Amanda Lopes, community worker, Cafda Village
Having grown up in Cafda Village and been mentored by Fred Europa (along with) all the youth that belong to A.LTO (Attlee Leadership Training Organisation), I feel very angry that the so-called “New Cafda” board, led by Mark Rossouw, took the law in their own hands and sold all Cafda’s properties without consulting the loyal supporters and members (“New shift for Cafda services after move”, Southern Mail, May 30).
They also closed down the social work department, the children’s activities, skills programmes, resources centre as well as to move their office desk to Schaapkraal. In so doing they are taking away Cafda’s core function and services which have been there for 74 years in this area.
As a community worker in the Cafda Village area and the broader Retreat area, (I believe) that is very wrong.
People who must make use of a social worker must now especially go to Wynberg to see a social worker.
Doesn’t Cafda stand for development? If they had trouble with the monies, why didn’t they consult the right people or the community? The big question is, where did the money from the sale of the properties go? They could’ve make other arrangements when they found out they were in trouble.
* Mark Rossouw, Chairman of the governing board, Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA), responds: The Cafda governing board followed due process when we decided to sell the Grassy Park property.
We consulted with the Department of Social Development (DSD), the non-profit organisation directorate, employees, our donors, our auditors as well as the Cafda members.
Ms Lopes was not consulted as she was not a Cafda employee at the time and nor was she a member.
We also acted prudently in terms of our constitution.
We discussed our shift from Child Protection to Development in the article (“New shift for Cafda services after move”, Southern Mail, May 30).
The proceeds of the sale of the Grassy Park property are invested for a fixed term in an interest bearing account as per a resolution taken by the governing board prior to the sale.
In closing, Ms Lopes was not a community worker at Cafda she was employed on a contract basis to facilitate our arts and craft workshops.