Changing the heart of the city!

Annual ReportMarch 2014 – February 2015

VISIONTo change the heart of the city!

MISSION:To empower people holistically to live independent, sustainable and meaningful lives.

CORE VALUESThe core values of MES are based on Christian principles and should be reflected to all stakeholders:

As deel van MES se besparingstrategie sal die jaarverslag net in Engels beskikbaar wees. Die Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte se verslag is wel in Afrikaans beskikbaar in die Augustus/September uitgawe van die MES Nuusbrief, wat ook beskikbaar gestel word op ons webtuiste: www.mes.org.za

The layout and printing of this report has been generously sponsored by

Photo acknowledgementsImages provided with courtesy by the following photographers:

Bibi Schoeman enricco@firestunt.co.za

Jonneke Oskam – Karakteristiekfotografie & Yolandie van Niekerk www.jonnekeoskam.nl

Liza Coetzee lcoetzee.picz@gmail.com

MES LEGAL STATUS:Not for Profit Company: 1989/004921/08

NPO: 023-603

PBO: 930003011

18A: RG/0012/09/04

TO MOULD– Support and reach out with compassion, love and care – Encourage and motivate through positive communication– Treat others with respect and fairness irrespective of religion, race, gender,

age, cultural background or sexual orientationTO EMPOWER– Accountable and responsible with clear strategy, roles and structure – Apply sound corporate governance and financial procedures as well as

effective monitoring and evaluation processes– Reflect and enhance integrity, transparency and effective leadership TO SERVE– Practice Christian disciplines and create a servant and service culture– Be a voice of righteousness for the disempowered– Serve as integrated team with a common vision and goal

Mark Wessels, Photojournalist www.markwesselsphoto.com

Ryan Sobey www.different.org

Wynand van der Merwe www.wvdmphotography.co.za

Contents

CONTACT DETAILS PER BRANCH & BANKING DETAILS

MES JHB 011 725 6531 16 Kapteijn Street, Hillbrow (MES General, ABSA, Account Number: 3240140208, Branch Code: 632005) (Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ)

MES Kempton 011 024 4580 6 Kempton Weg, Kempton Park (MES Kempton, ABSA, Account Number: 9228657779, Branch Code: 632005) (Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ)

MES Cape Town 021 949 8736 3 Davies Street, Bellville (MES Cape Town, ABSA, Account Number: 4058062432, Branch Code: 632005) (Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ)

MES Port Elizabeth 041 451 0398 c/o Kempston Rd and Hiles, Korsten (MES Port Elizabeth, ABSA, Account Number: 4073401835, Branch Code: 632005) (Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ)

Holistic Service Model and Core Business 4

Report of the Directors for the Year Ending 28 February 2015 5

Chief Executive Officer’s Report for the Year Ending 28 February 2015 8

National Manager’s Report on Resource Development and Public Relations 12

MES Programme & Service Delivery Report per Branch 14

Stories of Grace 19

Financial Synopsis 2014 26

Partnerships 36

Donor Acknowledgement 40

Imagine... A space where the disempowered are empowered

A space where positive values and norms are nurtured

A space where human potential is developed

A space where dignity is restored

A space where hope is possible…

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Holistic Service Model and Core Business Over the past 29 years, MES has developed a unique strategy to address the development of the communities it serves. MES follows a holistic approach towards the development of people while resources exist to ensure the successful and sustainable exit from the different programmes. MES’s work amongst the poor and destitute communities of the inner city focusses on prevention & intake, intervention and eventually a sustainable exit. This model is implemented by all the developmental programmes. MES has branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Kempton Park.

MES CORE BUSINESS AS DEFINED FOR 2014/2015 Poverty Alleviation, Community & Spiritual Enrichment Service Unit

Education and Skills Development Services

Professional Health and Social Work Services

• Youth Enrichment: Joshua youth volunteer service & leadership development and After School Centres

• Spiritual Enrichment: Pastoral care, youth clubs, open air and residential discipleship services

• Social Relief and Community Outreach: Food, clothing, blankets, overnight shelter, outreaches and sport development

• Residential Care: Accommodation provided for training & follow-up phases.

• Early Childhood Development: MES offers 3 pre-schools

• Assessment Centre & Helpdesk: Initial screening, individual development plans, multi-disciplinary case conferences, prevention campaigns and counselling

• Skills Development & Assessment: GROW Job Rehabilitation programme, Vocational & Skills development, job placement with follow-up services.

• Professional Health Services: Home Based Care, Health Education, Hospice & Palliative Care and HIV Wellness (up to November 2011)

• Professional Social Work Services: Child Care & Protection and Family Care & Support

Prevention and intake

Intervention

Sustainable exit

A Nation Builder is passionate about our country, recognises its immense potential and is committed to investing – responsibly, generously and strategically – in the future of our nation.

Nation Builder is a campaign aimed at harnessing the collective power and influence of businesses, NGOs, government and individuals to affect positive change by responsibly supporting credible organisations that are making a significant contribution to our nation’s future.

Nation Builder membership represents leadership, commitment and initiative shown by strategically investing in the future of our nation. For more information visit www.proudnationbuilder.co.za

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The Board of Directors hereby presents their report for the year ending 28 February 2015. This report forms part of the annual audited financial statements.

INCORPORATIONMES was founded and incorporated on 6 June 1989.

IDENTITYMES is a community based Christian organisation focusing on community development and the spiritual and emotional well-being of its clients.

CORE VALUESThe core values of MES are based on Christian principles and should be reflected to all stakeholders:

TO MOULD: – Support and reach out with compassion, love and care – Encourage and motivate through positive communication – Treat others with respect and fairness irrespective of religion, race, gender, age, cultural

background or sexual orientationTO EMPOWER:

– Accountable and responsible with clear strategy, roles and structure – Apply sound corporate governance and financial procedures as well as effective monitoring

and evaluation processes – Reflect and enhance integrity, transparency and effective leadership

TO SERVE: – Practice Christian disciplines and create a servant and service culture – Be a voice of righteousness for the disempowered – Serve as integrated team with a common vision and goal

FOCUSThe socio-economic and developmental challenges that confront cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Kempton Park are of a pervasive nature and require innovative interventions. The challenges that cosmopolitan cities of this magnitude present, include health, housing, unemployment and the needs and spiritual well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The above mentioned challenges inform the focus of MES with respect to the provision of:

• Professional health and social work services• Poverty alleviation, spiritual and community enrichment • Education and skills development servicesThe growing number of legal and illegal foreign nationals that put greater pressure on available resources further exacerbates inner city situations and social dynamics.

This necessitates MES to work in close collaboration with organisations in the private sector, the public sector, churches, and a growing number of caring individuals. Strategic partnerships are imperative in responding to these particular challenges.

MES equally focuses on a wide spectrum of services aimed at the challenge of pervasive poverty. Various programmes are directed at assisting vulnerable people to lead meaningful lives and to empower them towards a sustainable livelihood. More detail on the specific service units is available in the Annual Report.

Report of the Directors for the Year Ending 28 February 2015

Rev. Hannes Windell Chairman

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FINANCESThe past financial years were extremely challenging and MES had a funding deficit of R1,4 million.

The organisation is funded primarily by donations from individuals, churches, the private sector, foreign donors, local and provincial government and a wide spectrum of benefactors from within the community.

It is to be expected that the current economic situation has affected the financial situation of the organisation significantly. Because of this situation it is the sad reality that MES is having to seriously consider all aspects of its operations from time to time and is restructuring a selection of programmes. During the past financial year significant changes were made in order to improve the financial sustainability of MES. The post of the CEO was divided into two roles and the Johannesburg branch now has its own branch manager. Some senior posts were made redundant resulting in significant cost savings.

However, the Board of Directors is concerned with the organisation’s financial performance and huge amount of time was spend to ensure the operational budget going forward ensures the sustainability of the organisation. The board is fully aware of the difficult and trying circumstances but remains confident about the viability and sustainability of MES.

With the increasing manifestation of socio-economic inequalities in our society, there is an ever-increasing necessity for support from compassionate individuals and organisations for MES’ activities to assist in addressing the many developmental challenges that confront these cities.

RESPONSIBILITYThe Board of Directors is responsible for efficient and effective corporate governance and for carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities with great care and in an accountable manner. In essence, the Board of Directors is the accounting authority for MES.

The externally appointed auditors are responsible for the independent auditing and the fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRs (International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities) and the requirements of the Companies Act 71 of 2008.

The Directors are also responsible for ensuring an effective system of internal control regarding financial statements, safety controls and the preservation of assets. In so doing, the Board of Directors declares that Financial Statements have been prepared following good accounting practices. The Directors are assured that the company has the necessary resources to remain an effective service provider.

