---
title: "Claims of 'toxic culture' and abuse of funds rock flagship Western Cape organisation"
description: "A Daily Maverick investigation, published in four parts, has shone a spotlight on what has been going on behind closed doors at a well-known NPO, the Community Chest of the Western Cape. The 95-year-old organisation, which exists to uplift society, has been embroiled in accusations and counteraccusations, ranging from financial mismanagement and abuse of funds over a number of years. The Western Cape department of social development is now working with the organisation to establish if funding provided to the organisation has been misused."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "COMMUNITY CHEST INVESTIGATION"
author: "Velani Ludidi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/velani-ludidi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-17-community-chest-western-cape/"
published: "2023-03-17T16:48:34"
updated: "2023-03-17T16:57:39"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 275
---

# Claims of 'toxic culture' and abuse of funds rock flagship Western Cape organisation

> A Daily Maverick investigation, published in four parts, has shone a spotlight on what has been going on behind closed doors at a well-known NPO, the Community Chest of the Western Cape. The 95-year-old organisation, which exists to uplift society, has been embroiled in accusations and counteraccusations, ranging from financial mismanagement and abuse of funds over a number of years. The Western Cape department of social development is now working with the organisation to establish if funding provided to the organisation has been misused.

By Velani Ludidi · Published 17 March 2023, 18:48 SAST · Updated 17 March 2023, 18:57 SAST

## Key points
- The Community Chest of the Western Cape, a historic non-profit organisation known for fighting poverty, has been rocked by allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic workplace. An investigation by Daily Maverick has uncovered a web of accusations, with former CEO Lorenzo Davids hitting back at claims that he was a bully.
- Allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic workplace have rocked the historic Community Chest of the Western Cape.
- Former CEO Lorenzo Davids has denied allegations of bullying and claimed there was a plot to unseat him.
- The awarding of a computer programme tender and bursaries to a family raised concern at the organisation.
- A wedding funded by the Community Chest highlighted irreconcilable differences between staff.

## Content

#### [PART 1: ‘Toxicity’ and finger pointing at people’s champ Lorenzo Davids – ‘irregular expenditure’ scandal rocks historic organisation](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-15-toxicity-and-finger-pointing-at-peoples-champ-lorenzo-davids-irregular-expenditure-scandal-rocks-historic-organisation/)

The [Community Chest of the Western Cape](https://www.comchest.org.za/) is a historic non-profit organisation known for tackling poverty. But a Daily Maverick investigation has revealed that for years it was divided, with staff alleging financial mismanagement and a toxic workplace. This is the first of a four-part investigative series.

#### [PART 2: ‘Social justice champ’ Lorenzo Davids labels bullying claims against him a smear campaign](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-15-community-chest-lorenzo-davids-claims-smear-campaign/)

Some Community Chest of the Western Cape staff accused a former CEO, acclaimed social justice activist Lorenzo Davids, of being a bully. He has hit back, claiming that there was a plot to unseat him. These and other accusations have rocked the non-profit organisation. This is part two of a four-part investigative series.

![Former CEO of Community Chest, Lorenzo Davids. (Photo: Facebook)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/MgSL4o7YUovP45KseQSlyOxnPFU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/22555775_1438165992928063_5835800880967112587_o.jpeg)

*Former CEO of Community Chest, Lorenzo Davids. (Photo: Facebook)*

#### [PART 3: A computer tender and conflicting interest – the divisive money matters within a historic organisation](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-15-community-chest-divisive-money-matters-at-historic-organisation/)

The awarding of a computer programme tender and bursaries to a family are among the many issues that raised concern at the Community Chest of the Western Cape, which is now the focus of financial mismanagement allegations. This is part three of a four-part investigative series.

#### [PART 4: ‘Love in a hopeless place’ – how a wedding highlighted an organisation’s irreconcilable differences](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-15-community-chest-hold-wedding-highlighted-irreconcilable-differences/)

While a former head of the Community Chest of the Western Cape described a wedding it helped fund as ‘an event of hope’, it turns out it was one of several issues relating to money that rubbed staff up the wrong way. This is the final part of a four-part investigative series**. DM**