TAFTA celebrates a new beginning as longstanding CEO of more than three decades, Margie Smith, takes on a new role within the organisation.
Smith, who has successfully led Tafta through the years with passion, dedication and commitment, hung up her coat as CEO and assumed a new role during semi-retirement, as head of the special projects division – Tafta Business.
“It has been a long journey, and the journey continues. I believe that all things can always improve. At every platform I seek opportunities to form partnerships, collaborations or simply just start a conversation on how we can create the right environment for our elders to flourish,” said Smith, who has been instrumental in shaping Tafta to the force that it is today and holds the reputation of being an “extraordinary” leader.
Tafta is grounded in the conviction that access to safe, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right, and Smith has over the years carried the torch. She has established, cultivated, and solidified the reputation of Tafta as a trusted organisation committed to serving the needs of senior citizens within the province.
“Tafta is indeed well positioned for continued success due in large part to Smith’s leadership and vision. In particular, it was her determined advocacy for so many years that led to the creation of, and funding for, Langeler Towers – Tafta’s most ambitious 10 year project,” said Wicus Jacobs, vice-chairman of the Tafta Council.
“What a great gift it has been, to serve an organisation that is deeply committed to social justice and takes such bold positions to solve the housing challenges of the senior citizens in the eThekwini region. I am confident that the new leader will maintain the organisation’s long-held values while taking Tafta to new heights,” added Smith who welcomes her successor, Femada Shamam.
Shamam is set to take up the reins this month, adding that she remained committed to following the leadership path paved “successfully” by Smith.
“My guiding belief has always been that better lives for the elderly are indeed possible. I invite all, elders, staff, partners and the community at large to join me as we journey this road. Together we can achieve great things,” said Shamam.
Her journey at Tafta began 17 years ago, as a young social worker. “This was not meant to happen. As I started my work as a home social worker and service centre organiser, I was both inspired and terrified by the enormity of the need of the elders. I realised there was so much that could be done to make their lives better. It was here that the seed of my passion for working in this field was sowed,” explained Shamam.
Over the years Shamam assumed various management roles within the organisation until she was appointed Chief Operations Officer in 2016.
“My inspiration was drawn by the successes of the staff whom I led. Their joys, their achievements and their successes spurred me on to be better and do better,” said Shamam.