It should be noted that given the current economic climate another challenging year awaits MES. However, both the Board and the Executive Management are engaging with these particular challenges to ensure and enhance the viability and sustainability of the organisation. It would require institutionalising innovative interventions and mechanisms to enhance the core business of MES and to ensure the relevance and impact thereof in responding to the challenges of poverty and inequalities. The BOD and the Executive Management wish to assure the organisation’s stakeholders that it is committed to find creative solutions to some of these challenges. It will obviously require a strategic engagement with the broader context within which MES operates and introspection in terms in terms of giving more efficient effect to its core business.

NON-CURRENT ASSETSThere were no fundamental changes made to the fixed assets of the company and the relevant policy has not been changed.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTSThe Directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance arising since the end of the financial year.

GOING CONCERNThe Board of Directors believe that the company has adequate financial resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future and accordingly the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors have satisfied themselves that the company is in a sound financial position and will be able to meet its foreseeable financial obligations. The Directors are not aware of any material changes that may adversely impact the company. The Directors are also not aware of any material non-compliance with statutory or regulatory requirements or of any pending changes to legislation which may affect the company.

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DIRECTORSThe following people presently serve as Directors of the company:

A WORD OF THANKSThe Directors would like to extend its appreciation and thanks to the management, staff, and volunteers of MES for their outstanding and selfless service to the organisation during a very demanding and challenging year. The contributions by synods, various congregations, pastors, companies, farmers and other individuals towards the success of the organisation are greatly acknowledged. Gratitude is also extended to various Government departments for their subsidies and contributions – they have enabled MES to be a meaningful partner in poverty alleviation in South Africa. Finally, a special word of thanks to the print media is due for the wide coverage MES’ projects enjoyed during the past financial year.

SURNAME APPOINTED RESIGN MEETINGS ATTENDED %

Bassingthwaighte JJ 29/01/2004 19/02/2015 8 7 88%

Boshoff RJ 12/10/2010 19/02/2015 8 8 100%

Botha SE 19/06/2012 8 7 88%

De Frey T 11/05/2006 8 8 100%

Eksteen WS 29/07/2014 4 4 100%

Gerber S 19/02/2015 1 1 100%

Khaile PM 11/05/2006 8 8 100%

Krige JS 20/05/2010 8 8 100%

Ncontsa AL 15/11/2011 29/07/2014 4 4 100%

Ramaema SS 20/09/2011 8 5 63%

Van der Merwe JC 31/01/2002 29/07/2014 4 4 100%

Windell JH 15/02/2000 8 8 100%

Chief Executive OfficerRev JS Krige 01/01/2000

AUDIT AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEEAn Audit Committee meets independently of the Executive Committee and sees to the budget, salaries and risk management of the organisation. The committee met on two occasions during the previous financial year. The Committee consists of the following members:

SURNAME APPOINTED RESIGN MEETINGS ATTENDED %

Boshoff RJ 12/10/2010 19/02/2015 3 3 100%

Krige JS 22/09/2009 3 2 67%

Ncontsa AL 15/11/2011 29/07/2014 2 0 0%

Gerber S 12/08/2014 3 3 100%

Pienaar JF 22/09/2009 3 3 100%

AUDITORSNkonki East Gauteng Incorporated (previously DVM Management Services)) are MES’s statutory Auditors. Their services are in accordance with article 270 (2) of the Companies Act of 1973.

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I am presenting the MES annual report from 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 with gratitude. This will be my last annual report, as I had indicated at the beginning of this year I will be retiring and ending my journey with MES on 31 December 2015.

Being part of an organisation like MES for nearly 16 years was not only a privilege, but also a great honour. Year on year I had a team of dedicated staff members serving the less privileged communities in our cities, and on leaving the organisation I am humbled by this and it has confirmed my long held belief that there is no replacement for passion and love in our society. And what’s special is that our team of workers and volunteers come from all sectors of our communities reflecting a micro cosmos of South Africa. It is indeed also a reflection of how our country as a whole could be if people chose to accept one another without preferences or judgement.

VISION, MISSION AND CORE BUSINESSOperating for 29 years in Johannesburg (and for about seven years in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Kempton Park), MES has stayed close to its vision to change the heart of the city. Our mission to empower people holistically to live independent, sustainable and meaningful lives has become true in the lives of many clients and indeed reflects many wonderful stories of grace. We sincerely believe in the life changing role of the gospel of Jesus Christ in changing people’s futures through all our work at MES.

MES tirelessly focuses on the homeless communities and reaches out to the most vulnerable and at risk people on the streets. We take hands with people who want to change their lives and who are willing and ready to take up the opportunity to move from a position of dependence to independence and self-sustainability.

This holistic approach focuses on individuals helping them with training, a permanent job and housing. Our approach in enriching people spiritually also plays a vital role in making this ideal a reality. The organisation aims to guarantee a quality life that also incorporates a solid values system that ideally contributes to a life alive with hope. This approach also includes the development of our youth through a variety of different programmes in our four branches.

For more information on the adapted MES model please see the section on Impact made through Service Delivery.

MANAGEMENTThe National Management Committee consists of:

National:

Johan Krige CEO

Francois Pienaar Finance and Corporate Development

Leona Pienaar Public Relations and Resource Development

Michelle Peter Johannesburg (Resigned in December 2014)

Thandikhaya Mafutha Finance (Resigned in May 2015)

Branch managers:

Nicodemus Setshedi Johannesburg

Ilse Els Cape Town

Ian Landman Port Elizabeth

Lilly Franks Kempton Park

Chief Executive Officer’s Report for the Year Ending28 February 2015

Rev. J. S. Krige CEO

Each of our branches has its own Management Committee, chairing by the branch manager

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STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT• Our strategic management team has experienced a number of

changes this year. The organisations CEO role has now been separated into two positions. The CEO role will continue managing the organisations national components and will include developing and supporting all the branches. Johannesburg branch has now appointed Rev Nicodemus Setshedi as its branch manager.

• The national component function has now been separated from the running of the Johannesburg branch so that the branch can now be managed and run more independently. We have now made the current service unit managers posts redundant and have restructured the branch - this will have no impact on budget.

• The programme managers’ positions in the Johannesburg branch were upgraded and became part of Jhb Manco. National Manco members were available to guide the branches through this change and the process was completed and implemented by 1 March 2015.

• We are currently equipping our branches with the right skills and resources to become independent with their own budgets. MES’ National Financial manager will oversee this transition and will do financial audits on the branches on a regular basis. This will include meetings with all the financial officers at least once a month with feedback to the branch manager.

• Each branch will take full responsibility for their Human Resources. This includes appointments, disciplinary hearings, leave control etc.

• Each branch will take full responsibility for their local Resource Development and MES’ National Resource Development manager will oversee all funding opportunities and will have meetings with all the RD fundraisers at least once a month.

• The branch managers will appraise local fundraisers in cooperation with the national RD managers during the next financial year.

• The critical evaluation of branches and their programmes remains one of the main themes for MES every year. Questions regarding alignment with MES’ core purpose, the relevancy of the programmes, financial status, capacity for service delivery and funding sources were asked and investigated.

• We were forced to look critically at all programmes which struggle to survive financially and made the necessary adjustments structurally in the last financial year.

• Along with this process cost-saving measures were explored and evaluated against the impact it would have on service delivery, the risk associated with the cost saving measures, and a further exploration of alternative ways to implement services.

• A building audit was done on all our property to evaluate the utilisation, the maintenance as well as the necessity of the buildings. The sale of some of our assets to strengthen our Khula Sustainability Trust is on our Board meeting agenda again this year and we still hope that any sales will bring financial stability to the organisation.

• Looking at our organisational strategy, we are glad to report that due to the hard work and dedication of each staff member we were able to accomplish much, grapple with challenging questions regarding our services and convert opportunities into ways to continue the delivering of quality services to the communities we serve.

• Operational development in terms of monitoring and evaluation has been a focus area. This not only ensures the accountability of the organisation to its donors, staff and clients, but also provides valuable information that can inform strategic decision making. The MES Monitoring and Evaluation framework was followed, monthly reporting, trimester reporting and review was done as well.

• Indicators linked to specific strategic areas for MES have been developed for the 2014/2015 plan and are linked to activities and programmes in all the branches. A client satisfaction survey has been implemented with an 88% client satisfaction rate.

• The implementation of the centralised database system is nearly finished after a prolonged process.

