| Agenda Item | Minutes |
|---|---|
| Welcome, Apologies & Opening | The meeting was opened at 16:15 by D. Fourie, who welcomed everyone. Apologies were entered for: B. Booysen, A. Vlok, L. Kilian, D. Mac Taggart, Y. Delport, C. Boast, S. Triegaart J. van Heerden opened with a prayer. |
| Notice Convening Meeting | The notice convening the meeting was read by D. Fourie. J. Mac Taggart was thanked for creating the notice. |
| Introduction: Nopasika Bhazana | N. Bhazana was introduced by D. Fourie |
| Reports | Reports were presented by J. van Heerden and F. Fusa. D. Fourie mentioned that the report of the Social Auxilliary Worker and Fundraiser would be included on the website and in the printed report, but was covered for the meeting by the Manager’s Report. Since both staff members have resigned, he did not want to impose on their time by having them present their reports at the AGM. Donors present were thanked for their contributions. |
| Presentation: Annual Financial Statements | J. van Heerden presented the Annual Financial Statements prepared by A2A Kopano. Acceptance of the statements were proposed by C. Jonk, seconded by C. Price, unopposed. |
| Appointment: Auditor for 2022-2023 | D. Fourie informed the meeting that A2A Kopano has been the auditors for Sparrows for 22 years, and asked whether the meeting could endorse them continuing in that capacity. R. Helm-Jovo proposed, seconded by D. Mac Taggart, unopposed. |
| Confirmation: Co-Opted Member | D. Fourie informed the meeting that C. Price resigned as Treasurer, but would continue as board member. Due to this, a new Treasurer would be needed. In this position, he suggested that Y. Delport be appointed to the board. Acceptance of suggestion proposed by C. Jonk, seconded by I. Jovo, unopposed. |
| The Road Ahead | D. Fourie presented future plans to members present. |
| Closure | D. Mac Taggart presented J. van Heerden with a token of appreciation for her dedication and service from the board. R. Helm-Jovo made herself available to N. Bhazana for consultation, assistance and support. Members present were thanked and invited to enjoy refreshments and socialise for a short while before leaving. D. Fourie closed the meeting at 16:55. |
Nopasika Bhazana was appointed on 1 September 2022 as the new Executive Director of Sparrows.
This followed a process whereby the position was advertised nationally for the entire month of June, with shortlisting of three candidates from approximately 50 applications in July 2022. The three candidates were interviewed by a panel consisting of David Fourie, André Vlok and Brent Phillips. While asked to be on the panel, Ms Tiny Msila was unable to join.
Out of the three candidates, Nopasika emerged victorious.
She has an impressive list of qualifications ranging between bookkeeping and electrical engineering, and holds an MBA from Regent Business School.
In the month that she has been at Sparrows, she has emersed herself fully in her new position. She is professional, consults widely and takes time to form opinions. Talk on the grapevine is that she is a strict manager.
We welcome Nopasika to Sparrows and look forward to seeing the results of her work.
I tidied the drawers, cleared my desk and packed up 22 years in a plastic bin!!!! While doing all this, my mind wandered to the beginning – when everything we did, every decision we made, was a step in faith and we relied on the goodness of God. What a journey!!!! I am tempted to write my story. It will certainly make good reading.
Sparrows is a home for abused, abandoned, neglected and orphaned children. This is their safe place, a place where they can just be children and be encouraged to become who God ordained them to be. To assist them reach their goals, we have dedicated staff.
The six childcare workers work tirelessly to make sure that the children’s needs are met. This is not always an easy task as some children really battle to understand their emotions. Most have not had good role models at home and so much work goes into moulding acceptable behaviours.
We welcomed two new childcare workers, Phendulwa Sijila and Sindiswa Ndwanya, to the team. I am very proud of this group of dedicated ladies who do not shy from their responsibilities and are loving and kind to the children.
Volunteers play a very important role in the life of Sparrows. We would not be able to take annual leave or sick leave if there was not someone who was willing to fill the position at short notice. We also have volunteers doing homework with the younger children in the afternoons. You have been absolute gems ladies and we appreciate you very much.
Faith, the social worker, has been an absolute stalwart. She had to step up and run Sparrows when I was on sabbatical. What a good job she did! Thank you, Faith, for agreeing to be moved out of your comfort zone. You did so well. The children have also benefitted from the programmes that Faith has been running. Our sincere thanks to Ms Tiny Msila from our local Department of Social Development office, for supervising and supporting Faith.
Brent Phillips, our ‘in-house’ psychologist, has been working very closely with the staff and some of the children. We have valued his professional guidance and friendship. Many of us have been able to apply what we have learnt with our own children. What a blessing you have been for all of us, Brent. Must mention we thoroughly enjoyed the cakes and muffins!!!!
