Kraaifontein KSE Tehuis gets a lifeline from DSD

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has decided to bring in an independent auditor to assist the KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis in Scottsville, Kraaifontein. 

This follows a meeting between department officials and the current board of the KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis on 31July 2025 where a decision was taken to offer the services of Dr Louw Pieterse, who will assist as administrator and mentor. 

Dr Pieterse has a wealth of experience and knowledge in assisting residential facilities for the elderly with financial management and governance issues.

One of Dr Pieterse’s first tasks will be to help the board in calling an Annual General Meeting (AGM) so that a new board can be elected as per the constitution of the facility.

While DSD provides funding to residential facilities, these are owned and managed by NGOs and the department cannot take over the management of facilities.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “The department has received numerous complaints over the years about KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis. Every time there has been a complaint lodged, DSD officials have followed up to investigate and made recommendations for issues to be addressed. Unfortunately, the situation remains unstable, with norms and standards not being upheld.”

Minister Londt added, “While we cannot get involved in the management of these NGO-run facilities, the department can provide guidance and support. The priority is the wellbeing of the elderly residents who deserve competent leadership that will step up and do what is needed to turn things around. I would like to thank the board for accepting Dr Pieterse’s assistance. If we can bring stability back to this facility, there will be an improvement in services for the residents who call it home. They deserve to be cared for with dignity and the utmost respect. We are hopeful Dr Pieterse can help them move in this direction and that there is a willingness from all parties involved to do what is best for the residents.”

While the department encourages the public to inform us of any alleged abuse or neglect of residents at any facility for the elderly so we may investigate, we also wish to caution against sharing unverified or false allegations, as has sometimes been the case with KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis. 

The department will give the administrator the opportunity to do his job by enforcing the rules and regulations of the facility as set by its Constitution and the Older Person’s Act.

For more information about the department’s services, visit your nearest local office, or call the tollfree number 0800 220 250, or visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/older-persons-programme

Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za