• Strategically MES is faced with developing and expanding our third stream sources of income. This will ensure a greater sustainable income to the organisation and will enable us to manage the risk of donor dependency.

Back row: Ian Landman, Nicodemus Setshedi, Francois Pienaar, Leona Pienaar, Front row: Lilly Franks, Johan Krige, Ilse Els

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FINANCE AND CORPORATE MANAGEMENT• MES’ finances have been managed effectively. Efficient financial systems supported by solid

financial policy contributed to the organisation’s financial stability and as a result we have experienced major improvements in the company’s finances the previous financial year.

• The MES Khula Sustainability Trust will strengthen our financial stability and will provide another income stream. The current Trustees are Mr Roelf Meyer, Mr Andries Brink and Marlene van Rensburg. Mr Reinier Boshoff resigned from the Trust as he relocated to Malta.

• MES has a healthy financial system that meets all the requirements of standard accounting practices and the Companies Act is in place. MES also gained 18A tax exemption status which further adds to the benefits that our donors enjoy.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT• At the time of this report, MES had approximately 172 full-time employees and our HR is

currently focusing its efforts on enhancing employee productivity by looking after our staff holistically.

• All HR policies throughout the company were also revised and updated this year. • Performance appraisals were completed. The performance appraisal document aligns with

each programme’s strategic goals ensuring that each MES employee understands the significance of his/her work at MES and how it links with their programmes strategy and the bigger organisational strategy. MES will conduct formal performance appraisals bi-annually.

• The total staff turnover percentage for the year was 18% (30 employees) which is 3% higher than our target.

• Although the environment was pressurised we were able to deliver the services we committed ourselves to and remunerate all employees each month. The objective was to increase the salaries of employees in order to reach 70% of the 25th percentile of the NGO market on the Patterson scale. This goal was not reached, although all employees received up to 8% salary increases for the financial year.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPSMES values all its partners who work with us to “Change the Heart of the City!” We would like to highlight the following.

• MES and its sister company, Madulammoho Housing Association (MHA) have continued to strengthen our partnership focusing on increasing the communication between the two organisations resulting in increased access to services for MHA clients.

• MES Johannesburg and the Dutch Reformed Church Synod Highveld are re-affirming their long-term relationship becoming formal partners and identifying activities where they can learn from one another and share experiences.

• Our partnership with different spheres of Government is important to MES. In Johannesburg we received support for programmes focusing on families and children, Roly Poly crèche and the skills development and job placement programme. In Cape Town the Provincial Department of Social Development have provided funding to also now provide the full holistic approach in development of the homeless communities.

• The partnership with CalgroM3 which involves the management of the MES Kids Academy pre-school and contracted training to contractors contributes to our third income stream strategy.

• The Joint Operations Committee (JOC) in the broader Bellville area, the City Improvement District (VRCID) as well as the Greater Tygerberg Partnership are all instrumental in finding sustainable economic development opportunities for the communities MES serves.

• Churches from different denominations partner together with MES Cape Town to impact the Northern Suburbs

• A detailed list of all our partners is provided at the end of the report.

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PROGRESSIVE STRATEGY FOR 2015/2016Our national strategic objectives remain unchanged:

• Providing holistic, high quality developmental services that are implemented through the MES service model

• To ensure that the organisation is professionally and sufficiently resourced• To uphold good corporate governance in all aspects of its business• To have a content and motivated workforce Our particular focus for the next year, linked with our national objectives will be as follows:

• To enhance our resource development capacity and efficiency ensuring a sustainable donor income to the organisation

• To develop a long-term strategy for sustainable income generating opportunities that will provide an alternative contribution towards the MES budget - referring to enterprise development, social enterprises and the development of the Khula Sustainability Trust

• To partner with Local Government in the development of a low cost housing model that will address the needs of the street people community and those in developmental programmes.

• To duplicate the GROW Job Rehabilitation Programme from the Cape Town Branch to the Johannesburg and Kempton Park branch.

THANK YOUA very special THANK YOU is due to every single employee’s contribution to helping MES make a difference in the communities we serve this financial year.

We must also thank our Board of Directors that has dedicated so much of its time to MES during the past year, to guide the organisation through a difficult period with wisdom and understanding.

Thanks are also due to the companies, foreign donors, churches and individuals for their never ending support, financially and otherwise.

The role of Government and the trust they’ve placed in the work we do mean a lot to us and we work hard to maintain this relationship of trust.

Thank you to the board of MES and the staff who allowed me to serve in the organisation for 16 years. My firm believe is that God will provide MES with new leadership giving new direction and momentum to this wonderful organisation.

Finally we thank our heavenly Father, to whom we are devoted in service, for the strength. He has given us to do what we must do, every day, without exception.

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Ms Leona Pienaar

It is certainly a humbling experience to work in the PR & Resource Development team of MES. God never fails to surprise us with His generous heart.

The PR & RD team’s scope has changed a lot over the past year in the sense that the focus has shifted from being local in Johannesburg to a national focus. Each MES branch has its own character much like each the city in which MES is located. It is crucial to customise our strategy to optimise on the opportunities that arise locally, nationally and internationally.

National Manager’s Report on Resource Development and Public Relations

KEY FOCUS AREASThe PR & RD team has four strategic focus areas, namely PR External, PR Internal, Resource Development and Corporate Governance. Each of these focus areas plays an integral part in our communication strategy to the different stakeholders.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS & SOME HIGHLIGHTSIt has been the first year that MES has had a full-time Resource Development position in MES Cape Town and a newly-focused approach is making a big impact on the development of this branch. Amongst other developments a new contract has been signed with DSD, a three-year grant, with Foshini, has contributed to the expansion of the GROW Job Rehabilitation project; and lastly MES Cape Town conceptualised and communicated the development of Centres of Hope.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour had a record of 84 riders signed up to cycle for the benefit of MES Cape Town. MES Cape Town was honoured to be a beneficiary of the “Want ons kan!” concert. The Cape Town team also improved their donor care strategy and launched a local newsletter and sms campaign to its supporters.

In the JHB Branch the Dinaledi Pre-school has been registered with the Department of Social Development for subsidy and the Training Centre received its SETA Accreditation. Both of these developments have opened the doors to fundraising for these new two projects, including securing the funds to roll-out the first GROW teams in Johannesburg. A big highlight was the first 5 Joshua students who participated in the 947 Cycle Challenge and finished the race successfully!

Another exciting initiative is the Sponsorvakantie concept that has been developed by one of our longstanding Dutch volunteers. Every year a group of young adults is recruited and brought to South Africa on a holiday tour, and as part of this tour the children spend three days with MES helping us to raise additional funds to support the work that MES does. It is now becoming an annual highlight on our calendar.

Pizza Hut reopened in South Africa and the MES Joshua team performed the opening dance at the opening of the first store in Honeydew and the campaign Deliver Hope was launched to the benefit of the youth enrichment programme. Customers have the option of donating R5 per pizza.

The Hillbrow Unplugged turned a new page and for the first time tables were sold to the public wanting to attend the night. Events company IDEA Lab generously gave their time and expertise to this event in the main with other partners such as Thundermark, Vaughn Creations, JDM Unlimited and The Cullinary Workshop. Coenie de Villiers was our MC and Swing City touched the hearts of many in the heart of Hillbrow.

The Kempton Park Kids Festival keeps growing each year and over 2500 people attended in 2014. The venue has moved to Maranatha Community Church, but at the rate in which the attendance grow a bigger venue will have to be secured in future. MES is proud to be the host of an event where children and their families can spend a fun-filled day together. The Kempton Park branch trusts that this event will become an annual highlight for people in their community and surrounding area’s calendars.

The MES PE branch needs a local dedicated resource developer and this will be a priority for the next financial year.

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PUBLIC RELATIONSMES is immeasurably thankful that Coenie de Villiers remains our official patron at MES. His knowledge and skills are of great value to us and it is an honour to work with him in helping us “change the heart of the city”. The many friends of MES from the entertainment, graphic and media industry and beyond have also been hugely valuable in meeting our cause. MES has access to a pool of very competent and skilled professionals. (Please refer to partnerships on page 36 for more details). This helps MES to save costs and adds capacity to our efforts.

The numbers of likes on Facebook has climbed slowly but surely and MES has more than a 1200 followers now. Unfortunately web donations took a knock and needs specific attention in the next financial year linked to a possible website upgrade. The focus in the next year will be to expand to other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter and the following hashtags will be prioritised – #MES4Change, #changingtheheartofthecity, #heart4change apart from event specific hashtags.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS Apart from the ones mentioned above, the following fundraising events was also organised and supported.

