The Department of Social Development would like to warn the public about fake letters of endorsement being distributed by the Al Noor Orphanage in Cape Town.
It has recently been brought to the attention of the Department that an endorsement letter for holiday programmes at Al Noor, purporting to be by direction of former Social Development MEC Albert Fritz, has been sent to several organisations by Al Noor.
“I condemn the misuse of my name in this document. Direction was not given from my office, as stated in the document, to support a holiday programme facilitated by Al-Noor Orphanage.” said MEC Albert Fritz.
The Department has referred the matter to Provincial Forensics Services, who will lodge a case of fraud with the police.
Upon reviewing the document, the following has been established:
1. The Department has had no employee by that name;
2. The letterhead specifies a Unit/Directorate that does not exist in the Department of Social Development;
3. There are no office managers in the Office of the MEC – the only office manager positions in the Department would be in the office of chief directors.
4. The letter is not dated; and
5. There are no landline contact numbers on the letter – a requirement on letterheads.
Below are tips for the public and donors who provide support to Child and Youth Care Centres:
Since the Department only partially funds our NPO CYCCs, they are dependent on various sources of donor funding. Donors are encouraged to, after thorough checks, support or partner with NPO CYCCs.
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Department of Social Development
9th Floor, Union House
Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 483 6400
Cell: 072 647 2351
E-mail: Esther.Lewis@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za