Three new governors, Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu, from Metropolitan Holdings, Professor Johan Augustyn from University of Stellenbosch: Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management and Teresa McNeill, of Calibre Clinical Consultants, were elected at the SABCOHA annual general meeting, held on 30 October 2008.

Over the past year, three governors were co-opted to the board and were ratified by members: Dr Brian Brink, Dr Mojaki Mosia and Dr Fazel Randera.

Governors Jonathan Oppenheimer, of De Beers Group; Desiree Daniels, of Metropolitan Life; and Clifford van der Venter, of Unilever South Africa elected to stand down, leaving three seats vacant.

Following the AGM election, SABCOHA has a new board of governors:

• Jackie Tau - the chairman, from Aspen Pharmacare
• Dr Penny Mkalipe - the vice-chairman, from Eskom
• Dr Brian Brink, from Anglo American
• Dr Dave Clark, from Aurum Institute for Health Research
• Dr Mojaki Mosia, from BMW SA
• Vikashnee Harbhajan, from BUSA
• Teresa McNeill, from Calibre Clinical Consultants (Pty) Ltd
• Dr Fazel Randera, from Chamber of Mines South Africa
• Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, from Metropolitan Holdings Ltd
• Mike Roy, from PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Jenni Gillies, from SABMiller PLC
• Sipho Ngidi, from Standard Bank Group
• Prof Johan Augustyn, from University of Stellenbosch: Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management
• Dr Alex Govender, from Volkswagen South Africa
• Brad Mears, from SABCOHA

The chairman, Jackie Tau, opened the meeting and welcomed all present. Tau pointed out that the highlight of the year was the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funding that had been secured to replace core funding, previously provided by DFID, the British Department for International Development.

Brad Mears, the chief executive, noted that the first financial year with CDC funding was completed at the end of September 2008, and that the amount of funding had been increased from US$1,6-million (about R15,7-million) to US$2-million, with a carry-over of funds from the first year.

Because of the nature of the CDC funding, SABCOHA now has two financial years, with an accompanying effect on organisational culture and audit requirements.

SABCOHA's Supply Chain Programme has accelerated as a result of the funding received and granted, leading to exponential growth in SMME membership. Discussions are in progress for possible renewed funding from DFID. Overheads are not covered by the CDC funding and membership funding might be affected by the economic climate.

A public private partnership has been negotiated with the Gauteng provincial government for the roll-out of BizAIDS. The BizAIDS project manager, Daryl Wearne, resigned and the position was filled by Susan Preller, who will also co-ordinate peer educator mobilisation and support around the country.

Communications have been enhanced by the investment in the revamped website.

Accolades have come from USAID, which views SABCOHA as a successful and progressive organisation, serving as a reference point for other regions around the world.

SABCOHA is fortunate to have high-level people such as Prof Bongani Khumalo and Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu represent business at the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) plenary.

The organisation's financial accounts were approved at the AGM, and it was noted that there had been a leap in members. The ratio of membership to donor income was 31:66, from the preferred 45:55 ratio of the previous financial year. This demonstrates SABCOHA's reliance on donor funding.

There was a 49 percent increase in income with only a 13 percent increase in operating expenses. Marketing expenses were lowered, while accounting and auditing fees increased because of the CDC funding conditions.

Mears acknowledged the contributions made by members and staff of SABCOHA and thanked the chairman and governors for their contribution to SABCOHA's board, executive committee and audit committee.

In turn, the chairman thanked the chief executive for his commendable work.