Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society amends constitution
Mohamed Sirkhot said that despite the challenges and setbacks during the year, the organisation could fulfil its mandate and obligations.
The Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society has amended its constitution, following recommendations from the Department of Social Development.
The organisation made this announcement during its 36th AGM, held recently at its premises in Actonville.
Among the amendments are clauses stating that the society will exist in its own right, separate from its members, that it can sue and be sued in its own name, and that it will continue to operate despite changes in membership or office bearers.
It was also resolved that, should the society ever dissolve, its assets must be transferred to an organisation with similar objectives.
Delivering his chairperson’s report, Mohamed Sirkhot said that despite the challenges and setbacks during the year, the organisation fulfilled its mandate and obligations to the best of its ability.
He highlighted the challenges the society continues to face, including stagnant staff and social worker salaries since 2022, as well as an increasingly difficult fundraising environment as local businesses struggle to survive.
“Socio-economic conditions have worsened, with drugs and alcoholism becoming more prevalent in the area. We hope the Department of Social Development will increase our subsidies for the next financial year.”
Sirkhot expressed gratitude to donors and family members for their continued support. He further thanked the Benoni Muslim Charitable Organisation for assisting the society on several occasions.
He appealed to passionate young people to join the board to bring fresh insights and help strengthen the organisation.
Social work services under pressure
Chief social worker Haneefa Chitimbe reported that the society’s longstanding challenge of finding suitable premises in Kingsway remains unresolved. She said staff stationed there continue to operate in inadequate facilities that compromise confidentiality.
She added that their six social workers are overburdened, each handling more than 100 cases.
“Many of these involve drug dependency, which has led to dysfunctional families and an increase in child removals, often without suitable alternative placements,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Chitimbe shared positive developments, including the continued support of a loyal donor. Thanks to this assistance, the society’s three offices now have a roadworthy vehicle. They were also able to upgrade computers and renovate their car park.
Finances
Treasurer Abdul Mayet reported a slight decline in total comprehensive income, dropping from R2 589 444 to R2 457 764.
Income sources included subsidies, fundraising, donations, grants, and other contributions.
Expenditure, however, rose from R2 286 669 to R2 432 459, covering items such as constitutional fees, pest control, staff screening, repairs and maintenance, printing and stationery.
Before concluding the meeting, the society elected its new committee, comprising Mohamed Sirkhot (chairperson), Anwar Khan (vice-chairperson), Abdul Mayet (treasurer), Ahmed Jogi (secretary), and five board members.
For more information on how to join as a board member or assist the organisation with sustainability, contact Yussuf Bhayat at 011 421 4879 or 083 300 7770, or email him at yussufacfws@gmail.com
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