AS Tafta celebrates a new beginning for its longstanding CEO, Margie Smith of more than three decades, the organisation also welcomes its new CEO, Femada Shamam.
Margie Smith, who has successfully led Tafta through the years with passion, dedication and commitment hung up her coat as CEO and will assume 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.
“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 consider myself blessed to have worked alongside such talented and dedicated staff that is committed to advancing Tafta’s mission each and every day. I am confident that the new leader will maintain the organisation’s long-held values while taking Tafta to new heights,” she added.
Shamam is set to take on the reins this month adding that she remained committed to following the leadership path paved successfully by Smith.
Shamam’s journey at Tafta began 17 years ago, as a young social worker. Over the years she 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 said.