• Cape Town Budget Analysis Business Breakfast, • Tygerberg Heritage Festival in Cape Town, • Packaged Love (Christmas Campaign), • Hope for Winter in partnership with RSG, Media 24 and Hyprop Foundation(all branches), • 10 Days of Hope & Hillbrow Survivor (Johannesburg. & Cape Town), • Mandela Day (all branches) • Kempton Business Breakfast• Open Days and week-end outreaches.

IN CONCLUSIONOur team accepts the challenge ahead of us and we continue to work diligently to ensure MES can stay true to its mission! A big thank you to each individual, church, business, trust and the government for enabling us to Change the heart of the city!

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Nothing brings the team of MES JHB more joy than working for an organisation which provides people living on the streets of Hillbrow and its surrounding areas with a place of belonging and opportunities to use their gifts and skills, strengths and experiences to make life changes. We realise that it remains a privilege to be part of each one’s journey.

Nicodemus Setshedi

MES Programme & Service Delivery Report per Branch

MES has four branches and each branch has a unique character and programmes linked to the specific needs in that specific city environment. In this section we will highlight some of our activities in each branch to illustrate the developments and progress in each branch. If detailed information is required on services offered that could be made available on request.

Overview of impact made in the community

• MES manages 3 crèches and provided 366 children with a caring and loving environment where the CAPS curriculum, as prescribed by the Department of Education, was followed. We are proud of our 88 children who graduated to Grade 1. Parent meetings were enhanced with additional workshops providing a platform for parents to speak openly about their challenges.

• MES welcomed 271 school going children at our After School Programmes where young clients get help with their homework and enjoy a meal in a safe environment with friends. One centre specifically focus on maths and literacy support.

• 11 Joshuas (100%) completed their service and training year with MES. Their year was filled with experiences, learning and hard work. Highlights included the musical Rise: a story about GRACE and an outreach camp to Botswana. The Joshua Alumni was renamed the Joshua All Stars and a survey completed by 92% of our alumni to the programme since 2011 showed that 98% are either working, studying or doing an internship.

• Social Work Services continued to welcome clients from different spheres of life looking for assistance. The programme served between 90-120 clients per month. Food parcels to families (100/month) and meals served at schools (benefiting 900 children/month) contributed to the well-being of children and impacted their school attendance positively. Our services to children with behavioural problems and poor performance at school were enhanced by sessions with a psychologist. We are truly grateful for this additional service.

• MES Impilo’s face in the community is known as the face of encouragement. The In-patient unit has 15 beds available. They focus mainly on HIV and TB clients and have successfully discharged 64 patients for the period. Our Community Based Health Care team reached close to 400 clients per month rotating their visits in the community on a monthly basis, and are becoming very visible over a large area in Region F. The Drug Resistant TB team provided home-based care to around 30 clients/month (and growing) that have contracted Multi-drug resistant TB.

• The Training Centre facilitated life skills programmes to 389 clients and had 244 clients graduating from different skills development programmes. Through these programmes, unemployed youth increased their chances for employment and 88 were directly assisted with job placement opportunities.

• The residential care programme continued to provide a total of 165 beds through their overnight shelters. Clients reported that they experienced a sense of homeliness and acceptance at these facilities despite the challenges associated with homelessness.

• The support service programme’s year was highlighted by the renovations of the Ekhaya overnight shelter and the Genesis residential house (utilised by the Joshua team.) To improve our maintenance service to the programmes, we decided to outsource this function which proves to be more cost effective.

• The tenants in the buildings of Madulammoho Housing Association were empowered through the services provided by MES. Hard work went into establishing a new sense of community and tenants were enabled to deal with their own life challenges.

MES Johannesburg – Nicodemus Setshedi

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New Developments

• The Dinaledi Crèche was registered with the Department of Social Development, and the Kids Academy Crèche progressed in their registration process.

• The Training Centre was registered as an accredited service provider with the SETA.• A new partnership with “The Clothing Bank” has created new avenues to refer clients for

business opportunities. • The launch of the Hillbrow GROW job and life rehabilitation programme provided opportunities

where vulnerable individuals that are jobless are empowered in serving the community, and through job rehabilitation, enabled to become employable.

Key focus areas for the branch in the next 12 months.

• The registration of the Kids Academy crèche with the Department of Social Services and the expansion of extra-mural activities at all the crèches.

• Continues research into ways that will enable MES JHB to utilise its assets and capabilities to generate a third income stream to the branch that would assist to fund our services to our clients. Initiatives includes:

– Utilising identified facilities for accredited student accommodation. – Expanding the scope and application of accredited training programmes

• Social Work Services will continue to strengthen the capacity and self-reliance of families, youth and children through workshops and campaigns, focusing on child protection with special emphasis on school children and children in the crèches.

• Building stronger relationships with our networking partners which will increase our visibility in the community and bring the most marginalised in contact with our holistic service offering.

MES JHB dreams of a space where the disempowered are empowered, positive values and norms exist, human potential is developed, dignity is restored, hope flourishes, and ultimately new meaning is found. Thank you to all our partners and supporters who shares our dream for the city!

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MES CAPE TOWN

It has been a significant year for MES’ operation in Cape Town. Warren Buffett said: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago, and as I reflect on the last year with our hardworking team in Cape Town it is true that we’ve accomplished the milestones we set out at the beginning of the year because of what others have aspired to in the past.

In Cape Town’s Northern suburbs, MES continues to identify gaps in the social services on offer, to recognise opportunities to create social value, and to develop pioneering approaches to bringing about positive social and environmental change. The personnel of this branch are also mandated to being dedicated and bold in the pursuit of this change, demonstrating both the vision to create an improved society and the will to find practical, sustainable solutions to implementing these goals.

Overview of impact made in the community

This year the formulation and buy-in of our Hope Centre Strategy paved the way for the development of specialised services. The GROW job rehabilitation programme provided 5766 shifts for individuals seeking help from MES and since the appointment of a full time social worker in October, 212 clients have been assessed and provided 112 clients with occupational therapy services. MES Cape Town has developed two in-house training programmes to compliment the work of our GROW programme and to strengthen our client’s sustainable exit opportunities. We will be rolling these programmes out in 2015. Diligent outreach work has now expanded and is operational in Bellville, Parow, Brackenfell and Durbanville.

New developments

MES offers its investors and partners in Cape Town with opportunities to not only share in the stories of Hope at our operation but also to be participants in making it happen. We experienced valued growth in our partnerships with Provincial Government, churches, the corporate sector, local business & CID’s (City Improvement Districts) and individuals through our Friends of MES network.

In addition there has been a big focus on stabilizing our budget with alternative strategies such as social enterprising that as a discipline combines exceptional leadership and innovation to bring about social transformation and provide a third income stream for the branch. At LECA we have tried our hands at Aqua-phonics, but realised that the risk involved in venturing into such a specialised field is too big. We reverted back to a hydro-phonic drip system and had our first basil harvest in January 2015.

Summarised key focus for the branch for the next 12 months

We are focussed on growing and embedding our existing programmes, building stronger sustainable partnerships with local people and business and we’ll be looking to find adequate facilities to operate from and expand with planned growth in mind.

We are inspired by each client’s story of hope at MES Cape Town and we’re confident that finding new investment for MES is about demonstrating the real change that we’re offering to people’s lives. We will face challenges in growing our operation but we will hold onto Nelson Mandela words: “It seems impossible until it is done.”

Ilse Els

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MES KEMPTON PARK

Impact made in the community

MES Kempton has a number of impressive results from this financial year. The overnight shelter at MES Kempton Park has on average catered for 80 clients each month - providing them with a place of safety away from the sleeping on the streets. The feeding scheme has served 7084 meals in total and on average we’ve provided 48 poor families per month with food parcels.

The Afterschool programme had 19 registered children in total and we were in a position to provide all those children with school bags and shoes.

As part of our programme we’ve launched a number of outreaches which have impacted many lives and we are truly grateful to each volunteer that is involved with our branch. MES Kempton Park is grateful for the close to 150 volunteers who made use of the different platforms created in our programmes for service. We are privileged to have this number of volunteers supporting MES Kempton Park which is now a central part of the community providing a platform for people who want to come serve the community through our various projects.

The past year has presented MES Kempton Park with a number of challenges and changes, but we’re delighted to say that the team can look back on a successful year.

Our major changes include the retirement of our branch manager, Gert Lotz - a sad moment for the team but we’re now proudly continuing with Gert’s important work in Kempton Park and we’re grateful to see the wonderful changes we can bring to people’s lives in our inner city streets. Secondly, we can announce that the renovations to Uvusa House were completed and this additional building was used to kick start our GROW project in Kempton Park.

