At South Coast Hospice‘s AGM at the Port Shepstone Country Club held recently, chairman Dave Boyd said despite the many challenges faced, the organisation served Ugu District with the highest calibre of palliative care.

“The inability of government to maintain good corporate governance at national and local levels, particularly in state-owned enterprises, with government continuing to fail in service delivery of basic needs, the ongoing effects of loadshedding, escalating inflation and the collapse of the Rand are all challenges that impacted our performance this past year,” said Boyd

He said with the establishment of the Kath Defilippi Sustainability Fund in the course of the year to ensure energy and water sustainability, hospice is grateful to Dr Phil Di Sorbo from the USA for both initiating and securing funds to launch the project.

Hospice CEO, Diane van Dyk echoed the same sentiment as Boyd, saying that the challenges faced also affected the organisation’s administrative and support staff.

She thanked the extraordinary donors who have become an integral part of the organisation by supporting the Kath Defilippi Renewable Energy Project.

“This project was a lifeline that provided much needed water and energy, ensuring hospice’s sustainability into the future. We have a fully operational borehole supplying the highest quality water and we are making significant progress with the energy project .

Once the solar panels and inverters are complete, we will be able to meet the critical needs of our in-patient Unit,” Van Dyk added.

Reporting on the finances for the past financial year, Richard Savage, the treasurer said the organisation was running at an operational loss of R64 778, while the operating income for the year was R 7 715 714 and the expenses were 7 980 492.

“Our capital expenses for the year amounted to R1 057 160 and investment revenue was R192 485.
Taking this income into account the deficit for 2022/2023 was R1 129 453. The total income for the year was R7 908 199,” Savage explained.

A candle was lit and a moment of silence observed for the lives lost, also remembering Kim Scholtz, Carole Immelmann, Di Davison and the founder of South Coast Hospice Kathleen Defilippi.

Guest speakers, Shakila Baskali and Phil Di Sorbo highlighted the great work hospice has been doing for four decades, and wished them more prosperous years to come.

Staff were also awarded for long service and others were recognised for their hard work and dedication.
The board members were nominated and will continue to steer the ship for the next five years – Richard Savage (treasurer), Tasmia Desai (vice-chairperson), Dr Hilton Horsley (medical director), Rob Nicholson (health and safety quality assurance), Firoza Desai (board member), David Boyd (chairperson), Dianne van Dyk (CEO), Thabo Ngundze (youth ambassador and Nomusa Zulu (advocacy).

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