Nofta elects executive committee of umbrella body

Members of the executive committee of Nofta’s (Newcastle Organisation for the Aged) umbrella body were unanimously elected at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Thursday.

All members who voted with a show of hands were in agreement that Rajesh Ramdaw should be the committee president, Gladys Nxumalo the vice-president, Bully Singh, the secretary, and Yunus Thoko the treasurer.

Mary Peters and Makeku Nkosi were nominated as additional executive members.

During the president’s report, Mr Ramdaw commented on the success of the central branch and welcomed members of the Fairleigh branch, which recently merged with the central branch.

“At the central branch we have achieved so much in the last year. We have actually exceeded our own expectations. We have a R7-million service centre, our own bus for transporting members, our members have been afforded the opportunity for extensive travel, and we have rejoiced together at our various functions and events,” said Mr Ramdaw.

While Nofta’s central branch is thriving, however, the Madadeni branch is not faring as well. Complaints were received about a R4 000 water bill issued by the municipality to the Madadeni service centre, when there was a leak outside the property.

“This service centre is only in use twice a week. How could it have incurred a R4 000 water bill?” asked Mr Ramdaw.

Currently, the Madadeni branch is R32 000 in arrears with its municipal bill. Nofta members also bemoaned the fact that goats and cows were using the Madadeni property for grazing as the fence around the property had long ago fallen to a state of disrepair.

Mr Ramdaw committed to spend more time at the Madadeni branch as the president of the umbrella body to try and resolve the problems being experienced there.

He concluded the AGM with a special thanks to Nando’s for partially sponsoring the meals provided.