New developments

This year, MES Kempton Park will largely focus on the implementation of the GROW job rehabilitation project which kicked off in March 2015. This project provides access to job and life rehabilitation programmes for the homeless and vulnerable community of Kempton Park, leading to an increased occupational intelligence that results in earning a living and restored dignity.

We are grateful to the churches, individuals and businesses that assisted us with the renovations at the additional premises and enabling the implementation of the project. Our GROW Kempton Park programme kicked off in March 2015 and we are positive that this project will help us change more heart’s in the city over the next financial year.

Summarised key focus for the branch for the next 12 months.

Our main focus during the next financial year 2015/2016 is to create a better awareness of the Kempton Park GROW project amongst the local communities, so that people can get involved and support this project. We are currently in negotiations with organisations in the local area who’re interested in partnering with us and our aim is to use partnerships to help us grow the project. This project will offer more clients the opportunity to go for further training and to be placed into jobs, which will result in more clients that are encouraged to start leading independent and sustainable lives. We will also focus on building partnerships with local training centres and businesses.

Lilly Franks

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Ian Landman

MES PORT ELIZABETH

The homeless people on the streets of Port Elizabeth are looking like the picture in Isaiah 1:6 “covered with bruises and sores and open wounds. Your wounds have not been cleaned or bandaged. No ointment has been put on them.”

MES PE, however, did make a great effort from March 2014 to February 2015 to bandage wounds and bring healing to homeless people.

Summarised key focus for the branch for the next 12 months.

One of dreams for 2016 is to accomplish a computer training programme for our clients.

We wish to thank all our donors who blessed us with funds, furniture, food, mattresses, linen, blankets, clothes and toiletries.

Your involvement reminds us of the Parable of the Good Samaritan: “But a Samaritan who was travelling that way came upon the man (homeless man/woman/child), and when he saw him, his heart was filled with pity. He went over to him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them; then he put the man his own animal and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. Take care of him and when I come back this way, I will pay you whatever else you spend on him.” Luke 10: 33-35

Impact made in the community

At the shelter 1,222 people received a warm bed and shower. We served 64,095 meals, 947 people received clothing and 916 people toiletries.

Although we do not have any medical staff, we also attended to the medical needs of clients by bandaging wounds, make sure they go to hospital/clinic if needed and made sure they drink their medication.

Our social worker, other staff members and volunteers also attended to the social, emotional and spiritual problems of our clients. 411 Counselling sessions and 125 screening and IDP sessions took place. 35 People were reunited with their families and 84 referred to specialized services.

It is our vision that clients must take responsibility for their own lives, enter the labour market and obtain a sustainable livelihood. 78 CV’s were typed, 33 clients were placed in permanent jobs, 15 in temporarily and 6 in casual jobs.

MES Port Elizabeth received a donation of 20 computers and office furniture which was a highlight for the branch.

MES Port Elizabeth is also involved in the community and provided 2,300 people with soup and bread in the soup kitchen in Red Location. We served 9,083 meals were also served at the soup kitchen in Korsten.

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Stories of Grace

MES JOHANNESBURG

Mpho Molaudzi, joined The Clothing Bank’s Enterprise Development programme at MES Johannesburg in 2013. She found the programme incredibly helpful after spending considerable time desperately looking for a job in the city. She applied for the programme after attending a workshop that the Clothing Bank was facilitating at that time. Beating strong competition, Mpho was one of the lucky women chosen to continue the programme and since joining the programme she has not turned back.

Mpho’s training has helped her acquire new skills which are attractive to employers in the fabrics and clothing industry in Johannesburg. Within two months of joining the programme she was able to go home and buy her kids some clothes and support them financially.

LINDA’S TAKE-AWAY

Linda has recently enrolled with MES to study Micro-MBA through the MES Entuthukweni Training Centre.

Her training was followed by the opening of a take away food trailer outside the MES building at the corner of Kapteijn and Twist streets. What’s great is that Linda is an experienced cook and has used this skill to earn her an income. Her take- away draws customers from MES and Madulammoho staff, children from the pre-school and passers-by. In addition she is selling hamburgers at Ellis Park and she delivers cooked meals to taxi drivers in Betrams.

Linda is a fantastic example of how a woman from small beginnings can, through vision and hard work, start their own profitable business.

MES’s support has helped Linda gain financial independence by starting her own business and in so doing she now offers a valuable food and snacks service to the surrounding community.

MES Training Centre & Skills Development – The Clothing Bank’s Enterprise Development programme

The following stories will give you a glimpse into the lives of the people we work with on a daily basis – some of the names are real and some individuals have chosen to remain anonymous since sharing their story with us. We have not used real-life photos of our case studies in all Stories of Grace this is to protect the privacy of our clients. We hope you find hope and inspiration while reading these Stories of Grace

Mpho strongly believes that the Clothing Bank’s Enterprise Development programme at MES Johannesburg needs to offer students motivating and disciplined classes at all times. What she found encouraging is that she received a lot of support from the other women in the organisation and stresses that a strong support network is needed when you’re making your dreams come true.

She believes that she will continue to grow and eventually be able to open her own hair salon in Germiston or Boksburg.

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Exposing the community to career opportunitiesWe held our career expo on the 11th September 2014, an event held to bring together clients and potential employers under one roof to help them find further opportunities, the end result being sustainability.

The day was graced by an attendance of more than 200 clients who had time to walk around the stalls for opportunities ending with a light lunch. We expect to grow the number of exhibitors and coverage of the attendees in our next function.

“I was hired by MES to work as a maintenance Electrician under Mr. Gerhard Botha in April 2010.

I had academic qualifications from my home country but decided to further my studies and this requiredassistance from MES’ educational programmes.

I embarked on my Electrical Trade Test preparation classes, and then went on to register at the department of Labor, INDLELA Oliphantsfontein Trade Centre. On the 27th of July 2014, I completedmy final trade test and passed. I am now a proud holder of a Red Seal Certificate as a qualified Section 26D Electrician.

My training hasn’t stopped though. I applied to the MES study Assistance Fund in January 2015, and I am studying for a Wireman’s License. I would like to thank God and MES Management for affording me this opportunity to further my skills and qualification and I would urge others to realize their dreams through this study assistance fund at MES.

MES really changes the Heart of the City!”

Sydney

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to MES for selecting me to be one of the trainees for Early Childhood Development Level 4 at Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance. During my enrollment from May 2011 to October 2012, the program enriched me with leadership skills in my own classroom environment. We were taught how to teach children from birth to six years old through both theory and practical activities and these were assessed and monitored by the Principal, colleagues and tutors.

This was a very inspiring and intensive program and it improved my skills on how to deal with young children. I have implemented these skills at my workplace and I have excellent feedback from neighboring schools since I started teaching pre-scholars (5 - 6 years).”

Ethel Dlamini is incredibly grateful to MES for giving her an opportunity to further her education. She now has a Graduate Diploma in ECD Foundation because of the help she received from MES.

Ethel said: “When I first joined MES, I was a child-minder at Roly Poly and I had a certificate of basic education. Miss Radha Pillay encouraged me to further my education through MES at Mathew Goniwe. At Matthew Goniwe, I was taught everything about childcare and educating children in the foundation phase, and I am also grateful to them. “Changing the heart of the city” is MES’ vision and MES has truly changed my life and the way I work at Roly Poly.

Thank you MES. I am eternally grateful. I would also like to thank God because for all this to be a success it was through his never ending love.”

Continue to develop new skills

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MES ImpiloStigma is an ugly thing. It attaches itself to something with sticky fingers, drip dirty ideas all over the floor and hang around like a bad smell. We still live in a society which attaches stigma to HIV and TB and many continue to stick their heads in the sand and hope for the best instead of seeking medical help.

When we see families walk through our doors, their eyes are often full of desperation, their voices heavy with questions and hearts loaded with suspicion. Their family member has barely the strength to stand, eyes fixed on the floor, voices quiet.

With a warm bed, three meals per day and the gentle voices of our staff members, they learn that they have power to fight, they have strength to stand and they have the courage to tell others without fear of rejection. They learnt that HIV and TB is not their master, and that they can walk back into the caring arms of family to build a new beginning.

One of our clients came in with many secrets, fears and misunderstandings. Sick under the weight of stigma, tired of sneaking medication where nobody would see. She could learn the truth and build the courage to take up her life, using her real name. She walked away with friends made...

Pippa (not her real name)

Pippa came from Soweto. She is a small, young woman with sad, quiet eyes who have suffered more than enough in her young life. She spends a few weeks here, and we soon discovered her journey through life, her difficulties and her joys.

