The esteemed Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA), based in Laudium, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this past Wednesday, at the Bhidia Centre on 2nd Avenue in Laudium.
Various representatives from different organisations attended the meeting with Covid-19 protocols being followed. Respected Chairperson of the LCSA, Ahmed Arbee said, “Given the accrual of both fixed and movable assets, the LCSA unanimously approved a report tabled by Mahier Tayob, a forensic specialist, as contained in the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI). In terms of the comprehensive report in the MOI, the LCSA is now transformed from a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) to a Non-Profit Company (NPC). Although the NPO captures most of the provisions of the LCSA Constitution, it carries far reaching responsibilities in protecting the assets of the organization with a very focused emphasis on a stringent ethical code. For instance; members and office bearers shall have no personal right to the property of the LCSA, no activity which will directly or indirectly promote the economic self-interest of any fiduciary or any employee of the organization other than by reasonable remuneration, is allowed. In order to quell any pecuniary interest, it also includes a clause that all members who serve on the LCSA, do so on a voluntary basis. The comprehensive MOI clearly places the onus on office bearers to protect donor interest in the process.”
In the Chairperson’s report, Arbee alluded to the consequences of Covid-19 causing global grief, sorrow, sickness and death. “In Laudium alone, we lost many near and dear personalities and family members including our senior citizens. During the lockdown period, seniors were confronted with added challenges from depression to passive neglect in their homes. I appeal to all present that Covid-19 requires us to reset the button of our lifestyle and devote much time in focusing on the needs of the senior citizens and other vulnerable sectors of society.” A committee was formed, headed by Judge Jody Kollapen, which members include: Mahier Tayob, Nazeer Noor Mohammed, Dr Sujata Garach and Nabeel Mohammed from the Pro Roof Group of Companies, to determine the feasibility of sharing the Bhidia Centre with entities other than the LCSA. They are also to look at the viability of the proposed shelter for victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) to be managed by the Laudium Women’s Network (LWN), including possibly other entities and the sharing of general utility costs and other related operational modalities. The Select Committee will collect both oral or written inputs and complete their task in 45 days.
Arbee thanked the board and staff for the team effort and commended Nazeer Noor Mohammed as the LCSA Media Partner, for having published many AGM public notices free of charge in the Laudium Sun. The program included an address by Judge Jody Kollapen and Ms Idah Mashishetse (DSD).
After some robust questions, the AGM was concluded with a vote of thanks by Hafsa Carrim, Deputy Chair of the LCSA. She thanked Moosie Bhidia for making his palatial home available for humanitarian causes. She also thanked donors big and small, concluding that “we cherish you one and all.”
