During a recent visit to Vuthlari Old Age Home, MEC for Social Development, Ms. Florence Radzilani, expressed shock and anger over the poor conditions faced by the people staying there.
She was joined by Mopani District Municipality officials, including acting Executive Mayor B.A. Shivambu and other local leaders.
After walking through the facility, Radzilani described the conditions as “deplorable.” She raised concerns about serious violations of the rights of children, people living with disabilities, and elderly residents, pointing out that they should not all be housed together in one facility.
She also questioned the center’s claims about its history, stating that it falsely claimed to have been opened by Premier Stan Mathabatha in 1998, a time when he was not even the Premier.
Radzilani stressed that the government has a duty to protect these vulnerable people and ensure their human rights are respected.
She directed social workers to collect ID information from the residents to contact their families, with the aim of helping them leave the facility.
The MEC assured the public that her department will act swiftly and legally to improve the situation at the home, stating, “We will do everything within the law to rescue these people.”
The Department will continue its investigation and take action as needed to address the conditions at Vuthlari Old Age Home.