We are well on our way to helping her back on her feet again. She lives in the MES Kempton Town community, and is still under our outreach care team. We are taking every difficult step with her, and we can see the sadness in her eyes disappear.

Sandy (not her real name)

She is a tall thin woman, with a determined look about her. Employed by a generous family in Midrand as a nanny, but diagnosed with the dreaded diseases of TB and HIV. She was admitted with us, cared and loved for a few weeks and successfully returned to her post as a nanny.

It was our role at MES Kempton Park to inform the people closest to her, and alleviate their fears regarding her diseases. So often, the community rejects because of a lack of knowledge and fear.

Joshuas – a new beginning

“I am Gift Chiloane, second born child out of three kids. I have an older brother and younger sister.

I was born in Soweto and lived in Newtown with my Mum, siblings and step dad.

From grade 1 -6, I lived in a boarding house. I went to a primary school in Yoeville.

I went to high school at Barnato Park High and completed my schooling there. After High school, I joined the MES Joshua programme. The Joshuas committed me to one-year of community service in the heart of Hillbrow assisting with regular soup and street outreaches. We help children at the after school with their homework and work on music productions. Our goal is to serve and change hearts in the city. My Joshua year was a year of getting to know myself and what I want to achieve in my life. This year I became the Joshua group leader and now I am leading the young Joshuas.

I have never taken part in a cycling race. I believe in the “ride for a purpose” and therefor I challenged myself to make a difference in MES. The highlight of the year was when I successfully completed the 947 Cycle Challenge for MES.”

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MES Cpt: 6171 meals served MES Kempton: Spiritual counselling is provided for poor inner city families that receive weekly food parcels.

MES Cpt: 112 clients accessed OT services

MES CPT: Service Bellville, Brackenfell, Parow & Durbanville

MES Cpt: LECA celebrating the first Basil harvest

MES Cpt: 5766 job rehabilitation opportunities created

MES Jhb: 165 beds available for overnight shelter – 100% occupied

MES Jhb: 7800 meals served during evening outreaches

MES Jhb: 90% of Grade R were school ready MES Jhb: A visit to the science centre

MES Jhb: 2 nutritious meals daily with 2 snacks thanks to ADD Hope

MES Jhb: 670 new intakes at Assessment Centre; 302 Care Plans compiled

MES Kempton: 50 poor families living in the Kempton inner city receive food parcels every Tuesday.

MES Jhb: 333 children placed in foster care, 3921 individual cases assisted with social work services

MES Cpt: 212 clients accessed social work services

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MES Jhb: 166 patients received in-patient care

MES Kempton: Spiritual counselling is provided for poor inner city families that receive weekly food parcels.

MES Kempton: 28 bed overnight shelter to provide a place of safety

MES Kempton: Daily ministry takes place at the feeding scheme to encourage the homeless and unemployed

MES Kempton: 20 children received homework assistance in the afternoons and enjoyed various outing throughout the year

MES Jhb: 69 Health Support Groups facilitated

MES Jhb: 2099 people reached with Health Education & care

MES Jhb: Giving a hand up – not a hand out!

MES Jhb: 2 nutritious meals daily with 2 snacks thanks to ADD Hope

MES Kempton: 50 poor families living in the Kempton inner city receive food parcels every Tuesday.

MES Jhb: 333 children placed in foster care, 3921 individual cases assisted with social work services

MES Jhb: Access to training: 138 computer training, 408 life skills, 366 Money Sense, 375 Ultimate Choice

MES Jhb: 1413 HIV tests & 907 TB tests done; 239 patients cared for on MDR TB programme

MES Jhb: 278 client did interview preparation workshop

MES Jhb: GROW programme started with 2 teams

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MES Cape Town

James Marchant Ryan

Haai, my naam is James Merchant Ryan. Ek kom oorspronklik van Pretoria en bly al nege jaar in Kaapstad. Ek het vir twee jaar op straat gebly sonder enige ondersteuning van my familie. Dis waar ek begin het om in MES se werk rehabilitasieprogram GROW te werk. Met die geld wat ek verdien het, kon ek my oornagskuilinggeld betaal. Vanaf GROW het ek in MES se kombuis begin werk, wat my verder geleentheid gegee het om my lewe in orde te kry. Gedurende hierdie tyd het ek ook in MES se tweedefase-akkommodasie gebly (vir ouens soos ek, wat nou net begin werk het).

As dit nie was vir ons hemelse Vader en MES nie, sou ek nie wees waar ek vandag is nie. Ek sien MES as my familie en is so dankbaar vir die geleenthede wat aan my gegee is.

Ek het nou onlangs ʼn permanente werk gekry wat ook akkommodasie insluit. Ek noem hierdie sommer ʼn dubbele seën. Dankie MES, en mag God julle verder seën en help om mense se lewens te verander.”

Dankbaar

“Ons kon dit keer!” Joseph, ons hoof uitreik werker, vertel met trane in sy oë hoe hy saam met sy kollegas, Veronica en Gail, ʼn jong vrou uit die moeras van prostitusie gered het. Verlede Maandag is ons span ingelig dat daar ʼn nuwe meisie op straat is, dat sy haar werk in Mitchell’s Plein verloor het en toevlug in die strate van Bellville soek. Sy is mooi, jonk en ʼn prooi vir die koppelaars. ʼn Groep sekswerkers het hulle oor haar ontferm, maar as ons nie gou spring nie, is die kanse goed dat sy vasgevang kan word in ʼn wêreld van geld, dwelms en slawerny.

Sy is opgespoor en daar is begin met ʼn proses om haar familie in Moorreesburg te kontak. Laatmiddag is sy op ʼn bus op pad huis toe en ons uitreik werkers slaak ʼn sug van verligting dat die strate van Bellville nie die blyplek geword het van hierdie jong meisie nie.

The story of Michelle:

Michelle, the fastest basil picker at LECA, has four children. One has been adopted and the other three are in foster care with their grandmothers. She was adopted as a young girl and today she pains to know who her birth mother is. Her adult life took her from her friends and led her to a shelter on the streets where she sought love, respect and a place to belong. Life on the street was hard; she had an abusive boyfriend who did drugs and they were both not good for each other.

Her contact with MES Cape Town was irregular at first “for sometimes we choose life on the streets”, but the outreach team remained supportive, creating a space of belonging and encouragement. Michelle said: “They believed in me...”

Since coming to MES Cape Town she has started working regularly at the GROW Job Rehabilitation Programme, attended the Life Skills and Occupational Intelligence Workshops, progressed to working daily at the LECA herb farm and made the choice to leave the abusive relationship she was in. MES Cape Town’s temporary emergency accommodation provided her with a safe space and time to decide where she wanted to go. Shelter life has never suited her and was not an option. Today she is reunited with two of her children, wants to keep on working to create more stability and to be in a position to rent her own accommodation and create a home for her children.

Michelle was picking basil, and shows me a leaf that is torn whilst saying: “You see, my life was broken and is not perfect, but just like this leaf that still has a use, my life has not lost its meaning”.

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MES Port Elizabeth

Counseling Work in Port Elizabeth

Hugo is currently part of the kitchen staff and is doing a great job in the kitchen!

On 1 May 2014, he was physically attacked and robbed by three youths in Walmer. He was so traumatized that he resigned and moved to Bloemfontein, where he stayed with a friend and started to consume alcohol at an alarming rate in order to escape life and all its demands”.

Hugo told MES: “I have been in this situation before and knew I had to make a plan. I attended a church service and immediately decided to return to Port Elizabeth. On Friday the 25th of July 2014, on my way back, I called MES Port Elizabeth.”

I was accepted as a resident and that Sunday I attended the church service where I met Rev Hennie and Fiona Groenewald. I repented and told them my story.

Together we decided that I would receive pastoral counselling from the Reverend in order to prioritize my life again. I had 17 sessions in total. I learned more about God and myself. It really was a venture that changed my life for the better and forever.

I gained so much self-confidence, self-respect and dignity! And I will recommend pastoral counselling for any person in troubled waters and are thankful to MES for helping me change my life!” – Hugo Potgieter

Kempton Park

My name is Simangaliso and I started volunteering at MES Kempton Park in 2009.

I saw God at MES Kempton Park, and I began to forget a time in my life when I was falling apart and I did not know where to go and what to do.

I slowly began to open my heart to the manager of MES Kempton. She started giving me a food parcel and bread for me and my family to survive. Honestly, I thank God for MES from the bottom of my heart.