It is not easy to get most of our children to conform and perform, especially in the classroom, but their teachers have persevered and for that, we are most grateful. We are very proud of Phelisa who matriculated with a Bachelors Pass in 2021. She is studying at the University of Johannesburg. Dorothy van der Spuy from the Department of Social Development’s national office said she would keep an eye on her for us.
Monica only wants the best for the community. She has worked tirelessly arranging transport to take her clients to Home Affairs in Cradock for ID’s etc. and accompanied others to SASSA when they were not able to get a grant. Nothing was ever too much for her. Monica resigned at the end of March 2022 to start her own NGO. We wish her well in her new endeavour.
With Vinah at the helm and Nomathamsanqa as her first mate, Kabouterland is a hive of activity every weekday. One is always welcomed with happy faces and hugs when you visit the Centre. Thank you both for imparting knowledge to our children and keeping them safe when they are in your care. The educators run an “aftercare” for children who wish to be assisted with their homework. I think many a “Makhulu” is very grateful as this service takes the pressure off them.
Rachel has once again done herself proud. Thank you for always giving your best. Rachel has resigned from fundraising for the Organisation to pursue her calling. We pray for God’s blessing on all you do Rach.
I would like to thank ALL the donors for your contributions, however big or small. You made a difference in the life of a child at Sparrows. There is a list of donors attached to the reports for your perusal. If by chance your name has been omitted, please tell us so we can add it and we apologise for the omission.
Sparrows is undergoing changes that I am sure will be beneficial. The Management Committee with David Fourie as the Chairperson is orchestrating these changes. I would like to thank them for their support and encouragement this past year. André Vlok, you are a gem. Thank you for your legal expertise at a time when I needed it most. I appreciate you very much.
The success of Sparrows is due to much prayer and the dedication of all involved. Please do not tire – the children need us.
Jennifer van Heerden
“Love your children regardless of their behaviour. Focus on your children’s positive qualities. Look for praiseworthy decisions. Teach your children to like themselves, understand their weaknesses and accept their faults. Control your own behaviour to be a good model, your children learn from you.”
– Dr Sal Severe
I am certain that what I write here sounds familiar to my colleagues. We were taught so many things by Mom Jenny during the 8 years I have known her. The journey with her ended on the 1st of September 2022. She left us with so many good memories and we are now better parents to our own children. Thank you, mama, for all the years we shared tears, laughter, and sad moments together with you but they are worth everything. You are a blessing to many of us at Sparrows.
3 children were reunified with their families in December 2021. One child has passed her grade 12, she is studying Developmental studies at the University of Johannesburg.
| Within Residential Care | 3 |
|---|---|
| Within Foster Care | Facility closed |
| Other | 0 |
Workshops and Meetings Attended (Whether as Facilitator or Attendee)
| Description | Total # Participants | # Male | # Female | Estimated Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop for staff | 8 | 1 | 7 | 35- 65years |
| Staff meeting | 9 | 1 | 8 | 29- 65 years |
| Management meeting | 11 | 3 | 7 | 37- 65 years |
| Review of IDP’s | 9 | 0 | 9 | 29- 65years |
| Management meeting | 10 | 2 | 8 | 35-65 years |
| Staff meeting | 8 | 0 | 8 | 30- 65years |
| Management meeting | 11 | 3 | 8 | 37- 65 years |
| Management meeting | 11 | 3 | 8 | 37- 65years |
| Assessment tool for children in alternative care (Virtual workshop) | 5 | 1 | 4 | 35- 55 years |
| Residential Care Supervision Reports in terms of Sect 159 (2) | 09 |
|---|---|
| Extension of placement in alternative care beyond 18 years Report Sect 176 (1) | 03 |
| Care Plans | 12 |
| Foster Care Supervision Report in terms of Sect 159 (2) | 00 |
|---|---|
| Extension of Placement in alternative care beyond 18 years Report Sect 176 (1) | 00 |
| Reports in terms of Sect 171 (Transfer Order) | 05 |
| Children’s Court Inquiry Report | 05 |
| Care Plan | 05 |
| Child Removals | 00 |
|---|---|
| Family Placements | 00 |
| Institutional Placements | 00 |
I would like to thank the supervisor at the Department of Social Development, Ms Tiny Msila, for her support and expertise.
I would like to conclude my report by welcoming Mam Nopasika. We are blessed to have you mam as part of our team. Already we feel your presence because we always have something to do and evaluate the progress. Thank you all.
Faith Fusa
Social Worker
10-37253
“Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong all you people of the land, declares the Lord and work.”
– Haggai 2: 3-5.
