The Grinding Issue: June 2024 Edition
Governance!
What a time to be alive in SA. The people have indeed spoken, and a watershed moment is upon us as a country. There is extensive coverage in the media and the general public discourse regarding the permutations of coalition politics and possible ramifications. To that end, the purpose of this write up is not an attempt at a deeper dive into the subject matter but rather a reflection for us as the Grind Foundation members in relation to how we govern our own affairs.
The SA constitution is the point of departure for any decision making by any political party. Considerations must be informed by the governing framework of the constitution combined with the strategic imperatives of each party as dictated by the mandates given to them by their constituents. For us as the Grind Foundation, our governance point of departure is the Trust Deed that founded the entity that facilitates all our activities.
Our trust deed is available on our website for all to inspect and interrogate, however we acknowledge that the likelihood of all members doing so is very low. That said, it is important that we are all acquainted with some of the key provisions of the trust deed so that we do not flounder and find ourselves wanting legally. As we grow and engage with our stakeholders, different dynamics get introduced across the risk spectrum ranging from child safeguarding to reputational aspects. The best way to protect the Foundation is to ensure that we adhere to our governance provisions as stipulated by the trust deed. This is additionally augmented by our member’s code of conduct document as well as the sexual harassment policy. We implore all members to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the various policies.
Back to the trust deed, I thought it would be useful just to focus on three areas being membership, membership meetings and appointment of trustees. I want to be clear that the purpose of this is to ensure that we as members are better informed about our governance obligations. We will find that in some instances we have not followed the provisions of the trust deed to the letter as a result of the practicalities and needs of the organisation at a point in time. Ours is to use this opportunity to correct some of the unintended transgression.
I am sure none of us remember agreeing in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions of the trust deed as described in point 3 above. The leadership may have to review this or possibly go through the process of getting each member to adhere.
It is quite self-explanatory regarding membership meetings as stipulated above. So when the trustees give notice for member meetings, please do have the courtesy of responding and preferably attending the meetings. We need 50% membership participation for a quorum as detailed below.
With regards to the appointment of trustees and terms of trustees, the leadership has been quite consistent in the rotation of trustees to date bar the position of treasurer. This was deliberate from a [point of continuity and institutional memory. In part, Nyiko Mageza has been doing such a fantastic job in his stewardship of the Foundation’s financials that it was felt necessary that he continues. That said, we do have to realign with the provisions of the deed, and I ask the leadership to look into correcting this in the appropriate manner.
One of the motivations to start the Grind Foundation was an attempt to do better and contribute to our communities by executing with the highest level of integrity. We wanted to do things the correct way. Adhering to the governance provisions is part of that. It is also more than just being compliant but executing in the spirit of the intended purpose of the foundation.
Onwards & upwards
S.E.M.
Events and Fundraising Calendar
Immediate Upcoming Events
After Work Drinks - 28 June 2024
Event Calendar (Indicative Dates)
Strategy Session – 31 July 2024
Annual General Meeting – 31 August 2024
Golf Day – 25 October 2024
Grind Leadership
Board Of Trustees
Chairperson – Du Mhango
chairman@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Secretary General – Sihle Godden
secretarygeneral@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Treasurer – Nyiko Mageza
treasurer@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Member Affairs – Hamilton Ndlovu
ChiefWhip@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Head of Projects – Marjorie Mlambo
projects@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Cape Town Representation – Sandile Malinga
regionsCPT@thegrindfoundation.co.za
Subcommittees
Media and Communications
Head - Semadi Motau
Members – Catherine Riba, Katlego Pule, Madikana Phalafala, Mhlengi Kunene, Mothei Mphuthi, Yalusa Jongihlati, Lucky.
Projects
Head - Marjorie Mlambo
Members – Mmeli Danisa, Linda Nyembezi, Marjorie Mlambo, Mzwandile Riba, Ore Megbope, Refiloe Maruta, Thandeka Skosana, Warren Miller
Events and Fundraising
Head - Du Mhango
Members – Warren Miller, Thapelo Masilela, Sthe Zwane, Sandile Malinga, Maredi Mampuru, Asmeralda Motau, Nyiko Mageza, Jessica Fhulu Mamelasigidi, Grace Mahlomotja, Sihle Godden
