SAVF Cosmos AGM highlights achievements, challenges

As part of their AGM, the SAVF Cosmos board members and management convened in the centre’s dining hall to provide updates on the organisation’s performance during 20234/2024.

Judging from the information presented at the meeting on October 4, the facility stayed afloat during that period, and promises to maintain strong growth regarding finances, services and the physical environment of the facility.
This Van Dyk Park-based facility, formerly known as the Cosmos Old Age Home, recently merged with the Suid Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie (SAVF), a move described as a significant step towards preventing the centre from becoming defunct.

The facility changed its name to the SAVF Cosmos after the merger.
During the AGM, members provided feedback on the status quo. The board presented last year’s achievements, the financial report, and the impact of services on residents. It also approved all agenda items, including resolutions aligned with SAVF policies.

Positive impact
In his report, chairperson Marius de Vos said that introducing SAVF policies and procedures had brought much-needed structure and consistency to the centre’s operations.
“These changes have positively impacted the management of the home and the quality of the services offered to residents.”
He pointed out that they are in the process of changing the organisation’s name to align with the new affiliation.
This process has, however, taken so long due to procedural delays, and as such, had to be restarted.
“The name change remains a priority, and we are committed to seeing it through.”

Improvement
De Vos said while financial sustainability remains a priority, the centre management has shifted focus this year toward improving the centre’s physical environment and resident experience.
He said significant maintenance work had been done throughout the facility.
“Several rooms were repainted and key areas refreshed to create a more welcoming, homely atmosphere.”

Board oversight
As per the resolutions proposed by the SAVF Gauteng provincial committee, the current board of the SAVF Cosmos will continue for another term.

“The decision will allow a smooth transition from the Boksburg Society for the Aged to the SAVF.”
For the year ahead, the board stated that it would focus its oversight on several areas, including:
• governance;
• compliance;
• financial sustainability;
• community partnerships;
• donor relations to improve facilities and residents’ experience and well-being.

The board thanked the staff for their resilience, adaptability and dedication in running the facility.
“To my fellow board members, thank you for your selfless contributions, time and commitment to oversight and guidance. Your governance continues to be a cornerstone of our progress.
“To our volunteers, donors and community partners, your support enriches the lives of our residents in countless ways. We are grateful.”

Financial report
While the financial statements were neither discussed nor available for attendees to peruse, board member Laetitia van Rooyen gave an overview of the SAVF Cosmos’ financials for the 2024/2025 financial year, mentioning these points:

• The annual turnover rose slightly in the 12 months, compared with the previous year;
• Resident intakes increased;
• Operating expenses remain a challenge due to increased operating costs;
• The subsidy received from the Department of Social Development (DSD), with which the centre has a service level agreement, was not increased;
• The quarterly reports were audited by the department’s senior admin officer of the monitoring and evaluation directorate from the DSD;
• According to the report, the Boksburg Society of the Aged is progressive in implementing the recommended financial management and internal control systems as per the signed service level agreement and the Public Finance Management Act guidelines.

Manager’s report
Presenting her first report since joining the organisation in June, centre manager Liza Oosthuizen said she had already witnessed the facility’s potential, not only in its physical infrastructure but, more importantly, in its people, which include residents, staff and families who support the facility.

“With the backing and guidance of the SAVF national office, we have a strong foundation to grow, improve and truly thrive.”

She listed some key improvements:
• A serenity garden was created, where residents and families can spend quiet, quality time outdoors, promoting emotional well-being and connections;
• There is another lounge area, creating more room for relaxation and socialising;
• The sunroom was upgraded with games, comfortable seating and a pool table;
• The Lilly Room (Angel Room) was created as a dedicated and serene space for end-of-life care.
“With continued support from the SAVF and a committed team behind me, I’m determined to lead this facility into a new era, one that places the SAVF Cosmos among the top five SAVF facilities nationally.”

Nursing report
Professional nurse Carol Wild, who started in May, said that while challenges remained, the facility had seen a significant decrease in nursing-related complaints in recent months.

“This positive shift reflects the team’s commitment to improving care, communication and responsiveness. The facility has seen a substantial increase in compliments from families and visitors regarding the quality of resident care and the overall atmosphere.”

Residents health overview
As of March 31, there were 123 residents, 47 new admissions, and 21 discharges or transfers.
There were 54 deaths, all from natural causes. The centre delivered dignified end-of-life care.
Staffing at the facility remained stable throughout the year, according to the centre.

Also Read: VIDEO: A new chapter for Cosmos Old Age Home