These are the words that touched me when I looked around Tarkastad, destroyed, torn apart, and left with absolutely nothing. This led me to give a positive response to the operation “Send Me!”
| Description | Previous Total | This Year Added | Total in Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assigned cases | 194 | 44 | 238 |
| Home visits | 996 | 681 | 1 677 |
| Office visits | 824 | 668 | 1 492 |
| Child support grants | 804 | 660 | 1 464 |
| Identity documents | 547 | 518 | 1 065 |
| Referrals | 668 | 1609 | 2 277 |
| Description | Previous Total | This Year Added | New Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child removal | 26 | 14 | 40 |
| Awaiting placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Institutional placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Description | Total Participants | Male | Female | Estimated Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debate on the impact of unemployment in terms of supporting and caring for the children | 25 | 18 | 07 | 18-40 |
| Youth Indaba | 15 | 10 | 05 | 17-40 |
| Heritage event with residential care children. Family trees, clan names, food we eat, etc | 19 | 9 | 10 | 08-56 |
| Child Protection Week. Break the Silence – report any kind of abuse or bullying in and out of school | 256 | 103 | 145 | 11-65 |
| Plenary meeting for 16 Days of Activism | 20 | 04 | 16 | 29-60 |
| Back to School Campaign | 100 | 39 | 61 | 03-18 |
| Awareness Campaigns on substance abuse and bullying | 160 | 55 | 105 | 13-60 |
| CPF meetings | 59 | 18 | 41 | 22-56 |
| Board meetings | 140 | 44 | 96 | 30-61 |
| Masizame/WDCH parent’s meetings at schools | 185 | 45 | 140 | 20-65 |
| Implementation workshop | 10 | 02 | 08 | 29-60 |
| Celebrating women with disabilities | 183 | 41 | 142 | 17-68 |
| Dialogue on bullying | 60 | 22 | 38 | 14-56 |
I would like to thank Management, Manager and Staff at Sparrows for giving me this opportunity to give back to the community what I could. To the parents whose children we removed for safety reasons, know that we did not just abandon your children. The time has come for me to leave the office at Sparrows to work amongst you on my own. I will always love you and your children.
I am still available to render services as your need arises.
Monica Banzana
Social Auxilliary Worker
Report not available at time of publishing. It will be added when available.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1
This year-end report is celebrated with highs and challenges and with a final goodbye.
When I began partnering with the organization in 2016, I don’t think any of us had an idea of the journey we would take; the adventures we would have; the tears together; and the challenges of praying together in the Sparrows office. It has been an honour and a privilege to work and learn together over these past 6 years.
This current financial year was highlighted by many raffles, Yard Sale days, and Live in the Garden in Cradock. It also had its challenges; from staffing challenges, decisions to not wait on our hunt auction, and immigration regulations. At the end of the year, I am grateful for God’s continued provision for the organization.
Kabouterland – The Educare Centre has reopened since Covid and is growing slowly. 2022 school year, the Department of Education is assisting with subsidies.
Raffles – The biltong cake continues to be a winner. A big thank you to all those who donated these special items.
Yard Sale Day – After the success in March 2021 of our first Yard Sale, plans were underway to continue this. May and July provided additional days of selling to the local community as well as Roosterkoek.
Live in the Garden – This was a highlight of the year. On 23rd of October, we hosted our second event in Cradock by the Shed. Victory Family Church also assisted with hosting the event. Kimmie and Aiden provided beautiful live music. Unitas International, The Shed, and other local Cradock businesses and individuals provided the food for the event. Our profits this year were over R23,000 for this event.
NPO Fundraising Forum – In August 2021, I completed the forum through Annelise De Jager. She continues to offer support and empowerment initiatives through this platform.
In February 2022, my family was in Mozambique for more than 100 days dues to immigration. While this was not planned on our side, there is a time for everything. My resignation in June 2022 did not come as an easy decision as Sparrows has been very dear to my heart. While the children that first touched my heart in 2015 and got me interested in Sparrows have returned to their homes, the passion to assist vulnerable women and children of the community continues.
For the future leaders and volunteers of Sparrows, I would like to offer a word of advice. Value people. From the workers to the children, to the community members, value people. Give them your attention and share in their lives.
