FAMSA recently convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Huiz Ta Che in Trichardt, marking a significant occasion to reflect on the past year’s endeavours, challenges overcome, and future aspirations. The meeting served as a platform to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of its board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, all of whom have contributed to the organisation’s mission of strengthening families in South Africa.

The AGM commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees, underscoring the importance of their presence and continued support. The Chairperson’s report set the tone for the meeting, highlighting key achievements and expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that have propelled FAMSA forward. In particular, the report emphasised the warm welcome extended to two new members, Veneshrie Chetty and Jana Oosthuizen, who joined the board, bringing valuable expertise in marketing, organising, and journalism. Their contributions are anticipated to further enhance the organisation’s reach and impact.

A significant highlight of the past year was the celebration of Social Workers’ Day. The board members took the initiative to plan and fund an event to honour the contributions of social work professionals, including social auxiliary workers. The event featured a variety of activities, including coaching sessions on the circle of influence, fun sports, team-building exercises, and pampering sessions. This initiative underscored the board’s dedication to fostering a supportive and appreciative environment for its staff, recognising their crucial role in delivering essential services to the community.

Navigating the complex landscape of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and their relationship with government funding, FAMSA demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges. Despite funding constraints experienced by NGOs nationwide, the organisation successfully secured funding for an additional three years in Standerton. Furthermore, FAMSA expressed gratitude to the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development (DSD) for its continued subsidies, recognising the vital role of government support in sustaining its programs.

As the meeting progressed, the Chairperson, Santa Vermaak, delivered her farewell address, marking her last meeting as a volunteer for FAMSA. With heartfelt gratitude, she acknowledged the privilege of working alongside dedicated staff members since September 2012. Vermaak also reiterated the benefits of volunteering, emphasising its positive impact on communities and individuals alike.

The Treasurer’s report provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s financial performance, highlighting adherence to financial policies and practices. The Auditor’s report affirmed the well-maintained financial practices of FAMSA, with no irregularities identified. The report indicated that the primary source of income was the Department of Social Development, with supplementary income derived from interest and consultation fees. While the organisation reported a budgeted loss for the year, the Treasurer emphasised the importance of exploring external streams of income to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Director’s report offered an honest reflection on the past year, acknowledging the challenges faced and the need to adapt to an ever-changing social climate. The Director emphasised the importance of appointing skilled and passionate staff members, highlighting the contributions of Gift Sibiya and Geneava Ngazi. Furthermore, the organisation remained committed to providing in-service training opportunities to enhance staff skills and knowledge.

FAMSA prides itself on good governance and compliance, adhering to all legal and registration requirements. This commitment to ethical practices enhances its credibility and attractiveness to donors and beneficiaries alike.

The organisation has also embarked on a new venture to identify and nominate community ambassadors to celebrate and commemorate relevant calendar events. This initiative aims to promote community engagement and raise awareness of important social issues.

In terms of service delivery, the Secunda Social Workers hosted a family day event to celebrate the institution of family, while FAMSA presented at Witbank Correctional Services on youth and relationships. These initiatives underscore the organisation’s commitment to reaching diverse communities and addressing critical social needs.

In conclusion, the FAMSA Annual General Meeting 2025 served as a testament to the organisation’s resilience, dedication, and commitment to strengthening families in South Africa. Despite the challenges faced, FAMSA remains steadfast in its mission, driven by the unwavering support of its board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Adri van Schalkwyk-Le Roux then spoke about “Strong, Sacred and Slightly Sassy: Celebrating Women who Own it!”

Here is a summary of what she said.

Adri discusses the importance of self-worth and confidence, particularly for women. She emphasises the challenges women face, such as societal expectations and self-criticism, and encourages embracing self-care and self-respect. Adri highlights the concept of being designed with divine intention and the importance of recognising one’s value without seeking external validation. She shares practical tips for boosting self-esteem, such as dressing up and using makeup as a form of self-expression. The talk also touches on the metaphor of wearing God’s armour to combat negative thoughts and the power of positive thinking. The speaker aims to inspire women to celebrate themselves and recognise every day as special.

Action Points:

• Encourage women to practice self-care and self-worth daily.
• Promote the idea of divine intention and self-acceptance among women.
• Share practical tips on using existing wardrobe and makeup to boost confidence.

Key Topics:

Introduction and Professional Background

• Adri van Schalkwyk-Le Roux introduces herself as an attorney with a practice in conveyancing and family law. She addresses the perception of being a ‘professional home wrecker’ due to her involvement in divorces, but emphasises her commitment to helping families dissolve marriages amicably and co-parent effectively.

Celebrating Women’s Strength and Challenges

• In recognition of Women’s Month, Adri discusses the unique challenges women face, including societal pressures and self-doubt. She humorously describes the internal conflict women experience when shopping and the reality of budget constraints.

The Importance of Confidence and Self-Worth

• Adri introduces the concept of confidence, self-worth, and self-care as essential and free ‘products’ that women should embrace. She highlights the tendency for women to criticise themselves and encourages them to own their reflection and recognise their divine design.

Practical Steps for Self-Improvement

• Adri provides practical advice for women to improve their self-esteem, such as wearing makeup and dressing up for themselves. She emphasises the importance of starting small and gradually building confidence, using resources like YouTube and Pinterest for guidance.

Positive Thinking and Self-Acceptance

• Adri concludes by discussing the power of positive thinking and the metaphor of wearing God’s armour to combat negative thoughts. She encourages women to celebrate themselves and recognise every day as special, reinforcing the message of self-worth and empowerment.