Some of the elderly residents at Khuphukani Old Age Home.
The Portfolio Committee on Department of Social Development (DSD) conducted an oversight visit at Khuphukani Old Age Home in Fernie as part of the ongoing Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) programme on March 23.
The visit was led by Committee Chairperson Rendani Nkonyane and aimed to assess service delivery and the implementation of government-supported programmes within the community.
The Deputy Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Sam Masango, outlined the purpose of the engagement, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that government initiatives effectively reach and benefit local communities.
During the visit, a social worker from the centre presented an overview of the services provided at Khuphukani Old Age Home.
She explained that the facility focuses on providing care to elderly residents while promoting their independence and dignity.
The centre was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) on August 10 2010 and has since served 90 beneficiaries.
Despite its important role in the community, the Centre Manager highlighted several challenges affecting the facility’s operations.
These include inadequate space to accommodate the growing number of elderly residents, insufficient and substandard sanitation facilities, and a lack of reliable water supply, forcing the centre to depend largely on rainwater.
Members of the Committee engaged actively during the session, posing questions to gain clarity on operational issues and financial management.
They also cautioned against any misuse of public funds and raised concerns about discrepancies often observed in reports submitted by Department of Social Development officials, noting that such reports do not always reflect the actual conditions on the ground.
In concluding the visit, Nkonyane proposed a way forward, recommending a follow-up meeting involving the social worker, board members, municipal representatives, and departmental officials.
The aim of this engagement would be to develop practical solutions to address the challenges faced by the centre.
The Committee further requested a detailed report outlining clear resolutions and interventions to improve conditions at the facility.
The oversight visit underscored the critical need for improved infrastructure and coordinated support to ensure that vulnerable elderly citizens receive the care and dignity they deserve.