I really appreciate what God is doing by giving us MES’ managers who touch many people’s lives, not only me. These words are not enough to thank you. I was hungry, MES fed me, I was naked, MES clothed me, I was thirsty and you gave me water to drink.

If it was not for MES, I don’t know where I would be. Last year I worked for the MES Hope for Winter (Winterhoop) drive, and here I am today working as a volunteer worker in charge of the canteen and clothing bank. May the God I serve show Himself upon MES & the team. May His favor follow Lilly Franks in every part of her life. You stood by me. I pray that God will continue to use MES in all the cities and may all the staff stay strong in the Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Penelope Mdingi

My name is Penelope Mdingi, a mother who receives a food parcel from MES Kempton Park.

I am writing this letter to thank you as I really appreciate what you’ve done for me and my family. The difference you have made in our lives is unbelievable.

My family and I used to go to bed with empty stomachs, and we would be too ashamed to bother our neighbours with our problems.

Now we are grateful, really grateful to have food in our house. May God bless you.

I felt safe the moment I cried to you and you answered my plea with a positive answer.

Thank you MES and all your supporters for helping us that are in need.

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In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of. – Confucius

Financial Synopsis 2014

Francois PienaarCFO

The summarised consolidated financial statement of MES for the past financial year is provided on the next few pages.

MES remain under financial pressure due to funding constraints caused by the underlying economic performance of South Africa as a whole. Donor based income decreased by R1,5 million compared to the previous year underlying the need for a strategy to develop self-generated income. This non-donor based income category have grown by almost R500 000 the past financial year.

With inflation putting pressure on the expenses the overall performance indicates a nett deficit of R1,2 million. With cash reserves very low it has been very challenging to manage the cash flow of the organisation.

Given the increase in social needs it has been difficult to consider and implement the required cost reduction measures.

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As mentioned the breaking even between Income and Expenditure was not achieved and the organisation had a net funding deficit of R1, 2 million.

Income generating activities like the herb farming, shelter managing and expansion of the Early Childhood Development programme is taking much longer than anticipated to reach the goal of financial sustainability. MES had to make some difficult cut backs which is also part of refocusing the organisation.

The cash reserves stands at R1,2 million. If you consider that the deferred income component is calculated at R1,4 million. MES is theoretically borrowing R200, 000 from funding received in advance.

The accounts receivable balance is significantly less as payments from the City of Johannesburg has been received. The liquidity ratio between current assets and current liabilities is not ideal as the current liabilities exceeds the current assets by R1,7 million.

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EXCLUSIONS

The statements are a consolidated set of accounts that include the operational finances of MES Kempton, MES Port Elizabeth, MES Cape Town, MES CMR Johannesburg, MES Impilo and MES Othandweni which each has its own separate set of financial statements.

The financial statements unfortunately exclude non-monetary donations such as food, clothes, equipment and time dedicated by volunteers among others. These gifts in kind are vital in our service delivery strategy to the poor, and even these donations qualify for 18A tax benefits.

KEY FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Cash flow remains a challenge as the timing of some contributions are erratic. Delays in contributions from some of the bigger contributors can influence the MES financial planning negatively.

Attracting and retaining competent, committed and compassionate staff remains a key challenge and we are grateful that our staff turnover was only 18% in the past financial year.

Food, transport and electricity inflation remain a big concern with increases in basic food items, petrol and electricity tariffs being well-documented.

CLOSING

Detailed financial statements for MES and the affiliated programmes are available on request. Alternatively it can be down loaded from our website www.mes.org.za.

We must thank our long-term donors that have been carrying this organisation through difficult times at MES. We are greatly indebted to you as you have continued believing in the cause despite the many challenges many of our loyal supporters faced themselves.

We must thank our long-term donors that have been carrying this organisation through difficult times at MES. We are greatly indebted to you as you have continued believing in the cause despite the many challenges many of our loyal supporters faced themselves.

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Change the heart of the city!

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MES Jhb: 271 children assisted with after school

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The public reach out for Mandela Day

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Musical 2014: Rise - a story about GRACE – 5 performances

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MES Jhb. Support Services

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Partnerships(These are individuals, companies, other organisations, etc. that we networkwith to ensure quality service delivery to our clients)

MES Johannesburg and Head Office

PE Cape Town Kempton ParkPoverty Alleviation, Community & Spiritual Enrichment

Education and Skills Development

Pro. Health and Social Services

Public Relation and Resource Development

Management & Support Services

Africa Delux Tours Mike Smuts

Billy G 947 Cycle Challenge ATKV ADDX Dienste ACVV A2B Movement Assembly of God

Alta Krige Blue Mecury ALLlife Insurance Company

Advendurance Bert's Butchery BNI AHI Tygerberg Sakekamer

CAN (Christian Action Network)

Bible League Bokamoso Direct Talent Sourcing

Amigo Reizen Aitime Prodcution CalgroM3 Courtyard Hotels Amazing Grace Race

Child Welfare

Bible Society of SA Bress design Baragwanath Hospital

ATKV Ekhaya Neighbourhood

DRC Kragga Kamma

Bellville West DRC CMR

Centurion College CalgroM3 Bright Foundation Autoglass Emzingo DRC Patmos City of Cape Town SD

De Molen Bakery

Church on 44 CAT Academy Bryanston Methodist Church

Axiz Workgroup Enterprise Room DRC Sionsrand Common Purpose Western Cape

Department of Social and Health Development

City of Johannesburg

Catalyx CaSIPO DRTB Programme

Baie Lingual Free to Grow FireAntt IT Technologies

Durbanville Family Church

Dresden Bakery

City Parks Central Johannesburg College

Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital

Burgers Broers Gateway Free to Grow Durbanville Moeder DRC

EK Glass

Divine World Ministry

Childline Child Welfare JHB Coenie de Villiers GIBS Business School

Gas Centre Elim Night Shelter Gateway Presbyterian Church

Dr. Sylvia Thoupou City of Johannesburg

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Cynthia Wentzel Events

Joburg City Council Gwenneth Rossouw

Friends of All Nations

La Roy

Fundisiswe Development Projects

Clothing Bank Department of Health & Social Development

Different.org Kromdraai Hugo Grimbeek Grapevine Ministries

Maranatha Community Church

Gauteng Shelter Network

Denver College Department of Housing

Distell Letsatsi Bakery Inkmaster Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP)

NG Birchleigh

Gideons Department of Health & Social Development

Dept of Home Affairs Doppio Zero Madulammoho Housing Association

Leon Norris (Lagai-Roï)

La Rochelle DRC NG Bonaero Park

Heartlines Dischem Foundation

ECHO Youth Dr Ball Not Bread Alone Lorraine DRC - Ladies Group

Law Enforcement NG Hoogland

Hillbrow Family Churches

Discovery clinic Gereformeerd Linden

DRD Gold Rembrandt Slaghuis

Methodist Church Newton Park

Montrose NG Kempton Krag

IH Harris Primary School

Elephants on Main GISS Embark Foundation Rooftops Canada Methodist Church Westering

Oostenberg AHI NG Kruin

Jeppe & Hillbrow SAPS

Emage Great Basin Reserve Emthonjeni Social Enterprise

Wilsenach van Wyk NMMU Law Faculty Provincial DSD Pick ‘n Pay Aston Manor

Joburg Bible College

Eureka University Helen Joseph Hospital

Escondido Tapas & wine

NMMU: Dept Soc Dev

SAPS Pick ‘n Pay Kempton Gate

Johan Goosen Free to Grow Hospice Palliative Care Association of SA (Membership)

Forum Homini Roots Restaurant

PE Chemicals Shofar Tygerber SAPS

Kamoso Developments

Furntech Hospice Witwatersrand

Gap Factor PE Clothing Bank Shoprite Checkers Trust

Tembekile Industries & Supplies

Linden Gereformeerde Kerk

Harambee Ikusasa GIBS Business School

POPS Stellenberg DRC TruckFuelNet

Lizette Labuschagne

Home Pride Jeppe Clinic Giovanni Battista Hair Care

Refugee centre: NMMU

Straatwerk Uppe Marketing

Lutheran Community Outreach

Homeless Talk Joubert Park Clinic Global Aesthetic Centre

Regional Welfare Forum

Street People Forum

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MES Johannesburg and Head Office

PE Cape Town Kempton ParkPoverty Alleviation, Community & Spiritual Enrichment

Education and Skills Development

Pro. Health and Social Services

Public Relation and Resource Development

Management & Support Services

Lyndsay Adie-Wilsnach

Homemark Kaya FM Golden Vision Optometrists

Rev Groenewald TASP

Melville Kruisgemeente

IH Harris Life Line HLT Hardware Rotarians Teahmo Brackenfell Network

NGK Brixton Isilimko Staffing Life Line Client Idealab SAPS VDMVNGK Ring van JHB ISS Malvern Clinic Isinkwa Setheku Sasko Voortrekker Road

Corridor City Improvement District (VRCID)

Potch / UNW Students

Kelly Mental Health Il Giardino Trink IT Watchmen School of Prayer

Potchefstroom Kandelaar Student C

Kimoglo Mofolo clinic Ilse Schurmann UVIWE Child Care WCSYF

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe

Lethukuhanya college

Mrs Stegman Impala Flora (Robindale)

Yokhusela Western Cape Dutch Reformed Synod

SACC Linden Ladies Omgee Group.

