Successful 34th Nishtara AGM

On November 24, 2024, the Nishtara Recovery and Wellness Centre held its 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its facility in Ext 9, Lenasia, marking a significant milestone for the organization. Since its inception in 1990, the Centre has been a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with substance use disorders, providing recovery support and transforming lives in the community. However, the past year has posed significant challenges for the Centre, with financial difficulties and uncertainty surrounding its future, making this year's AGM particularly poignant.

A year of uncertainty and resilience, 2024 has been described as a “rollercoaster” for Nishtara, particularly due to a sudden budgetary cut by the Department of Social Development (DSD), which raised concerns about whether the Centre could remain operational. Despite these challenges, the Centre’s doors stayed open, and no staff member was sent home without a salary, thanks to the dedication of the team and the grace of God. 

Former chairperson, Neeshan Balton, shared his gratitude for the staff's resilience during these uncertain times. He also expressed his hope that the incoming board of management would find a way to make Nishtara more self-sufficient and less reliant on government funding. “Nishtara, like many NGOs and CBOs, had to wait for prolonged periods to know whether they would be funded or not, and it was not a conducive environment for our staff or patients,” said Balton.

He emphasized the need for greater awareness of the Centre’s vital work, which he believes is crucial for generating the resources needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Balton also acknowledged the ongoing issue regarding the ownership of the property, apologizing that it had not been resolved during his tenure as chairperson. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Centre’s Director, Shahida Kazie, for her exceptional leadership, which has allowed Nishtara to continue growing and making an impact.

Director Shahida Kazie Reflects on the Year’s Challenges. In her speech, Kazie spoke candidly about the difficult year Nishtara had faced. She described the challenges as among the most significant the Centre had encountered in recent history, beginning with a delay in receiving the necessary certificate of registration to continue as a treatment facility, followed by a five-month suspension of government funding.

Kazie acknowledged that, like many institutions in the sector, Nishtara was thrust into an uncertain situation, with financial strain mounting and difficult decisions looming. "The temptation to reduce staff, cut salaries, or even close the doors of Nishtara was real,” she said. However, the team refused to give in to these pressures. “The only solution we had when we hit rock bottom was to practice what we preached," Kazie explained. Despite the adversity, Nishtara’s staff, board members, and patients came together with renewed determination to uphold the Centre's mission and ensure the highest quality of care.

Kazie emphasized that the Centre's commitment to its patients, particularly those struggling with addiction, was unwavering. “We refused to let go of our vision. We refused to compromise on the quality of care we provide to those struggling with substance use disorders, and most importantly, we refused to abandon the very people who rely on us for hope,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Kazie expressed pride in the Centre’s ability to weather the storm and continue providing life-changing support to individuals battling addiction. She highlighted the dedication of every staff member, who remained focused on Nishtara's mission even during the toughest times. "No staff member had to worry about their salary being cut, nor did anyone lose their job," Kazie added. 

As Nishtara moves forward into its 35th year, Kazie stressed the importance of increased community outreach and publicity to raise awareness about the Centre’s invaluable work.

"People will rally behind Nishtara if they know more about what we do," Balton ended, reiterating the need for constant media presence and greater engagement with the community to ensure the Centre's sustainability.

The former treasurer Tasneem Docrat proudly presented the Centre's audited unqualified Annual Financial Statements for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Despite a challenging financial environment, Nishtara managed to maintain transparency and financial accountability, a testament to the Centre's strong governance.

Docrat outlined the significant economic difficulties faced by the Centre during the past year, including escalating food and fuel costs, as well as the ongoing water and electricity crises. These challenges had a direct impact on the Centre's operations, but, despite the financial strain, Nishtara remained committed to delivering essential services to those in need. 

“We have not only met, but also in some cases exceeded, the targets set by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) as outlined in our annual business plans. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members who implement these vital programs,” Docrat remarked, highlighting the resilience and dedication of the Centre’s staff in delivering quality care despite the hardships.

Docrat also spoke about the primary source of funding for Nishtara, which continues to come from the Department of Social Development (DSD). This funding subsidizes the Centre’s treatment programs and supports its outreach volunteers. Despite delays in disbursements caused by internal challenges within DSD, Nishtara’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the department and adhering to its norms and standards ensured that the Centre continued to receive the support it needed.

However, Docrat pointed out a notable financial challenge this year — the provision for bad debts resulting from the unexpected liquidation of Habib Overseas Bank, where emergency funds had been deposited and they had suffered a loss of almost R1.4million. The Centre had emergency funds deposited with the institution, which had been crucial in bridging the gap caused by delayed payments from DSD. The liquidation of the bank left Nishtara facing significant financial losses, but the Centre’s ability to navigate this crisis further demonstrated its resilience and commitment to its mission.

Despite these setbacks, the Centre’s sound financial management and adherence to its mission allowed Nishtara to continue serving its patients and community without compromising the quality of care. 

Docrat concluded her financial report by emphasizing the Centre's unwavering dedication to its mission of recovery and wellness, even in the face of considerable financial challenges. "We are proud to present these unqualified financial statements, which reflect not only our commitment to financial integrity but also the strength of the relationships we have cultivated with our stakeholders," she said.

The presentation of these unqualified financial statements underscores Nishtara’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively despite the economic difficulties of the past year, ensuring that it can continue to provide life-changing services to those in need. The Centre's ability to adapt and remain focused on its mission is a testament to the dedication of its board, staff, and supporters, who continue to rally behind its important work in the community.

The AGM concluded with heartfelt thanks to the staff, board members, and supporters who have stood by the Centre through these challenging times. With a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to its mission, Nishtara Recovery and Wellness Centre continues to be a vital resource for those seeking recovery and healing.