St Francis AGM highlights lifesaving work despite difficult financial year

There was a heartfelt mixture of reflection and celebration at the St Francis Care Centre’s 31st AGM as retiring stalwart Tilly Brouwer delivered her final report, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year journey as manager of the organisation.

The AGM, held at the centre’s premises, provided a comprehensive overview of the 2024/25 financial year and underscored the deep sense of purpose that continues to drive the centre’s work in palliative care, child and youth development and community health outreach.

Brouwer, who is now a board member, began her report by paying tribute to the late Themba Ntshalintshali, former chairperson who passed away during the year under review.
“Ntshalintshali was passionate about the services rendered by the centre and availed himself at all times for whatever task was at hand. He served for over a decade on the board and as chairperson. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace,” said Brouwer.

Financial resilience amid hardship
The 2024/25 financial year posed significant challenges, yet the centre weathered the storm with the help of generous donors and faith-driven perseverance.
“We survived, and more than that, we succeeded,” said Brouwer.

She extended heartfelt thanks to key supporters, including the Departments of Social Development and Health, SKF SA (Pty) Ltd, Natloc Logistics, Sky Jacks, McDonald’s Parkdene, Barmherzigkeit, Sr Irene and Gavin Duffy. She also thanked the many individuals who supported the charity shop and Book Nook.

“Without our donors, we simply could not continue,” she added.

In her closing remarks, Brouwer said the Bible teaches us there is a time to come and a time to go.

“My time at St Francis has come to an end after more than 20 years. This has been an amazing journey which I will treasure forever. I thank the board, staff, government officials, donors, patients and their families for the privilege of serving at this special organisation.”

She closed with a quote by Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Serving with compassion
The centre’s adult Hospice cared for 241 patients – 92 males and 149 females – living with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. Sadly, 54 patients passed away during the year.

Despite continued support from the Department of Health, funding challenges persist, with subsidies covering only five out of the centre’s 30 available beds. Brouwer highlighted the tireless efforts of Matron Winnie Dlamini in building relationships with medical aid schemes, which have become a vital source of funding.

“We need three more care helpers, replacement of old beds, oxygen concentrators and stronger referral pathways from specialists,” Brouwer said, noting the urgent needs of the hospice programme.

Rainbow cottage
The Rainbow Cottage housed 60 children aged between 0 and 17 years, offering holistic care that includes medical support, education, spiritual nurturing and a path toward family reunification or alternative placement.
During the year, one child was reunited with their biological family, six were placed in foster care and seven were transferred to other child and youth care centres.
A total of 83 multidisciplinary panels were conducted to review and plan for each child’s future.
“Our nursery school continues to be supported by SKF (Pty) Ltd, Natloc Logistics and Sky Jacks, to whom we extend our deepest thanks,” said Brouwer.
Key challenges included delays in the placement of children with special needs, non-co-operative families and sluggish adoption processes.

Feedback on services provided
Home-based care
The centre’s home-based care team reached deep into Vosloorus’ formal and informal communities, including hostels.

The programme delivered services such as:
• 732 individuals reached via door-to-door campaigns
• 226 home visits conducted
• 200 food parcels distributed, valued at R222,000
• HIV prevention campaigns and psycho-social support to vulnerable groups

Notably, the centre facilitated behavioural change programmes like CHOMMY and YOLO and supported boys through Boys Championing Change.
“Despite being under a tree on Mondays due to church closure, our team continues to serve with dedication,” said Brouwer, calling attention to critical shortages in office space, equipment and basic administrative resources.

HTS Social Mobilisation: Fighting HIV and TB
Linked to the national 95-95-95 strategy to fight HIV and AIDS, the centre’s Social Mobilisation teams tested over 10,000 people for HIV and screened over 12,000 for TB.
Among these:
• 378 individuals tested HIV-positive and were referred for treatment
• 410 males were referred for medical male circumcision
• 104 individuals were linked to healthcare services for other chronic conditions
Despite logistical and weather-related challenges, teams worked across demarcated zones and fostered strong partnerships with government and NGOs.

Events and community engagement
Throughout the year, the centre hosted several key events:
• Day of the Sick
• International Candlelight Memorial
• Child Protection Week campaign
• Mandela Day activities
• World AIDS Day
• Nursery school graduation

Board for 2026
The board for 2026 remains largely unchanged:
• Advocate Xolisa Hilita, chairperson
• Pat Mfihlo, vice chairperson
• Gail Garnie, treasurer
• Marilyn Neale, secretary
• Sally-Ann Nicole
• Jennifer Motsai
• Dr Joseph Shikhibane
• Tilly Brouwer, new member
• Father Solly Mphela, new member

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