ERMELO – SAVF Huis Ermelo recently underwent a leadership change.

Waldi Sieberhagen stepped down from her role as manager and transitioned into a new position within the SAVF, as the manager of the SAVF Louis Hildebrandt Child and Youth Care Centre. Excessive allegations have been levelled against the old age home under her management.

These initially surfaced online last year after community activist Julia Basson took to social media during a Facebook Live, claiming that the residents receive substandard meals consisting of meagre portions and dry slices of bread among other complaints. Highvelder began its subsequent investigation into the allegations.

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Dedric Coetzee, the SAVF’s national office manager for business projects, has been appointed acting manager pending the appointment of a new full-time manager.

Maria Scholtz, the SAVF’s head of marketing, commented on the transition.

“As of January, Sieberhagen has stepped into a new role within the SAVF, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. To ensure a seamless transition, the SAVF’s comprehensive handover process was followed, covering all aspects of care and operational functions. We are confident that the acting manager’s extensive experience will continue to uphold the high standards of service at SAVF Huis Ermelo.”

However, recent concerns about the facility’s operations have resurfaced.

Residents have provided photos of meals that starkly contrast the larger, home-cooked dishes they claim were previously served.

One image depicts a bun with a small portion of mince, with what seems to be a tomato-and-onion mix. The old age home indicated that it also included a salad.

Another image shows banana bread slices alongside a slice of regular bread, and what a resident asserts were hard peas in a small bowl.

SAVF Huis Ermelo claims their menus are refreshed monthly to ensure variety and nutritional balance by the outsourced catering company. This photo was sent in by one of the residents to show one of the meals they had received. Photo: Supplied

After the initial media reports last year about concerns over small portions and food quality, the facility sent some photos via its attorneys, showing what appeared to be decadent meals.

Highvelder asked for a timeline to determine whether these photos were taken before or after the complaints and subsequent reporting.

The attorneys indicated at the time they would revert with feedback, but they never did.

ALSO READ: More questions than answers at SAVF Huis Ermelo

Additionally, a family member – requesting anonymity out of fear of victimisation – alleged that the facility was out of sugar, preventing residents from enjoying their tea or coffee.

The SAVF’s legal team, last year, consistently emphasised its adherence to regulations and maintains that all allegations levelled against it were without merit.

Highvelder has reached out to Scholtz regarding the most recent complaints about food quality and the sugar shortage.

ALSO READ: SAVF Huis Ermelo: Families speak out after allegations surface

She stated: “In consultation with Coetzee, we can confirm that our menus are refreshed monthly by the outsourced catering company, to ensure variety and nutritional balance. Meal portions are adjusted according to dietary guidelines to promote healthy eating.”

According to her, residents have the option to request extra portions, addressing the concern raised last year about surcharges for second helpings.

Regarding the sugar shortage, Scholtz explained: “On Tuesday, February 4, unforeseen circumstances led to a delay in stock delivery, temporarily affecting our sugar supply. Thanks to Coetzee’s prompt action and additional control measures, the issue was quickly resolved, and steps have been taken to prevent similar situations in the future.”

Read the complete article and full responses from the SAVF in this week’s Highvelder.