Red Cross mission struggles due to lack of resources
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday December 19, 2023 07:24
Mukokomani was speaking at the BRSC elective Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Saturday in Kang.
The mandate of the BRCS, as stipulated in the act is to complement government work on health, social services, and disaster management.
He emphasised that, without the necessary resources, the organisation would struggle to meet its goals and have a meaningful impact on the community.
According to Mukokomani, the BRSC‘s structures are often unable to operate effectively due to a lack of resources like vehicles.
“Without the necessary tools and equipment, the organisation’s ability to make a difference is severely limited. Another challenge we are facing is staff retention, with many trained First Aid workers leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain is hurting the organisation's ability to provide essential services.
The organisation is training its staff and volunteers but does not have long-term retention. Hence, others leaving for greener pastures,” Mukokomani said. He proposed two solutions to the AGA, including motivating staff with incentives or developing a strategy for retaining them.
He, however, said his office is trying to promote some employees and make some secondment of staff to new projects as opportunities for professional growth as a way for staff retention. He informed the AGA that his office has managed to overcome some financial difficulties but suggested that there is still a need for more diverse fundraising strategies.
In that regard, he said the current methods of raising funds are not sufficient to sustain the organisation's activities. He said the BRSC is taking a proactive approach to secure its financial future by engaging in partnerships, different projects, membership subscriptions, First Aid training, and even charging for rehabilitation services, which have previously been provided free of charge.
The BSRC secretary-general said once the BRSC Act is approved by Parliament, it will need to be communicated to the community to ensure that they are aware of its contents and implications. He said the act would soon be tabled before Parliament. “The organisation is committed to transparency and engagement with the public, to ensure that everyone is informed and understands the new act,” he continued.