Scandal-hit Aryan Benevolent Home to be closed

It is said that the decision was taken after the MEC for Social Development made a series of “baseless” and malicious statements to the media.

MEC Mbali Shinga visited the home in south Durban in July following allegations of child abuse.

She put together a team under the leadership of her department head to investigate the allegations.

She told Newswatch on Tuesday that the investigation report had been presented to the ABH board.

The MEC said it had found physical and emotional abuse, adding that some of these cases had been confirmed by the children.

READ: Aryan Benevolent Home's damning report reveals abuses at the facility

But Ray Naguran, CEO of Aryan Benevolent Home, says Shinga's statements are false and harmful.

He says they misrepresented their work and intentions.

“These baseless allegations, which have been circulated in the media, have seriously undermined the credibility of our organisation and the dedicated work of our volunteers. Given the commitment of our Board, comprised entirely of unpaid volunteers, to the welfare and wellbeing of the vulnerable children in our care, we find these allegations disheartening.

“The comments have created a climate of mistrust, and this affects not only our organization but also the children who depend on us.”

Naguran says they have officially notified the department of the closure, which will take place within 90 days.

He says they are working with authorities to move the children to alternative care facilities.

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