Brother Michael
de Klerk
Chairman - Outgoing
Outgoing Chairperson’s Message
It has been a privilege to Chair the Board for the past eight years. I believe that organisations need to limit the service of the leadership roles on Boards so that Board refreshment can occur. As indicated in the Director’s report, a change in the leadership of REAP’s Board takes place from January 2023. I wish to thank Mses Celeste Bennett and Kanyisa Diamond for accepting the leadership role, as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, of REAP.
Both women come with diverse and relevant experience and I feel confident that the future leadership of the organisation rests in capable hands.
I would like to place on record my deep gratitude to the retiring Vice-Chair, Prof. Mary Nassimbeni, for her loyalty and support both to me and the organisation. Mary ably chaired the Executive meetings and compiled Executive reports for the full Board. As a founding member of the Board, Mary’s knowledge and history of REAP will be sorely missed.
Mention needs to be made of the Director’s key role in identifying suitable Board members to fill vacancies that existed on the Board from time to time. REAP has been enriched by the many Board members who have generously have dedicated their time and expertise to support and shape the organisation. Attention has been paid to assure the financial integrity and solvency of REAP. Procedures have also been put in place to safeguard the organisation from fraud and risk. It is noteworthy to have a REAP alumnus in the important role of Treasurer from 2023. Mr Hulisani Matodzi’s involvement with REAP is a good example of ploughing back to the community – something that is encouraged by REAP.
My experience over the years has been that of a well-functioning Board that cares for the organisation. While being supportive and giving direction, members were not afraid to challenge and engage in robust conversations when the need arose. As a result of these exchanges, keeping to the alotted time on the agenda became a challenge during some of the meetings. Overall, my whole-hearted gratitude and appreciation go to all Board members, past and present, for making my job as Chair easier so that meetings generally ran smoothly.
As REAP continues to develop its new strategic direction, the vision and mission of the organisation is still relevant in our scarred society. Support and guidance continues to be offered to movitated young South Africans from disadvantaged rural households. We are constantly aware of the deepening divisions between rich and poor in our country.
The foundations that were laid more than 20 years ago continue today under the direction of the Board, Management and staff. We know that the seeds we plant will one day grow … and that gives us enouragment to carry on.
I wish to conclude this message with a word of thanks to our donors and those who believe in the work of REAP. Your support is deeply appreciated.
Brother Michael de Klerk
CHAIRMAN - Outgoing
Celestine Bennett
Board Chair – incoming
Incoming Chairperson’s Message
I wish to thank the outgoing Chair, Brother Michael De Klerk, for his devotion to REAP and his many years of service as Board Chair. We are delighted to have been able to retain his services. Welcome to all the new office bearers. I look forward to working with you.
Thanks to all for the vote of confidence in formalising my appointment. These are big shoes to fill. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
While the world continues to be challenged by ongoing volatility, REAP is no exception. A subset of the Board had the privelege of crafting a new strategy working alongside the leadership team which will assist in future proofing the organisation beyond 2023.
While our vision remains relevant:- “To reduce rural poverty in South Africa by developing skilled, self-sustaining, ethically responsible youth, the need to facilitate educational access for the poorest of the poor is an even greater clarion call. REAP’s ability to pivot to its new strategy will require grit and determination.
Despite significant challenges, REAP managed to post a break even financial result for 2022 along with an unqualified audit report. This result was delivered despite great adversity and an every changing donor landscape. With mental health taking centre stage post COVID, REAPs psychosocial support model becomes even more important. We have a firm conviction that our success lies in our commitment to making a positive impact on our socio-economic environment.
Although REAP anticipates a challenging year ahead, with high levels of unemployment and lack lustre economic growth, our new strategy will be put to the test. We plan to prudently tackle the challenges while aggressively pursuing the new opportunities where we can. Board priorities include the financial sustainability of REAP as well as further expanding our programmes into the schools and TVET sectors.
I have the honour of chairing the Board of an organisation with great talent combined with a committed and well resourced Board devoted to delighting our students and making sure they matter in all our interactions.
It would be remiss of me not to extend an engraved thank you to all our donors, without whose support none of our work would have been possible. We look forward to expanding our donor network in the coming years.
While new and familiar headwinds will face us in 2023. I am confident that these will be managed with the required response by both the Board and the REAP team. I am inspired by our people, our new strategy and excited by the opportunities that await us.
Celestine Bennett
Board Chair – incoming