Third Press Release – Catherine Robson Child and Youth Care Centre – Social Media Video
31 MAY 2017
Beginning
On Tuesday 2 May 2017 three girls disseminated specific accusation by means of a video recording on social media concerning Catherine Robson Child- and Youth Care Centre. Directly after the video had come to light, the incident was reported to the Department of Social Development by Danie Kruger, manager of this child- and youth care centre for an independent investigation concerning the distressing allegations. The conclusion reached by the investigating officers was made known on 30 May 2017, namely that:
• The allegations are false and that it was done under incitement of one of the girls’ mother.
Cognizance was taken that the mother and the daughters involved had acknowledged their guilt in this respect and that a statement had already been made in the Vaalweekblad of 5 May 2017 and published on social media.
Substantiating evidence was put before the officers during the investigation in confirmation that the children involved had already made themselves guilty of unacceptable and uncontrollable behaviour for a considerable time, which adversely affect the other children in the centre.
The two oldest girls already were in the process of being placed back in their parents’ care after their 18th birthdays (both during May). The decision took place after consultation with all parties involved. The specific children also refused to consent in writing, in accordance with the provisions in the Children’s Act, to remain in the centre after turning eighteen. The 16-year-old girl who was involved in the incident is still in the centre’s care.
The management of the centre expresses its satisfaction that the report indicated no irregularities on the part of the child and youth care centre. They do, however, lament the extremely negative effect brought about by the malicious defamation on social media.
As is the case with a multitude of other welfare organisations, the centre already finds itself under financial pressure and to a large degree it is dependent on donations and fund-raising efforts. Such allegations cause incalculable harm – not only to the child- and youth care centre, but also to the staff, management and other children who have no other refuge.
At Catherine Robson Child- and Youth Care Centre, management strives to provide each of the children placed in their care by the Children’s Court the best possible residential and therapeutic care. Hence readers are earnestly requested to immediately report accusations or fake news of this sensational nature, to not disseminate it further, and to bring the falseness of such reports to the public’s attention.
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Released by:
Danie Kruger
Manager: Catherine Robson Child- and Youth Care Centre
NG Welfare
E-mail: info@ngwelsyn.co.za
Website: www.ngwelsyn.co.za | www.crchildren.co.za
FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE LIAISON OFFICER:
ANETTE DEGENAAR
TEL: 018 297 3928
SEL: +27 (0)73 243 6572
Email: ngwelsyn@iafrica.com
Catherine Robson Child and Youth Care Centre
5 MAY 2017 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The video incident, in which three under-aged girls made accusations against the Catherine Robson Child- and Youth Centre appeared on Tuesday 2 May 2017 on social media and was then disseminated widely. Danie Kruger, manager of this Child- and Youth Centre reported this incident to the Department of Social Development immediately after the video came to light so that it could be investigated independently. Currently the investigation is on its way and the Department has indicated that their report will be made public next week.
Meanwhile one of the girls in the video’s mother, Mrs Doris Visser, and sister Mrs Erika Olivier, owned up today in writing to the Catherine Robson management that the girls did not tell the truth.
The signed letter reads as follows:
‘We, Doris Visser and Erika Olivier, are one of the girls in the video’s mother and sister [respectively] acknowledged that the accusations made [in the video] were false. After the video had been posted we found that it was all lies. We were emotionally involved and this is why we did not think the video would have consequences. The video resulted in the Department indeed being enabled to investigate the matter and is currently doing so. That which the children’s home is being accused of is false.’ (Translated)
The letter was signed this morning at 09:34 after Mrs Visser and Mrs Olivier had requested an appointment with the children’s home.
In the meantime the independent investigation by the Department of Social Development continues. Once the investigation is complete, the management of the Child- and Youth Centre will decide on appropriate action.
End
Issued by:
Danie Kruger
Manager: Catherine Robson Child- and Youth Centre
NG Welfare
E-mail: info@ngwelsyn.co.za
Website: www.ngwelsyn.co.za | www.crchildren.co.za
FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE LIAISON OFFICER:
ANETTE DEGENAAR
TEL: 018 297 3928
SEL: +27 (0)73 243 6572
Email: ngwelsyn@iafrica.com
Catherine Robson Children’s Home Social Media Video
2 MAY 2017 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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NG Welfare North West and Gauteng take cognisance of the anonymous video in which certain serious allegations are made and which has been spread via various social media platforms since 2 May 2017.
Rev Danie Krüger, Manager of the Catherine Robson Children and Youth Care Centre in Vereeniging, reported the incident to the Department of Social Development for an independent investigation immediately after they had become aware of the video for the first time. Members of the advisory committee of the Catherine Robson Children and Youth Care Centre welcome the investigation and promised the Department their full cooperation and support. After the investigation the management of the Children and Youth Care Centre will take the necessary steps regarding appropriate action.
In terms of Section 74 of the Children’s Act it is in the children’s own interest that their identities are not published on social media. NG Welfare kindly appeals to the public not to spread the video further in any way or on any social media platform.
The video is regarded very slanderous and NG Welfare is in the process of taking legal advice. Any person committing slander on social media is exposed to prosecution.
Rev Nico van Rensburg, Managing Director of NG Welfare, gives the assurance that the matter is of the highest importance because of the seriousness of the allegations and confirms NG Welfare’s dedication to its good reputation and quality of service delivery.
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NG Welfare
E-mail: info@ngwelsyn.co.za
Website: www.ngwelsyn.co.za | www.crchildren.co.za
PREPARED AND RELEASED BY
NG Welfare North West & Gauteng
Head Office
104 Peter Mokaba Avenue
Potchefstroom
2531
FOR MORE MEDIA INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER:
ANETTE DEGENAAR
TEL: 018 297 3928
SEL: +27 (0)73 243 6572
E-MAIL: ngwelsyn@iafrica.com