Thank you again for these special years of working together.
| Fundraising Event / Activity | Date | Amount Raised | Donations in Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard Sale and Roosterkoek | 5 May 2021 | R1010 | R1000 |
| Biltong Raffle | 1 June 2021 | R1090 | R350 |
| Yard Sale Day | 3 June 2021 | R310 | R300 |
| Cake Raffle | 15 July 2021 | R970 | R250 |
| Hamper Raffle | 24 August 2021 | R910 | R750 |
| Live in the Garden – Cradock | 23 October 2021 | R23400 | R14200 |
| Christmas Care Raffle | 24 November 2021 | R1340 | R250 |
| Food Pantry Donations (Unitas International) | Continuous | R0 | R102226 |
| Food Pantry Donations (Misc.) | Continuous | R0 | R6250 |
| Donations toward SEESA | Continuous | R14400 | R0 |
| Total | R43430 | R125576 | |
Rachel Helm-Jovo
Fundraising Events and Activities
Please contact us if your name or organisation has been left off this list in error.
| K. W. Pringle | A. Bryant |
| N. Westhuizen | J. Candland |
| L. Phillips | C. Jonk |
| Grand Lodge of South Africa | N. Taliwe |
| M. Burger | A. Kula |
| C. Smith | N. Siqaza |
| S. Kitching | A. van Heerden |
| B. Phillips | F. Knoetze |
| S. Du Preez | L. van Heerden |
| A. Godley | T. Frost |
| S. Nkumenge | Winterberg School Trust |
| C. Elliot | M. Greyling |
| L. Vigne | F. Fusa |
| Christine – Victory Church | B. Phillips |
| Joy – Victory Church | Church of Christ Mission |
| T. Partner | R & J Harris |
| Metcalf & Sahd | D. Mac Taggart |
| S. Triegaardt | DSG Gires |
| D. Bentley | Presbyterian Church Ladies |
| M. Botha | Mrs Mzamo |
| Michan – Victory Church | S. Shuttle |
| K. Makatangana | S. Nkumenge |
| W. Scooth | T. Hirkins |
| N. Smith | F. Knoetze |
| L. Molo |
When Jenny approached me to make myself available to serve on the Sparrows board again in 2020 after an absence, I agreed happily, thinking that – as usual – I would be the secretary. After agreeing, she asked if I would be the chairperson. I said no.
To my dismay and her delight, I happened to miss the first board meeting after the SGM where the new board was elected during Covid. She was positively gleeful when she informed me after the meeting that I had been elected as chairperson in my absence.
At the time, neither of us knew what lay ahead.
We have won some battles, lost some others, and on some fronts, we are still preparing for battle. What we can be certain of, is that the war on abuse and neglect of children will not be settled in our lifetime, but it is a war that Sparrows will fight until either it can no more, or until it is won. We are a bit like Ukraine in that way.
I am confident about the road ahead.
Despite winning awards for good governance, we are strengthening governance each month. Future board members will be carefully recruited, trained and inducted to ensure that the organisation has the best, most inclusive, most diverse leadership at the highest level who know their roles and responsibilities.
In line with that, current board members completed training in governance with Third Sector Insights this past calendar year.
We have also embarked on a process to register Sparrows as an NPC, which has its own stringent requirements on board members, with actionable legal recourse should they fail in their duties. The NPC will be registered as “Sparrows Child and Youth Care Centre” as decided by members at an SGM in 2021, shortening the current cumbersome “Child Welfare South Africa, Tsolwana and Sparrows Child and Youth Care Centre.” The registration is at an advanced stage and should conclude before the end of this financial year.
The NPC registration is an extension of the current NPO registration – Sparrows will be registered as both. All assets will be transferred to the NPC, keeping current agreements with Child Welfare South Africa around transfer of property should Sparrows cease to exist.
In line with the corporate direction the NPC registration is taking us in, we have appointed Nopasika Bhazana as Executive Director, and moved Jenny van Heerden to the position of Development Director. In NPO-speak, that is “Manager” and “Fundraiser.”
Nopasika is immensely qualified to steer Sparrows into this new territory, and we cannot wait to embark fully on this road with her.
Fundraising has been identified as a priority area for Sparrows for many years. Some members may remember that we employed a fundraiser in Ms Mulder some years ago. Unfortunately, she left the organisation and the position was never filled again. Until now.
Jenny will be working from home, fundraising from local and international grant donors aligned with the Sparrows mission. This is not a golden parachute to create income for her while she semi-retires. While she will earn a basic salary, there is a commission component per relevant application submitted, ensuring that there is a results-based remuneration structure. Apart from that, normal reporting procedures will apply, and she will be held accountable.
The board is also embarking on the establishment of various committees to assist with and make recommendations on its responsibilities. Governance is one aspect that is a board’s responsibility, but so are compliance and monitoring. To this end, we are currently reviewing the legal framework within which Sparrows operates, and will develop and publish policies on our website to remove any gray areas that currently may exist.
I would like to encourage members and the Tarkastad community to become involved in the committees, so that they may have a real sense of ownership of the organisation and its future.
We are committed to transparency and the highest ethical standards, which we aim to build into the foundation of the newly established NPC for future boards to build on.
“Change happens at the speed of trust.”
– Stephen R. Covey
David Fourie
Chairperson