A legal and community-driven battle is underway regarding the TEBA building, a once-thriving community-based property that has been left in limbo since the dissolution of Feed The Children International South Africa. The building now houses the Morning Star Academy Vryburg, a privately school. The nonprofit organisation, Feed The Children International South Africa, originally dedicated to child welfare, purchased the building with international donor funds before ceasing operations. However, the title deed remains under its name, creating legal uncertainty and raising questions about ownership rights and the future use of the property.

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A History of Failed Resurgence Efforts

For years, according to Setsokotsane Sa Sechaba, concerned community members have sought to reclaim and repurpose the TEBA building to prevent further dilapidation. However, these attempts have been met with bureaucratic red tape and legal ambiguity. In December 2024, Setsokotsane Sa Sechaba, a community organisation advocating for the property’s proper use, led a march to the Department of Social Development (DSD) to demand clarity and action.

In response, the department issued a statement suggesting that Feed The Children retains the right to sell the building. However, this assertion contradicts South Africa’s Nonprofit Organizations Act of 1997, which sets strict guidelines for the dissolution of nonprofit assets. According to Section 12(2) of the Act, as well as Clause 4.2, no individual office bearer or member of a dissolved nonprofit has the authority to sell its property. Furthermore, Clause 15 stipulates that upon dissolution, all assets must be transferred to another nonprofit organisation with similar objectives.

Legal Action Underway

Peter Segokotlo, chairperson of Setsokotsane Sa Sechaba, emphasised that the some members of the community are prepared to take drastic legal measures to reclaim the building. After receiving an unsatisfactory response from the Department of Social Development, the group sought assistance from the Legal Aid Board, which referred them to a pro bono attorney. Litigation efforts are now in motion to enforce compliance with the NPO Act of 1997 and ensure that the property is transferred to a suitable organisation rather than being unlawfully sold or left to decay.

Segokotlo expressed frustration at the lack of departmental awareness regarding nonprofit legislation. “We had to dust off a policy document from one of their shelves. It is clear that the department itself is clueless about its own policies,” he stated.

Next Steps: Court Action and Community Mobilization

With legal counsel secured, Setsokotsane Sa Sechaba is preparing for a court battle to challenge any attempt to sell the TEBA building outside of its legal parameters. Community mobilisation efforts will continue to raise awareness about the issue, ensuring that the building is preserved for public benefit rather than private gain.

The Department of Social Development is expected to respond further as legal proceedings unfold. Meanwhile, concerned residents remain hopeful that justice will prevail and that the TEBA building will soon be restored to serve the community as originally intended.

For ongoing updates on this case, follow The Vryburg Independent Post.

-The VIP Team

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