about us

  • Official Details
  • Legal Status: Registered Non-Profit Company (NPC)
  • Governance: Governed by the Companies Act, 2008, and our Memorandum of Incorporation.
  • Legal Identity: WC-HPCA is a separate legal entity, able to own property, enter into contracts, and operate in its own name
  • Our Core Mission & Objectives

Our primary purpose is:

  • To establish and manage a unified association of APCC-member hospices and palliative care centres in the Western Cape.
  • To use the powers of a non-profit entity to benefit the sustainability of our members.
  • To promote and advocate for quality palliative care throughout the region.
  • Our Members
WC-HPCA is an association of member organisations.
  • Members: Any APCC member in the Western Cape can become a member of WC-HPCA.
  • Associate Members: Other organisations providing similar or complementary services may be admitted as non-voting Associate Members.
  • Representation: Each Member Organisation appoints a representative to participate in WC-HPCA meetings and has the right to nominate directors to the WC-HPCA Board.
  • Transformation: We are committed to being fully representative of the racial diversity within the Western Cape. 
  • How We Are Governed
WC-HPCA is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors elected from our member organisations.
  • Board Size: The Board consists of between 5 and 11 Directors.
  • Portfolios: Directors are appointed to portfolios such as Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and areas like Training, Advocacy, and Fundraising.
  • Term: Office bearers serve a 3-year term, which can be extended for a further 3 years.
  • Executive Committee: The Board elects an Executive Committee to handle operational matters.
  • Our Financial Principles

WC-HPCA is an association of member organisations.

As a non-profit and Public Benefit Organisation, we operate under strict financial guidelines:
  • Not-for-Profit: All income and assets are used solely to pursue our mission. No funds are distributed to any person except as fair compensation for services rendered.
  • Transparency: We maintain comprehensive financial records and produce annual audited financial statements.
  • Upon Dissolution: If WC-HPCA were ever to dissolve, any remaining assets would be transferred to another approved public benefit organisation with similar objectives.
  • Key Governance Practices
  • Meetings: The Board meets at least twice a year. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held within six months of the financial year-end (31 March).
  • Voting: Each Member Organisation has one vote. Most resolutions require a two-thirds majority to pass. Critical decisions, like appointing paid staff, require an 80% majority.
  • Changes to the MOI: Any changes to our founding document require a special resolution passed by the members.

“This is a simplified summary of our founding principles. The full Memorandum of Incorporation is available for inspection upon request by members and relevant authorities.”

  • Current Board
  • Chairperson: Cecily van Heerden (PlettAid)
    • Responsible for oversight of WC-HPCA as a whole, contact person for new member enquiries, sits on Western Cape Palliative Care Task Team, and other advocacy groups.
    • Cecily also acts as the WC-HPCA representative on the APCC board
  • Secretary: Eugenie Smith
    • Responsible for effective record-keeping as well as maintaining official records and governance responsibilities.
  • Convenor: Mariek Dettbarn (Breede River Hospice)
    • Responsible for information gathering and dissemination, as well as arrangements for regional meetings.
  • Treasurer: Rika Rodd (Helderberg Society for the Aged)
    • Responsible for financial oversight, including budgeting, reporting and financial compliance. She also holds the Risk portfolio on the board.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER): Cecily van Heerden (PlettAid)
    • Responsible for ensuring WC-HPCA members uses data for patient outcome improvements and provides training on data systems.
  • Accreditation & Mentorship: Susan Schutte (Breede River Hospice)
    • Acts as the 1st point of contact for members who are working towards APCC and/or Cohsasa accreditation.
    • Provides support with the use of the self-assessment-tool (SAT).
    • Links members with mentors in relevant areas.
  • Education & Training: Susan Swanepoel (Drakenstein Hospice)
    • Acts as liaison between the WC-HPCA and APCC Education and Training committee. Ensures WC-HPCA members are up to date on course offerings by APCC and other relevant institutions.
    • Oversees arrangements of the WC-HPCA Clinical & Psychosocial forum meetings, held twice per year.
  • Co-opted members: Thandi Sililo (Helderberg Hospice)
  • Contact information