On Saturday, 18 September 2021, QASA hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event gives the organisation an opportunity to provide its members with feedback on the financial position, activities and management of the organisation.
Members, in turn, have the opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and vote for the board members for the next year. The event includes feedback from the regional associations. For the second year, the AGM took place virtually through the Zoom platform.
The 2021 AGM started with a financial overview by treasurer Richard Barron. The organisation has not been immune to the coronavirus pandemic or lockdown as Richard pointed out. Many of the fundraising activities were cancelled, such as the annual SABAT Wheelchair Race or Quads4Quads. This, along with the strain on the economy, resulted in less income for the 2020/21 financial year.
However, this same restrictions that hindered travel and activities, resulted in less spend, which actually left the organisation in better standing at the end of the financial year. In addition, QASA adapted its projects and services to fit the changing environment. For example, the Work Readiness Programme was launched online so that it can continue despite the lockdown.
This ensured that funders could still support the organisation, while members continued to benefit from the services and programmes run by the organisation.
The financial report was followed by a vote for the board members who will serve the organisation in 2022. While the votes were tallied, the regional associations gave a report of their activities. This was followed by the chairperson’s report, which again highlighted the rollercoaster year that QASA was experiencing.
Chairperson, Simon Manganye, highlighted the successes with the Work Readiness Programme, which he described as the flagship project of the organisation, along with plans to further expand the project. However, he also noted the challenges that the organisation faced with supporting its regional associations, including ensuring they aligned with the QASA constitution, are financially stabled and well managed.
Simon concluded by urging the QASA board to consider establishing a regional association in Mpumalanga – a region he believes needs the support of the organisation.
QASA COO, Raven Benny, concluded the event with his report on the activities of the organisation. His detailed address was captured in a report, which is available on request (send an e-mail to info@qasa.co.za).
He wrapped up the half-day event by stating: “We must remain steadfast in our aims and goals, focus on our vision together with our faithful partners to continue to ensure that all South Africans quadriplegics and paraplegics will live their lives to their full potential.”