The AGM featured a fireside chat with Brent Lindeque, famously known as the 'Good Things Guy,' who shared uplifting stories of ordinary citizens making extraordinary differences in their communities, says Cotlands. 

According to the NPO, Lindeque highlighted the value of focusing on positive news and the power of good deeds to create meaningful change. Lindeque also discussed the role of constructive journalism, encouraging a balance in how we tell stories and emphasising the good happening around us.

Cotlands adds that Lindeque's message resonated deeply with Cotlands' mission of impacting the lives of young children by increasing access to early learning opportunities. 

Chairperson's Report

Marcelle Arnold, Cotlands's Chairperson, reflects on a transformative year for the organisation. Key milestones include the secondment of Cotlands' CEO, Arnold, to lead the Cotlands Social Enterprise (CSE), a strategic decision aimed at creating a sustainable model for community impact.

Arnold also emphasises the importance of fostering leadership from within through a rotational CEO programme, ultimately appointing Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe as Acting CEO.

Arnold acknowledges the challenges posed by the economic landscape but underscores the resilience and adaptability of Cotlands in securing financial stability, thanks to strategic grants and partnerships.

CEO Report

Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe, in the CEO report, celebrates the achievements of Cotlands over the past year, notably a 33% improvement in school readiness scores across their programmes.

Dladla-Qwabe also praises the leadership team's growth and adaptability through the rotational CEO experience, which strengthened their management skills.

Dladla-Qwabe addresses challenges such as navigating government regulations for early learning playgroups and the unsuccessful bid for the USAID grant while reaffirming the organisation's commitment to advocacy and innovation.

New Board Appointments

According to Cotlands, the AGM also welcomes the appointment of new board members, who will play a pivotal role in guiding Cotlands through the coming year:

  • Fareda Franks
  • Adrian Moodley
  • Nthabiseng Moraka
  • Kefilwe Mokwena, and
  • Matthew Arthur-Gray.

Cotlands has bid a heartfelt farewell to outgoing Board members Niven Postma, Tatiana Page and Motseki Majake, whose tenures have ended. 

Special thanks are given to Theodore de Jager for his contributions over the past three years, especially in strengthening the organisation's governance, says the NPO.

Looking forward

According to the NPO, as it looks ahead to FY2025, priorities include:

  • expanding toy libraries and early learning playgroups
  • developing Cotlands Social Enterprise, and
  • continuing to advocate for early learning opportunities across South Africa.

The Board reaffirmes its commitment to driving innovation, improving governance and ensuring Cotlands continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and their communities, concludes Cotlands.

Individuals can view the 2024 annual report here. 

For more information, visit www.cotlands.org. You can also follow Cotlands on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor