LifeLine East Rand (formerly LifeLine Ekurhuleni) is looking forward to a fresh start following a difficult period that saw the organisation placed under administration in 2023 due to a non-functional board.

The organisation hosted a calmer and more constructive AGM on October 18, marking a turning point after years of internal challenges and instability.

Presenting her chairperson’s report, Adelaide Ndimande expressed relief and optimism, noting that it was the first successful AGM since 2022 after nearly three years of inactivity.

She reported that of the 13 board members appointed by a task team in May, nine remain following four resignations.

“When we took over, we inherited several unresolved issues. The Department of Social Development (DSD) had stopped funding LifeLine because there was no board in place, and staff had gone unpaid for a year. The property was also left in poor condition with no maintenance carried out,” said Ndimande.

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She shared that the new board has since made significant progress. “We have signed Service Level Agreements with the DSD for our Benoni, Nigel, and Duduza projects, and LifeLine is now receiving funding again. Our municipal debt was cancelled and corrected, and we are now correctly billed as an NPO,” she explained.

Ndimande added that the organisation’s bank signatories have been updated, the premises are being cleaned and maintained, and staff morale has improved. “We are also applying for additional funding to strengthen our income stream and continue serving the community,” she said.

Acting director Thuto Vukea, who presented the director’s report, echoed her sentiments. He said LifeLine East Rand is now fully operational and committed to fulfilling its mission. After presenting his report, Vukea was officially voted in as the organisation’s new director.

“Our focus moving forward is on rebuilding stakeholder trust, launching new initiatives aligned with our mission, strengthening fundraising and partnerships, and maintaining transparency,” Vukea told Benoni City Times. He added that compliance and facility maintenance would be top priorities.

Treasurer Lucky Chauke could not present the financial report as auditors had not completed their review. A letter from GDVCA Consulting Inc confirmed that all supporting documentation had been received and the audit is expected to be completed by October 31. The organisation resolved to convene a special meeting once the audit is finalised.

Name change

A lively debate arose during the adoption of the new constitution, particularly regarding the organisation’s name.

Some members objected to changing it from LifeLine East Rand to LifeLine Ekurhuleni, citing potential funding complications with the DSD.

Although attendees had no issue with the contents of the new constitution, they agreed to retain the existing name.

“The previous constitution was outdated and not aligned with our current vision. The new one reflects our modern structure and goals,” said the board. The constitution was ultimately adopted, subject to the amendment restoring the original name, LifeLine East Rand.

The meeting concluded on an uplifting note with the announcement that LifeLine East Rand’s counselling line will soon be operational again. Ed Hatton, an honorary LifeLine member, revealed that a team of about 16 volunteers has been assembled to focus on mental and emotional health support.

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