Amazing Grace orphanage investigated
The provincial Department of Health and Social Development has launched an investigation into Amazing Grace Orphanage after a volunteer claimed that corruption and abuse take place.
MALALANE – The provincial Department of Health and Social Development has launched an investigation into Amazing Grace Orphanage after a volunteer claimed that corruption and abuse take place.
The volunteer made the allegations to Corridor Gazette who in turn informed the department. Mr Ronnie Masilela, spokesman, stated that his department was investigating the matter.
Speaking to a reporter last week, the employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said children living there were suffering while the founder of the orphanage enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.
“The kids did not even receive food on Christmas Eve. Therefore the volunteers had to provide it. Many volunteers pass through the gates of Amazing Grace to give of their time and money for the children and were confronted with numerous difficulties. I want to expose the atrocities that have taken place there over many years. The office workers take the food donations from the kids and were use them for themselves. The kids receive food which is not edible,” said the visibly unhappy employee.
According to the staff member, nothing was being done to educate children about safe sex, family planning, and sex-related diseases.
“There is no education about HIV, TB and pregnancy, that’s why three girls fell pregnant by boys who also stay there. After this they were chased away by the owner of the home.” According to the caretaker some of the older boys were into alcohol and drugs, and nobody seemed to care that it happened in the presence of the younger children. “The hygiene is terrible and conditions are inhumane,” said the staff member.
Board member for Amazing Grace Ms Jane McGregor defended founder Ms Grace Mashaba and said, “There have been many allegations before of misuse of funds, coming from disgruntled employees or volunteers, yet none have ever approached the board with one shred of evidence.”
She said the home relied heavily on donations and they faced a huge challenge from government to get their grants regularly.
She added that she would gladly share the financial statements with the newspaper.
She declined to comment on the abuse of the children. Mashaba who was emotionally upset when questioned regarding the allegations, stated that she had gone to bed hungry many times in order to give the children food.
Mashaba had started the orphanage in the 1980s and it was one of the first children’s homes in the Lowveld. She declined to answer any further questions. daluxolo@corridorgazette.co.za tereasa@lowvelder.co.za
