2019/2020

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cancel key events like the Easter Fair, the Art Exhibition, and our annual Black Tie event, The Night of the Stars.
These events were vital for generating income to support our plans for the year.

Heidi Collyer, our former Care Manager, left on 31 October 2019 after 12 years of dedicated service to Msunduzi Hospice. We were pleased that her successor, Sheila, smoothly transitioned into the role.

What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Despite the lockdown, we maintained our core mission of caring for those in need, thanks to the commitment of our nurses and extended care services. Other staff worked limited hours, a decision made during a Zoom meeting with the Executive and our CEO, Warren, on 30 April 2020.

2020/2021

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

Msunduzi Hospice celebrated the fact that, despite financial challenges, they retained their entire staff and did not need to lay off anyone. The Board agreed on a 50% bonus for all staff, along with an annual salary increase.

The Hospice received crucial financial support from the National Lotteries Commission, Hulamin, PEPFAR, Community Chest, Victor Daitz, and the Bains family. The Provincial Department of Health also renewed its funding for palliative care services, which came at an ideal time.

Additionally, the Hospice’s shops began operating under healthier conditions as trading hours were increased.

2021/2022

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

Msunduzi Hospice accommodated 5th-year medical students from UKZN Medical School for exposure to Palliative Home-based care. The Provincial Department of Health, KZN, renewed its SLA with the Hospice for providing Palliative care.

The external COHSASA survey was provisionally set for 7 and 8 June 2022, and all systems were in place to ensure its success. Care Manager Sheila Planteau De Marousem assisted with CCPN training at Hillcrest. Sheila and her team became trusted advisors to many caregiving organisations locally and in surrounding areas.

After a two-year break due to COVID-19, the Easter Fair was held successfully and generated financial support. However, the annual Black-Tie event, The Night of the Stars, remained on hold, along with the Friends of Hospice Annual fundraiser. It was hoped these events would resume the following year, as they were essential for funding plans for the year.

What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Towards the end of 2022, it became clear that finances were in serious trouble, threatening the sustainability of Msunduzi Hospice. Several plans were discussed and implemented, starting with acknowledging the challenge of generating income, which was expected to become even more difficult. Staff costs, which accounted for approximately 74% of expenses in 2023, were identified as a major expense. Efforts focused on saving and generating more money, as funding directly impacted services delivered.

One measure involved not replacing staff who retired or resigned, including key members, resulting in an 11% reduction in employment costs from 2022 to 2023. However, this approach negatively affected patient care and created unhappiness among the team. Increased workloads on those covering the gaps led to mistrust between team members and management. Additional issues, such as no salary increases over 24 months and reduced bonuses in 2022 and 2023, contributed to discontent.

Between 2020 and 2023, there were 16 resignations or retirements, 9 of which came from the care team, and most were not replaced. These challenges were acknowledged as requiring resolution in the current and upcoming financial year.

2022/2023

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

Msunduzi Hospice celebrated 40 years of existence, marking a significant milestone in its history. The community of Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas benefitted greatly from the professional palliative care provided over the years. The Hospice’s shops experienced healthier trading conditions, and the depot received regular, generous donations. Gratitude was expressed to loyal volunteers, who were considered the lifeblood of the organisation, and to hardworking staff for facing challenges and persevering. Alongside other key contributors, Msunduzi Hospice remained a center of palliative excellence, recognized as one of two in KZN and one of five in South Africa. The sentiment of earning a living by what you get and a life by what you give was emphasized.

What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Weekly Wednesday day-care sessions for patients had been postponed but were resumed, meeting twice a month. A decision was needed on whether to continue meeting at Hospice House or explore other community centers.

2023/2024

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

The Wednesday Day-care program resumed, meeting twice a month. Patients who participated enjoyed their outings and fun-filled Wednesdays. The dedicated team of Day-care volunteers continued to perform an outstanding role.

Msunduzi Hospice received a new Suzuki from the South African Muslim Trust, followed by a Mahindra Bakkie donated by the Sibaya Community Trust. These vehicles arrived at a crucial time as the existing fleet presented challenges. NLC funds were received in May 2024. The Department of Labour conducted a site visit, requiring a Certificate of Compliance (C.O.C.), which was successfully obtained with support from those involved.

Gratitude was expressed to the vibrant and committed Board members for their involvement in the smooth functioning of Msunduzi Hospice. Their guidance significantly contributed to achieving the organisation’s core mission of providing quality palliative care.

NOVEMBER 2024

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

A new chapter began at Msunduzi Hospice as a newly appointed management team took on leadership roles, continuing the organisation’s vital mission of serving the community. Letitia Marais was appointed CEO, having started her journey with MHA in 2012 as a social worker. She expressed deep commitment to the organisation’s mission. Brenda Urwin became the Palliative Care Manager after serving at Hospice for 12 years. Skholiwe Radebe was named Infrastructure Team Leader, responsible for maintaining the buildings and vehicles, with 16 years of service at Hospice.

To quote Pete, Hospice Board Chairperson: “We conducted interviews, but none of the external candidates fitted the profile. So, we appointed these individuals in acting positions, and they have earned their stripes. They have served faithfully, and their appointments reflect their commitment. We have already received a great deal of positive feedback regarding their selection.

RETAIL

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

• Boot Markets which are held monthly (last day of the month) – The impact of the car boot market increases foot traffic, sales as well as new ‘blood’ into the organisation.
• Bargain Bin / R10 upcycle clothing (Started in 2023)
• Bin Bags – Bin bags are sold on Wednesday and Saturday from R70 (mixed clothing and shoes).
• White Elephant (a term we use to sell items that are of inferior quality due to damage or soiled and cannot be sold in our shops). 2 x per week (Wednesday and Saturday).
• Courtyard displays – Every Monday and Tuesday our retail team put up a display with a theme pertaining to our events or a special event on the calendar.
• Pensioner’s Discount – We have introduced a 5% pensioner’s discount on a Monday in all 3 shops. This is working well and proving popular.

What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

• Donations: We rely on good quality donations which help to boost sales
• We pick up donations on a Thursday – some of the donations are ‘time wasters’
• With the R70 bin bags, the community sometimes complain due to the poor quality of the bags which impacts on our customer relationships as it is frustrating.
• Lack of reliable volunteers and shortage of staff impacts on stock being checked, cleaned, priced, priced and recorded to keep shops well stocked
• E-waste. It has been difficult to find a company that takes our e-waste and pays us for it. They are happy to take it but not willing to pay for it.

What would you still like to achieve?

White Elephant – I would love to have the white elephant displayed in a way which is creative, different and becomes the most talked about place ‘in town’.

What assistance would assist you in achieving this?

An extra staff member that could ‘shadow’ myself would allow me more time to do admin paperwork, search internet for ideas, networking forums – more productive energy instead of being distracted by time consuming tasks.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

What are the achievements that you are most proud of?

• The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC): In 2024, they held a fashion show in support of Msunduzi Hospice which was a huge success
• Help in the shops and Depot every Tuesday afternoon as well as at our fairs
• They have invited MHA to sell preloved items at their annual 01 May market
• Bookshop – Book readings have taken place in the school holidays facilitated by volunteer, Julie Dawson
• Networking: Gateway School, St Nicholas, Varsity College
• Canons Auctioneers – I have the knowledge to identify good quality collectibles (art) / furniture and valuables that are able to fetch more monetary value for MHA.