

DEOPR Caring Facility for the Aged will render housing and caring facilities for aged persons and persons removed in terms of the Older Person’s Act and house them for an interim period while the matter is investigated and evaluated.

The property would be used as the head office for DEOPR that is rendering investigative services, lobbying, awareness services into acts of abuse and neglect of older persons and a SETA-registered training facility will be set up and managed.

The public that wants to place residents and loved ones may send a formal request to deoprhome@deopr.co.za and an appointment would be made for an appointment where all relevant documents could be completed and a screening arranged.

Acts and allegations of abuse could also be reported to this email address or mobile number: 083 303 8584.

Jafta to close down after 67 years