The Network\u2019s well-attended 2025 year-end gathering at the vibrant Urban Farmer Market at Blackfriars featured an outstanding programme. Member speakers\u2014Cara Goschen from the Do More Foundation, Richard Mason representing The Kay Mason Foundation, and Bazil Solomon from the South African Association\u2014shared insights into their organisations\u2019 work. Unplanned yet inspiring, a common theme emerged: collaboration and mutual support in uplifting and developing people, particularly children and vulnerable communities across southern Africa.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sa-uktrusts.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/12-300x169.png\")
\nIncoming Network trustee, Cara Goschen, led a fun \u201cMentee Meter\u201d activity to discover what members value most about the Network. The top priorities? Practical \u201chow-to\u201d training sessions\u2014especially on fundraising\u2014and opportunities for collaboration.<\/p>\n
Back by popular demand, Global South African Francis West, CEO of Security Everywhere, delivered invaluable insights into the ever-escalating threat of cybercrime. A leader in his field, Francis exposed the often-overlooked dangers of hacking and other malicious activities that threaten non-profits. His practical steps for staying safe were sobering yet empowering, leaving everyone alert and informed.<\/p>\n
Annie Blanchard, Customer Success Manager at GivenGain\u2014sponsors of the delicious refreshments provided by Limoncello\u2014shared her expertise and passion for challenge events. Annie offered a step-by-step guide to creating fun, adventurous activities for supporters and their families, turning them into meaningful fundraising opportunities. Her enthusiasm for collaboration and creative campaigns shone through.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sa-uktrusts.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/13-300x169.png\")
\nFounding (and now former) trustee Geoff Johnson returned to honour the Network\u2019s founding chair, Jill Ritchie, along with Louise Seligman and Peter Burdin, who are stepping down as trustees. Geoff graciously described Jill as a \u201cPerson Extraordinaire.\u201d
\nIncoming chair Kelvin Glen closed the event by thanking everyone, reminding us that the Network\u2019s success is built on the support and commitment of all involved.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sa-uktrusts.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/14-300x169.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sa-uktrusts.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/15-300x169.png\")
<\/p>\n
Special mention:<\/p>\n
Professional photographer and global South African, Ronel van Zyl, voluntarily offered to do photography for the Network upon its inception. True to her word, Ronel attended the vast majority of the gatherings over 15 years and captured for posterity the people, mood and invaluable networking of southern- and South African-supporting UK non-profits\u2019 representatives. Traveling at her own expense and giving of her time and expertise at no charge, Ronel\u2019s support has been deeply valued. She certainly deserves an Award!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Network\u2019s well-attended 2025 year-end gathering at the vibrant Urban Farmer Market at Blackfriars featured an outstanding programme. 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