Haven survives cash-strapped year
The centre manager thanked the staff for their devotion in carrying out their duties during this frustrating year.
Mercy Haven reflected on a challenging but successful 2023/24 during its AGM on June 29.
Centre manager Maria Pereira said financial challenges were the order of the day this year because the high levels of load-shedding increased their operating costs.
“We also experienced an underground water leak. It required urgent repair work, incurred the cost of water that wasn’t used and necessitated installing new plumbing throughout the property,” said Pereira.
She said the issue of the excessive water account from the CoE is still ongoing.
“They have credited our bill considerably but still not to our liking. The bill currently stands at R102 399. We are in contact with the Kempton Park office, which is assessing the matter.”
Pereira said they would soon start the renovations in the House of Magdalene.
“We eagerly await to see how the proposed renovations will change our old house into a more modern and functional home,” said Pereira.
Furthermore, the manager said staff turnover was still a problem.
“Due to the Department of Social Development’s low salaries for cooks, drivers and house mothers, it is difficult to attract the calibre of staff we need to ensure the turnover is corrected. We will try to attract volunteers who can, possibly, also train the present staff. More training needs to be given for the staff to be made aware that they are an integral part of Mercy Haven,” said Pereira, adding that their client intake from April 2023 to March was 206 as opposed to last year’s 335.
Pereira thanked the staff for their devotion in carrying out their duties during this frustrating year.
In his report, Mercy Haven chairperson Deacon Daryl Gabin said that, according to statistics, a woman is murdered every three hours in SA.
“Mercy Haven was able to address this part of the country’s crisis this year by providing help and care to the abused women and their children we housed in our home,” he said.
Gabin said the organisation embarked on a strategy of addressing human resources and building maintenance challenges.
“This strategy was successfully carried out. Mercy Haven is always grateful for each board member and the skills, experience and commitment they bring to the board,” he said.
The chairperson recognised the dedication and hard work of all those who served with passion to ensure the success of Mercy Haven this past year.
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