Controversy follows former SAVF Huis Ermelo manager to youth centre
Zwane had resigned over what she claimed were health conditions due to the stressful working environment.
VOLKSRUST – Waldi Sieberhagen, the former manager of SAVF Huis Ermelo, was appointed at the SAVF Louis Hildebrandt Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) earlier this year.
However, just months into her tenure, controversy has emerged with six employees – including three board members – reportedly resigning since her arrival.
Retha Steenkamp, the former chairperson of the CYCC, confirmed the board’s resignation from both the centre and the social work office, but declined to make any further comments on the issue.
Eldrike Geldenhuys, the vice chairperson said: “Unfortunately, I cannot give you any comment at this time.”
Under Sieberhagen’s management, allegations also surfaced at SAVF Huis Ermelo, which included among others, the mismanagement of resources and staff mistreatment, an alleged physical altercation with a staff member and claims of neglect towards the elderly.
Former employees also reported poor oversight of donations, particularly meat that spoiled due to improper storage.
Additionally, the facility had received food donations, yet residents were still expected to pay for meals, which subsequently led to one of the donors deciding to halt all contributions.
Allegations of inadequate care for residents who have Alzheimer’s were also listed under Sieberhagen management.
According to a source in Volksrust, who spoke to Highvelder on condition of anony-mity, some of the CYCC employees who resigned had worked there for over two decades.
They cited increased workloads and additional responsibilities, beyond their job descriptions, that were imposed by Sieberhagen.
She reportedly told one employee, who refused to take on extra tasks, that she could not refuse a manager’s order.
The employee subsequently resigned.
The source alleged a workplace survey was conducted, but was never submitted to the SAVF head office, raising questions about transparency.
“They do not care about their employees, they only care about the SAVF brand name.”
Further claims about the SAVF regional manager, Mari Louw, shielding Sieberhagen, despite similar past complaints were also mentioned.
The source claims Sieberhagen was previously a social worker in eMkhondo, where complaints about her had also allegedly surfaced.
She was then hired as a manager at SAVF Huis Ermelo under Louw’s oversight.
Highvelder published several articles highlighting the previously mentioned allegations of her mismanagement there.
After these claims, Louw reportedly facilitated Sieberhagen’s transition to the Louis Hildebrand CYCC.
Thandi Zwane (53), a 25-year veteran at the facility, described the conditions as unbearable.
“The place has turned from a home into a mini prison. My conscience couldn’t take it.”
Zwane claimed Sieberhagen restricted resources, preventing her from ordering groceries under the pretence of finding a cheaper supplier.
However, when the children returned from school on January 13, there was no food, and they were allegedly told to ask Zwane where it was.
“She shifted the blame to me,” she said.
Zwane further alleged that Sieberhagen had reduced the children’s fruit provisions, limiting them to just one per week.
Meanwhile, staff shortages have become a growing concern.
Zwane claimed that despite retired employees not being replaced due to ‘budget constraints’, Sieberhagen allegedly gave herself a 6% salary increase.
Sieberhagen also allegedly restricted the staff from eating at the facility.
Zwane had resigned over what she claimed were health conditions due to the stressful working environment.
Highvelder has sent questions to SAVF’s head of Management, read the questions and responses in full: HERE
