Dear Friends of Golden Sunbeams,
Our annual general meeting took place as a Zoom meeting on May 19, 2026. We are delighted with the high level of participation and would like to thank all members for their interest and active involvement.
Following the welcome address by the chairperson and the official opening of the meeting, it was confirmed that the invitation had been issued correctly and within the required timeframe. A quorum of members present was confirmed. The proposed agenda was unanimously approved; no further motions were submitted. The minutes of the last general meeting, held on May 16, 2024, were also unanimously approved.
Following this, the board provided detailed information about the association’s most important projects and activities in 2025. Particular emphasis was placed on the successful development of the association’s work as well as about ongoing and planned support projects.
The largest and most financially demanding project that Golden Sunbeams supported in 2025 was the renovation of the “Free to Grow” Edu-Care centre in the Macassar township. This ECD centre was the passionate project of our friend Christiane Klein, who passed away three years ago. We already reported on this special project in our newsletter No. 78 in October 2025. The Klein family had pledged Golden Sunbeam’s generous financial support for the renovation and expansion of the ECD centre. On May 12, 2026, Edwin Klein, Christiane’s husband, was able to see the progress of the work for himself. He was deeply impressed and moved by the completed renovation. Unfortunately, the planned extension is still pending. We applied for the building permit back in September 2025, but it has not yet been granted. In the entire history of Golden Sunbeams, we have never experienced such a long processing time.
We have not yet received a plausible explanation for the delay. Therefore, all we can do for now is wait patiently and hope that the permit will finally be granted in the near future. Only then can we take the next important step towards expanding the school and improving childcare options for children in Macassar.
Following the project report, treasurer Claudia Beissner-Hilbert informed the members about the financial situation of the association. Income and expenses were presented and explained transparently. The two auditors reported on the audit of the accounts for the years 2024 and 2025. The documents were checked for completeness and accuracy. The auditors found that all accounting transactions were complete, comprehensive and properly maintained. There were no objections. Based on this positive audit result, the auditors proposed the discharge of the board. The subsequent vote resulted in unanimous approval of the board’s discharge.
Claudia Beißner-Hilbert explained that, due to her professional obligations, she would no longer be able to perform the duties of treasurer and deputy chairwoman and would therefore not be available for re-election. Fortunately, Britta Belz was able to recruit a former colleague and long-time friend to take on this important role. Michael Stiller, a member of Golden Sunbeams since its founding, has agreed to assume the position of treasurer. At the meeting, he briefly presented his professional and personal background.
Michael Stiller has been very familiar with the processes and developments of the organisation since 2018, and he has also visited Britta in South Africa on several occasions.
During his last visit to South Africa in 2023, Michael met Bernd Holtkamp in person.
Britta Belz was unanimously elected as chairwoman, Michael Stiller as her deputy and treasurer, and Brigitte Stegmayer as secretary.
We sincerely thank Claudi Beißner-Hilbert for her many years of dedication and her responsible work as treasurer and wish Michael Stiller much success and enjoyment in his new role.
Since one of our previous auditors was unable to run for office again due to health reasons, the election of a new auditor was necessary.
Ulrike Hammecke agreed to continue doing the auditing for the next two years. In addition, Claudia Beißner-Hilbert stood for the position of second auditor. Members welcomed her willingness to contribute her experience to this role in the future.
In the subsequent vote, Claudia Beißner-Hilbert was unanimously elected as one of the Auditors. Together with Ulrike Hammecke, she will be responsible for auditing the organisation’s accounts. We thank both auditors for their willingness to take on this responsible task and thus contribute to the transparency and proper management of the association.
While we were busy with the aforementioned administrative tasks, we were also able to support the work in the ECD centres.
So the Kingdom Kids ECD centre contacted us with a request for help. Three years ago the school was completely destroyed by a severe storm and then had to be rebuilt. We already reported in newsletters 55 and 56 (October/November 2023) about the construction of a stable stone wall around the site to protect against future flooding. Until now, only the side facing the neighbouring township was still demarcated by a temporary metal fence.
The existing fence was not only in dire need of repair, but also only partially fulfilled its protective function. There were repeated instances of people entering the school grounds at night by climbing over the fence or through tunnels dug underneath it, severely compromising the safety of the facility.
Together with the kindergarten management, we therefore decided to permanently secure this open side as well. Thanks to your support, we were able to build a stable wall and now fully protect the area.
The construction work was successfully completed within a few days without disrupting or impacting school operations. The ECD centre now has a safe and secure outdoor area where the children can play and learn without a care in the world. The staff and parents expressed their deep gratitude for this improvement, which not only enhances safety but also significantly improves the school’s appearance. Zelna, the principal of Kingdom Kids, and our builder “Doctor,” are also delighted to be contributing to creating a safe and developmentally supportive environment for the children through this project.
In closing, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our members, sponsors, supporters, patrons, friends, and benefactors for their many years of loyalty and invaluable support. Your commitment and attachment have made our work possible for many years and have significantly contributed to the success of our projects.
A very special thank you goes to the Fröhlich family, who generously supported the construction of the wall at the Kingdom Kids ECD centre. Their help made this important project possible and contributed to a safe and inspiring environment for the children.
We are grateful for every form of support and look forward to continue making a positive impact in the future together.
Warm regards for now and into the future,
Britta & Michi