VOLKSRUST – Waldi Sieberhagen of the SAVF Louis Hildebrandt Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Volksrust resigned from her position as manager, according to independent sources who spoke to Highvelder on condition of anonymity.

Resignation halts scheduled disciplinary hearing

According to one of them, the resignation appears to have effectively cancelled an internal hearing that was scheduled for December 5 by the SAVF head office.

Sources told Highvelder that Sieberhagen faced allegations of misconduct and fraud, prompting her suspension, which SAVF described as due to non-compliance with policies and procedures.

“This time, SAVF removed her from her job itself,” one source said, alluding to a pattern of inaction from the organisation that has previously garnered scrutiny and required outside intervention.

Previous allegations at SAVF Huis Ermelo resurface

Sieberhagen’s appointment at the CYCC earlier this year followed a controversial tenure at SAVF Huis Ermelo, where Highvelder previously reported multiple allegations of mismanagement.

These included poor oversight of donations, inadequate care for residents, food quality concerns, and claims of staff mistreatment.

At the time, SAVF conducted internal investigations, maintaining that all actions were in line with organisational policies and procedures.

Concerns at the Louis Hildebrandt CYCC reportedly echo some of the issues raised at Huis Ermelo.

Highvelder earlier covered allegations made by parents and staff, including claims of bullying, food shortages, and a girl being left unsupervised with a man.

One mother, whose daughter (11) has been living at the centre since June 2023, has spoken out about the conditions her child has endured under Sieberhagen’s management.

She said her daughter developed ringworm, which went untreated for three months despite multiple requests to staff for assistance.

The parrent alleged that her daughter was assaulted by another resident, while the centre reportedly dismissed the incident and attempted to limit further contact between the parent and child.

CYCCs operate under statutory obligations and public oversight, and SAVF receives public donations and government subsidies.

Allegations relating to the safety of children and the integrity of donor funds are, therefore, matters of significant public interest.

While Sieberhagen has resigned, sources indicated that the allegations against her remain a matter of concern.

They suggested that, given SAVF’s already tarnished reputation, the organisation will be unlikely to pursue a full internal investigation or refer the matter for criminal proceedings, should any criminal element exist.

SAVF responds as investigation continues

Before the resignation, Highvelder sent formal questions to SAVF’s head of marketing, Maria Scholtz, regarding the suspension, alleged misconduct and the scheduled hearing.

SAVF responded that any attempt to obtain or publish such information during an active investigation infringes upon the rights of employers and staff.

However, Highvelder countered, pointing out labour-related confidentiality obligations bind the employer and employee, not the media.

News outlets have the legal right and professional duty to report on matters of public interest, particularly those involving child welfare and publicly-funded institutions.

In response SAVF confirmed Sieberhagen’s resignation and the cancellation of her internal hearing.

The organisation said it remains committed to legal compliance and will act according to statutory requirements once the investigation and audit are complete.

While it did not comment on the specific allegations, SAVF emphasised that all actions follow organisational policy, legal obligations, and public accountability.

A senior social worker has taken over as acting manager, and, in line with the annual holiday season programme, children have been placed with their respective holiday parents to ensure continuity of care.

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