Benoni SPCA welcomes new members
“Despite this, however, the committee has gone above and beyond to ensure that our staff received an annual increase this year as well as a Christmas bonus to show our appreciation to them.”
The Benoni SPCA welcomed its new committee members and inspector during its virtual AGM that was hosted on July 14.
Diane Wooldridge retained her position as chairperson of the organisation and introduced Tanya Bird as the vice-chairperson, Mark Downing as the treasurer, Michele Delport as the secretary, as well as committee members Morgane James and Stephanie Day.
She added that throughout the year, the society had its share of ups and downs as it lost two inspectors, a manager and two long-term committee members.
“I had to wonder what on earth was happening as with each departure, my job became harder, but I look on the bright side and know that sometimes you have to be shaken and stirred to move forward and get a much-needed mindset change to progress and not to stagnate.
“Thank goodness for the exceptional staff that has remained, without your help, I am not sure that I would have managed to keep the boat afloat.”
The organisation’s biggest challenge besides funding is finding a manager.
“A manager that runs an SPCA is difficult to find as they are very different to any other manager in the working sector; however, we are working on this and hope that this position will be filled before too much longer.
“The trainees, Thomas Mohlake and Sifiso Mthembu are doing a great job considering all the breaks in training that they have had to endure, but still they are both striving to pass their inspectorate assignments and we wish them good luck for this achievement.
“Regretfully, animal abuse never lets up and constantly is in the forefront of our lives. It takes a very special kind of person who chooses this career and for those of you that do, we salute you.”
She highlighted that this is an exceptionally hard time for an NPO to function to its full capacity with Covid-19 returning constantly, which in turn restricts its fund-raising efforts.
“This is a big concern for our committee and we are trying different ways to bring in the money that is so greatly needed.
“We have to work harder at this and get innovative this year as our costs are rising sharply, but sadly, not our income.
“Despite this, however, the committee has gone above and beyond to ensure that our staff received an annual increase this year as well as a Christmas bonus to show our appreciation to them.”
The animal stats have shown high figures for surrenders over the year.
“This goes to prove that the public is feeling the pinch financially as well in these very difficult times,” said Wooldridge.
“I must say that the public and businesses have been wonderful with donations, which continue to come in as well as items needed in our pound.”
According to Downing, income has increased by 12% from 2020, most of the growth income was from donations.
“Our expenses have increased by 20% from 2020 with the biggest expense being staff salaries.
“We need to make sure to limit costs.”
He proposed the approval of the annual financial statements for the year-end March 3, 2021, and Baird seconded.
Recently appointed inspector Tebogo Maswanganye is a qualified inspector with three years of experience tucked under his belt, Wooldridge welcomed him and hopes that his stay will be long.
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