NG Kerk Aasvoëlkop IQ Business Willowbridge : Salome

The Rivers Foundation

Lutheran Church NG Parkkruin JDM Unlimited WOW Bellville South

UJ Students Mad Max NG Queenswood Liebenberg AcousticsUniting Reformed Church

Michelangelo Lecacy Group

NG Weltevredepark Linden Cycles

Upper Room Assembly

Mr Price NGK Mondeor Little Green Number (W2W)

Walk Thru the Bible Nkosi’s Haven NHK Nederlands Lizz MeiringNTX Upholstery and Deco

No 17 Esselen Street Clinic

Love Jozi

Pan African Shop fitters

Novo Nordisk LSC Staffing Solutions

Panarottis-Cresta Ondersteuningsraad Lutheran Community Outreach Foundation (Hillbrow)

POWA Outreach Foundation

Mangwanani

Quest personnel SANCA Medi -Clinic SandtonRandburg Suid Gemeente.

SASSA Media24

Redcap Foundation SAVF Metro Bus Johannesburg

RHRU Selbypark Hospital Michelangelo Legacy Hotel

SA Navy Sizwe Hospital Nationbuilder SANCA Soul City NG Fochville NoordSAPS South Rand Hospital NG ParkkruinServest Teddy Bear Clinic NG SasolburgfonteinSkills to Furnish Thérèse Maarschalk NG

WeltenvredenparkSmollan TMI Novo NordiskSt Michael and St George ( Bezvalley)

Turffontein Ring NGK

PCR Technology

Stallion Tutela PENStrabane Uitkoms Huis Price

WaterhouseCoopersSuperbets Varsity College Protea HotelsTDH Foundation Victor PurougeThe Clothing Bank Winds of Change

ChurchQhubeka

The Little Green Number

Randburg High School Choir

UJ Rave StudiosUnion for Jewish Women

Ride Magazine

Wendy Promotions Rocha's Paint &Building Supplies

Wiseguard RSGSAPS (Hillbrow)

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MES Johannesburg and Head Office

PE Cape Town Kempton ParkPoverty Alleviation, Community & Spiritual Enrichment

Education and Skills Development

Pro. Health and Social Services

Public Relation and Resource Development

Management & Support Services

Sixth SenseSolal TechStone The Culinary WorkshopThe Little Box CompanyThe Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf ClubThundermarkTorings van HoopToyota ConstantiaVaughn's CreationsVoortrekkers UNIKAVuvo Telo RestaurantVW ConnectionWakaberry WvdMPhotography

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Platinum R500 000 to R5 499 999 Anglo American Chairman’s Fund

City of Johannesburg – Ekuthuleni

City Of Johannesburg – Linatex

Department of Social Development – Gauteng

Department of Social Development – Western Cape

Hospice Association – PEPFAR

KFC Social Trust

Mergon Foundation

The Foschini Group Foundation

TK Foundation

Donor Acknowledgement(Financial Contributions)

Silver R50 000 - R99 999 AID4MES (84MES)

Australian High Commision (DAP Programme)

BDO

Beeld Kinderfonds

CAFSA

De Villiers CG

Hay JDT (Joubert)

Hertzog E Dr.

Joubert K

Kruger Internationaal

Le Roux Andrew

Madulammoho Housing Association

Maranatha Community Church

Mclachlan Koos JDT

NG Kempton-Hoogland

NGK - SA (Cape Sinod)

Old Mutual Foundation

Robert Niven Trust

Rooftops Canada

Thundermark (Professional Services)

Van Buuren Bas

Van Den Heever RJ

Villa Crop Protection

Gold R100 000 - R499 999 AFRISAM

Anglo Gold Ashanti

Catalyx Jumpstart

Department of Health

Discovery Fund

DRC Presbetery – Johannesburg

Exportos

FNB Trust

Hyprop Investments Limited

Ikusasa Stichting

Lategan W

Maranatha Community Church

Masscash

NG Kempton Hoogland

NG Sinode Suid Transvaal

RB Hagart Trust

Sedibeng Breweries

Stone (Professional Services)

TruckFuelNet

Vakantie Sponsor

VRCID

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BRONZE R10 000 - R49 999 Acorn Foundation

Actom Distribution Transformers

Actuator Technical Services

Airgro (Pty) Ltd

Alberts LJ

Andile Solutions

At Last Embroidery and Promotions (Goods in Kind)

Aucamp M

Aucamp PWB

Autus Care

Badenhorst CH (Dr.)

Baie-Lingual Concepts

Barclays

Barista Trust

Barnard Werner

BCF Precision Engineering

Bellville Presbyterian Church

Bhoora RV

Botha Fanie

Botha Julia

Brudaco Automotive

Builders Warehouse

Burger Johan

CAFSA (ABSA matching fund)

Carl & Emily Foundation

Cecil Jowell Charity Trust

Claasen D

Cloete AJ

Cloete R

Coetzee Johann

Coming NPF

Cosmos Annique

Da Veiga Adele (Martins)

De Frey Therese

De Klerk Johan

De Kok Adriaan

De Wet EMP

Doxa Deo Meyersdal

DRC Presbetery - Turfontein

Du Plessis GP (Dr.)

Du Toit Danie

Du Toit Jurgens

Embark Foundation (Mosaïek)

Fouche Rizta

Fynbos Trust

Gearhouse South Africa (Goods in Kind)

Geldenhuys NPB

Glass EK

Glory House Church

Goosen OJJ

Gouws SF

Hattingh H (Hilmari)

Heuer Wanda

Idea Lab Events

IPIC Properties

IQ Business

Janse van Rensburg WM

Koz Dave

Kriek Johan

Kruger I

Lagai-Roi (Goods in Kind)

Len Neel

Liana Keyser Design (Goods in Kind)

Lindsay Keller Attorneys (Goods in Kind)

Lombard LT (legacy)

LSC Staffing Solutions

Lund CJ

Marble Collegiate Church

McDonald A

Medi-Clinic Limited

Morton G

Naude SPE

Nel Elzabe

Nel RF

Neubau Construction

NG Bonaeropark

NG Fontainebleau

NG Kempton-Kruin

NG Lindenpark

NG Parkkruin Familiekerk

NG Randburg Suid

NG Sasolburg-Fontein

NG Weltevreden

NGK - Bellville Wes

NGK - Bergsig

NGK - La Rochelle

NGK - Paarlberg

NGK - Stellenberg

Nkonki East Gauteng Incorporated (Professional Services)

NMMU

Norris Leon

Olivier Linette

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On Q Marketing

Opperman Fannie

Orica Mining Services South (Goods in Kind)

Partquip Group (Pty) Ltd

PE Chemicals

Perold Earth

Pick ‘n Pay - Bellville

Pienaar Linette

Pienaar Lion

Pizza Hut (Pty) Ltd

Plastic Accent

Point SA

PPC Cement

Prestige Academy Golf Day

Profit Recovery Solutions

Raath RJ

Radel (PTY) LTD

Radio Tygerberg

Rogers Carl

Rosebank Union Church

Santum Ltd

Schoonwinkel L

Scorpion Legal Protection

PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited space we cannot acknowledge each donor, but we would like to thank everyone that made a contribution that enabled us to “Change the heart of the city!”

Thank you very much!

SIRAC GNR

Smith JP

Southern Oceaneering

Standard Bank CSI

Strydom B & M

Swanepoel B & T

The Cullinary Workshop (Professional Services)

Thembekile industries

Transland Motors

T-Systems SA (Pty) Ltd

Unichoice Produce

Van Antwerpen PHA

Van der Mescht S

Van der Westhuizen Matt

Van der Westhuizen Steve

Van Jaarsveld Dr. Pieter

Van Wyk G (Gerda)

Venter WJ

Vermeulen E (Ettiene)

Wessels ML

Wilsenach van Wyk Bestuurstrust

Young and Rubicam

Zeneth Telecommunications

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