Ekurhuleni LifeLine once again failed to elect a new board during its second attempt at hosting an AGM at its Russel Street offices on April 22.
With only the election of a new board on the agenda, a decision was made to postpone the meeting to April 26, as none of the 11 individuals who submitted their CVs for the role were present.
Questions were further raised by four prospective board members, who were present, claiming that their names had been omitted from the candidate list, despite submitting the relevant documentation on time.
Ndanduleni Ndou, an Ekurhuleni LifeLine social worker and acting director, explained that the NPO had requested the Benoni City Times, as well as its sister publications to publicise the most recent AGM date as well as a call for board member submissions.
The notice was published on the publication’s website on April 3.
“After the publication, we noted a technical error relating to our email address,” said Ndou.
“We were not receiving CVs and, therefore, requested that it be sent via WhatsApp. It now appears that not all the eligible applicants were informed to do so thus, leading to four candidates not being included.”
She continued by saying that all efforts will be made to obtain these documents for consideration.
Damage control
The March 19 AGM, convened by Ndou, was abruptly adjourned after a representative from the Department of Social Development (DSD), objected to its continuation.
“According to the DSD, NPO and LifeLine constitution, an AGM may not be convened or chaired by a staff member. No matter the outcome of these proceedings, it will be nullified and deemed illegal,” said the representative, who wished to remain anonymous.
Ndou outlined the severity of the organisation’s financial crisis, claiming that DSD is its sole benefactor.
“We need to elect a new board as a matter of urgency,” she said.
“The staff at LifeLine have not received a salary since October. Our account to the CoE is more than R60 000 in arrears, and other utilities like the internet are also in arrears, which affects our ability to offer quality services to our community.”
She further explained that it was critical that a new board is elected in order for the organisation to submit applications for funding to the department, before the March 31 deadline.
The DSD representative responded, “You are trying to do damage control. Your primary focus is submitting your application for funding in time. No matter the decision, you will remain non-compliant and be denied funding.
“Focus on holding a legitimate AGM, remaining compliant and able to submit your application next year. Get your house in order.”
Following much deliberation, it was decided that a task team would be established to scrutinise the financial reports and oversee the selection of candidates.
Four members of the community – Kenneth Phiri, Lulama Lupindo, Michaela Sunnasy and Sharon Muhandi – volunteered for this task.
DSD takes charge
Chairing the April 22 meeting, the DSD representative explained that the department has elected to act as custodians to oversee the election process, ensuring that all protocols adhere to its NPO guidelines.
“We need to ensure that all due processes are followed to the letter. This organisation and its board must be legitimate,” he said.
“Regrettably, the meeting has to be postponed again and I sincerely hope that this matter will be resolved soon.”
He again reminded those in attendance that due to Ekurhuleni LifeLine not currently having an active board, only volunteers affiliated to the organisation will be eligible to vote.
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