(Reply to email copied to the Record on 17 November)
May I begin with the following so that you know where the axe is going to fall from.
My name is Darrell Phillips, and I am Chairman of Roodepoort Care of the Aged.
Your diatribe, André Groenveld, as you describe the word in your letter is very offensive in the extreme. You covertly mention what happened some 30 months ago. This is totally uncalled for, as I answered that statement made by the person concerned, where I stated that he should get the facts straight before writing such garbage, as you do now. I told him as I am going to tell you further on in this reply to “walk where the flowers grow” and come down off your high perch and state of oblivion.
Before we, at the Roodepoort Care of the Aged take this matter further, let me “put you in the picture” if that is at all possible!
1. The Older Persons Forum was formed some three months back as a separate body, not associated with the RCA.
2. I and Mr Andrew Harris, the Manager of RCA, were asked if we would be members of the newly formed Forum, which we accepted.
3. While I fully understand, and agree, with the fact that Suzanne Clarke, whom I have known for a long time, and whom I respect, as her husband and I were work colleagues for years, must have been annoyed and upset with the events that day, and who I am sure handled it in a professional manner, as befits her station in life, that however does not give you the right to make the statements you made in the letter. I again state that they are highly contentious, where you are attempting to drag the name of RCA through the mud. To refer to the RCA, who has highly respected persons among its members
as “cohorts” is derogatory to say the least, and I take strong exception to the phraseology used!
4. The term ” bullied” must be taken from whence it came!
5. I really do wonder at the intelligence of the and I quote “I have their names”. My goodness, not worth further comment.
6. You further state and enquire as to how we got the contract to manage the Klein Helderkruin Centre!!?? You will have to please, in your wisdom enlighten me as to this statement, as we have no such contract, and never have had one! We only render services to the residents. Again, walk where the flowers grow.
7. Since when, may I ask have you appointed yourself as the Judge and Jury of the Centre, and suddenly becoming an expert on the affairs of the RCA? Again I warn that your remarks are of a slanderous nature.
8. Let me repeat. RCA did not book the venue, the Forum did!!! Keep your unfounded opinions to yourself regarding the RCA. Let me be so bold as to say that you are treading on very dangerous ground. Let me expand!
9. You refer to the RCA as “morally corrupt”. I challenge you to prove this statement with facts, otherwise it will become a court matter, where believe me it will be taken further. The insisting on a financial audit falls under this category as well. Anybody may come to our offices and request to scrutinise our financial statements, which are audited by a reputable firm of auditors. Again, your insinuations are going to be taken further and dealt with in an appropriate manner. I again warn you that you have gone too far with your tirade against the RCA. The “irregularities” statement I am afraid also must be dealt with.
10. I here categorically state that the RCA has no political affiliation or connection to any one political party or person.
To reiterate: unless a formal apology is forthcoming, appropriate action will be taken.
I hope and pray that this unfortunate incident will be the last, and that we all can work together for the benefit of the elderly, which is why I undertook the position of Chairman, so that our petty differences may be put aside, and all our energies may be channelled into ensuring that the elderly folk, who are the salt of the earth, may experience love and affection in their twilight years, free from stress and pettiness.
To this letter I pen my name with a sad heart.
Darrell D Phillips
Chairperson
RCA.
