Ten years of resourcefulness
Part of the vision of the staff at the centre is to improve reading skills and to raise the level of education in order to provide an internationally competitive future workforce.
The Umjindi Resource Centre (URC) was a project started by Sappi in 2005 and to this day it is still going strong. URC, which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, has become a beacon of light, especially for students from previously disadvantaged communities.
These students have no other means to gain access to resources such as the Internet and nowhere else to have printing and binding of assignments done. Part of the vision of the staff at the centre is to improve reading skills and to raise the level of education in order to provide an internationally competitive future workforce. But it is not only students who have benefitted from the services offered by the centre. Many adults in search of employment have their CVs done here. Business owners also make use of the services offered by the centre.
Mainly because the high cost of office equipment is something new business owners can’t afford. At Umjindi Resource Centre everything is done under one roof and the centre puts all office and admin-related services within their reach.
The annual general meeting (AGM) of URC was held at Barberton Guest Lodge last week and it was clear once again that the success of the centre is the result of the crucial role of its board members.
In his opening speech, chairman, Jaco Landsberg said, “My sincere appreciation to the board members who take the time out of their busy schedules to maximise the benefits of the centre to the community. The effective management and the day-to-day operations does not go unnoticed. I would like to thank the staff as well as the volunteers for their commitment, enthusiasm and dedication.”
Landsberg went on to thank their main sponsors, Umjindi Municipality and Sappi, in particular Elsabé Coetzee of Sappi for ensuring the success of the improvements done at the centre. These included painting, the upgrading of the career guidance room, replacing old carpets, installation of cameras as well as the installation of a member access control system and the donation of the laptop.
“I look forward to the continued support and dedication of all stakeholders for next year and beyond,” said Landsberg.
Treasurer Tewie Giliomee discussed the annual financial statement in short after which the guest speaker, Manus du Toit, programme coordinator at Performance Booster Program (Pty) Ltd, took to the floor. He spoke about “What motivates your team” and the methods that are necessary to make sure you have the right people in your boat to stay afloat.
During the AGM the new board was also appointed, which included the appointment of two new members as well. They are Hannelie Stapel and Ansley Masher. The new board comprises Michael Sithole, Tewie Giliomee, Jaco Landsberg, Derick Ndlovu, Hannelie Stapel, Flicka Goslett and Ansley Masher.
Matilda Mndawe who has been with the centre since March 2008, and has been acting manager since May 1, was appointed permanently in the position of manager.
The day ended with a lovely lunch prepared by Barberton Guest House.
