Joy and gratitude were overshadowed by challenges and concern as East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC) stepped into 2026 in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Despite negativity knocking at its door, the home-based palliative care organisation weathered the storms and looks ahead to unlocking more opportunities for growth, development and, above all, service to those facing life-threatening and life-limiting diseases, as well as their loved ones.

During its AGM, held on October 19, chairperson of the board Con Roux said that the organisation is closing one door and opening another to new opportunities.

“This past year, despite being a celebratory milestone, we have had to face the realities of national and global financial pressures,” said Roux, who has been serving the organisation for more than three decades.

“In an effort to remain sustainable, we made the tough call to sell the three ERPC properties in Kemston and Victoria avenues, in Western Extension, Benoni,” he said.

“These properties served those in need by providing quality care while housing our administrative functions.

“The donation depot served as the pulse of our charity shops, which ensured a steady supply of pre-loved items to the various outlets, while the Victoria Avenue bookshop and charity shop formed part of our organisation’s main income stream.”

It is, however, not all doom and gloom. ERPC’s administrative offices and depot will, from November 1, call the Northfield Methodist Church campus home.

“The decision has already proven fruitful, offering better visibility and access to those in need of our services,” he said.

“Two of the three properties have been sold, with the sale of the administrative property expected to be finalised soon. We are confident that the move will further assist in funnelling available funds to where they are needed most: the care of our community.”

Statistics highlighted during the AGM:

Income
The ERPC charity shops contributed 58.6% of the organisation’s revenue, followed by 12.2% in donations and 8.4% in bequests.

Expenses
Salaries continued to be the leading expense as the organisation strives to offer competitive remuneration to professional medical as well as auxiliary staff.

Building maintenance further prompted the decision to move to a rental property, with sales contributing to the organisation’s liquid capital.

The organisation is not state-funded and continues to rely on support from the community and business.

Professional care
During the 2025/26 financial year, ERPC’s nursing staff and doctor conducted 3 883 home visits, while the psychosocial staff conducted 628 home visits.

Patients receiving care included 7 265 chronic illness, 97 cancer, nine HIV/Aids and one case for TB.

A total of 1 933 patients were between 46 and 60 years of age, 1 293 between 18 and 35, 1 262 between 61 and 71, 1 069 between 36 and 45, while 838 were 71 years and older.

Volunteers
A total of 63 volunteers dedicated in excess of 6 500 hours to the organisation, assisting in the charity and book shop, reception, providing secretarial services as well as bed bathing and hairdressing services throughout Ekurhuleni.

For more information regarding ERPC’s services or to become involved, go to www.erpc.org.za

ALSO READ: Andrea a breath of fresh air at ERPC

ALSO READ: ERPC celebrates four decades of care