Actonville welfare remains positive despite challenging year

The dedication and resilience of Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society staff have kept things afloat despite many challenges faced during the previous financial year.

This was revealed during the organisation’s 33rd AGM, which was held on September 9 at Actonville Primary School.

Actonville Child and Family Welfare Society render statutory social work and child protection services to children. The organisation’s main office is based in Actonville, while its two other satellite offices are in Wattville and Kingsway.

Presenting his chairperson report, Mohamed Sirkhot said they have been hit hard following the halting of their fundraising events since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Last year, we managed to raise over R160 000 through the support we received from our regular donors, friends, family and business associates, which helped to give us some respite to overcome our monthly overheads.

“However, for this year, our funds are again under strain due to ever-soaring cost of administration such as exorbitant petrol prices, Ekurhuleni utility increments, insurances, telephone and vehicle maintenance,” said Sirkhot.

He added that two of their three vehicles are no longer safe for staff and clients as they need mechanical repairs.

“For the past two years the Department of Social Development requested us to submit vehicle quotations and motivation for a new vehicle but after applying we haven’t had any fruitful outcome, but we are still hopeful,” he said.

Sirkhot said they are still finding another suitable premise to run their Kingsway satellite office, based at Kingsway Intermediate School, which is currently not conducive for their clients and staff.

He urged young professionals to become members of the organisation, stating that the current board members consist of members who have been serving the organisation for the past 20 to forty years.

Social Work Services
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the organisation aims to continue serving the community in the best way. An area of concern pointed out during the meeting was the shortage of social workers.

Reading Haneefa Chitimbe’s social work report, Sirkhot said their social workers have high caseloads as they deal with more than 100 cases per social worker, which leads to the hampering of services.

Financials
Presenting the treasurer’s report, Mayet said the total revenue increased from R2 083, 922 to R2 191, 348 while gross revenue increased from R1 953, 417 to R2 026, 171.

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