Message from our Chairman

“Every year I get a call from one of our call centre agents asking me, once again, to contribute to Sea Rescue and I’m always left with an impression of professionalism and a sense of satisfaction in the essential contribution they make to raise the funds so necessary to running our operations.”

It has once again been my pleasure and privilege as Chairman of Sea Rescue to lead a team of volunteer non-executives and the executive team in providing the governance and oversight necessary to assuring our stakeholders and ensuring their continued commitment and engagement.

The exceptional volunteer purpose and passion and performance within this organisation is truly inspiring and humbling. What these volunteers achieve annually along 3 000 kilometres of coastline and inland is nothing less than amazing and I can only express my sincere thanks and commendation for a job well done! 2019 was a watershed year as we took management control of our call centre operations and the V&A retail store and I am well satisfied with the performance of both entities, as essential revenue streams into the organisation. I am happy to report that, because of a smooth change process, the revenue through the call centre has been sustained, despite the volatile nature of the economy. I am humbly grateful for the sacrifices our donors make to sustain us!

Continuity is always important, and our Board has been stable this year, except for the resignation of Meriel Bartlett after fifteen years of service. She carries with her our thanks. The equity and skill on the Board ensure that the organisation has the appropriate oversight and I am grateful for the volunteer support of my Board colleagues.

The economy within which we operate is a challenging one, so raising operating capital remains a concern. Climate change and environmental volatility are no less a challenge to a maritime rescue service and the social context of drowning prevention continues to require and inspire innovation. We are responding to all these issues with creativity and energy and I have absolute confidence in our leadership, staff and volunteers in sustaining and advancing our service to the South African society.

It is always humbling to both the Board and I to be part of this wonderful organisation and we can only express our sincere gratitude to donors, stakeholders, volunteers, staff and the public in general for the work accomplished in this year.

Ronnie Stein Chairman, National Sea Rescue Institute