The NPO has distanced itself from allegations regarding R4 million that was apparently misappropriated from the Solidarity Fund for 5 500 food parcels for Covid-19 relief.
THABANG non profit organisation (NPO) has distanced itself from allegations regarding R4 million that was apparently misappropriated from the Solidarity Fund for 5 500 food parcels for Covid-19 relief.
According to the Hawks they are investigating possible charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering after a case was opened.
Thabang board secretary Willem Harmse said on Monday that an urgent meeting was held with board members on Sunday to discuss the “unfortunate allegations”.
“We distance ourselves from the slanderous statements as they border on crimen injuria and are far from the truth. We also realised that the individuals who made these statements, made them under the pretence that it is the Thabang board’s stance.”
He assured all their funders, stakeholders and the community that Thabang NPO was committed to serving the community and bringing government services closer to vulnerable groupings.
“We are committed to ensuring that we practise clean, transparent and a fraud-free governance.
“We commit ourselves to fight corruption in ensuring that the board, management and staff report such acts to the relevant authorities.”
Harmse added that the 5 500 food parcels were not requested for Hartswater residents only but were meant to benefit 22 community non-profit development centres that had benefited from Thabang NPO for the last three years.
“We are not condoning the sudden and unexplained shifting of funds for this programme from Thabang to a centre in the North West province.”
He stated that the Hawks did take statements from board members with regard to the Solidarity Fund application processes followed and the processes followed to move the funds.
“We commit ourselves to providing our full co-operation with the Hawks and any other relevant investigating authority to bring this matter to rest.
“We trust that this will bring clarity to all our stakeholders, funders and the community at large. It will also reaffirm our stance in serving the community and having a clean, transparent and a fraud free organisation.”
