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2025-10-31-accounts

SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

Charity number

1200189 registered 26/08/22 (previously 1000003)

Trustees

Peninah Achieng-Kindberg (ex-Chair) Sharon Foster (Acting Chair) Angela Lowe Caroline Pitt (Treasurer& Secretary) Dave Spurgeon (resigned 31[st] September 2025) Henry Frankis Pyle (resigned March 2025)

Registered Office Bristol Commonwealth Society 14 Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 1PD Bankers The Co-operative Bank Independent Examiner Not required

This report for the year ending 31[st] October 2025 sits alongside the internally audited accounts for that period.

Contents

1 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES .......................................................................................................... 2
2 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................ 3
3 FINANCIAL REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 9
4 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT........................................................................ 10
5 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCOME AND EXPENDITURE) ....................................... 13
6 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025 ................................................. 14

18/11/25 APPROVED AT AGM

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

1 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

1.1 Objectives

Southern Africa Resource Centre was governed by a trust deed dated 9th June 1990 and was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as charity number 1000003 on 2nd August 1990. The charitable objects were described as:

  1. To advance the education of the public in the South-West of England in the theory and practice of apartheid and in the field of Southern African art, history and current affairs

  2. To relieve persons in Southern Africa suffering need hardship and/or distress who by reason of their social or economic conditions are in need of assistance

Southern Africa Resource Centre was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) number 1200189 on 26[th] August 2022. The charitable objects are described as:

For the public benefit in Southern Africa,

  1. to relieve poverty;

  2. to advance education; and

  3. to advance Southern African art, Culture and Heritage.

All the charity’s assets were transferred to the CIO.

1.2 Activities

The work of the Southern Africa Resource Centre (SARC) focuses on the work facilitated by Bristol Link with Beira (BLB) www.bristolbeiralink.org/ . BLB promotes people-to-people networks between the cities of Bristol in the UK, and Beira in Mozambique, to empower and benefit local communities and generate links and learning between the two cities.

Our strategy focusses on the sectors of

using the mechanisms of

whilst targeting

Overseas grants have been provided on the basis of needs identified and budgeted by our partners in Beira, an award-winning NGO, ADEL Sofala www.adelsofala.org.mz/. These grants for social investment go to local organizations with a track record of social responsibility through supporting the community. All administration and management work in Bristol is undertaken by volunteers.

This year, in addition to projects overseas, we have held events celebrating 50 years of Mozambican Independence, and 35 years of Bristol Link with Beira. Activities in Bristol aim to raise awareness in Bristol about development issues of urban sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting Climate Justice and Global Citizenship.

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

1.3 Public Benefit

The Trustees have observed the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and helps us ensure our objectives and activities remain focused on our stated purpose and charitable objects. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities.

2 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

2.1 Health & Education

2.1.1 Reproductive Sexual Health for Women & Girls

SARC received another £5k grant from Coles Medlock Foundation, for the Associação para o Desenvolvimento Social (ADS) project “Girl-to-Girl Empowerment of Women and Girls”, for the third year running, monitored by ADEL, our partners in Beira. ADS designed the project, and ran workshops to train mentors on gender-based violence (GBV), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), early pregnancy, child marriage, gender equality, human rights, civic engagement and life skills. Mentors then took these messages to Girls’ Clubs in the neighbourhoods, reaching 120 young women, who are encouraged to informally share knowledge with their peers, families, and communities.

Mentors also broadcast debates and performances on radio, TV and social media, for a wider dissemination of knowledge. These are available on the ADS Facebook page and summarised in English on the BLB Facebook page. Topics include Menstrual Dignity, Promotion of Peace, Human Rights and Women’s Rights, and Body Autonomy. With the assistance of UN Women, ADS produced a music video about GBV, now on the BLB YouTube Channel. One of the young women mentors has been selected as a UN Women Peace Champion.

2.1.2 Catering Equipment and Training at Amai Mussananhi

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

BLB have long-supported community group Amai Mussananhi ( Women helping Women ), who received £4k from BLB supporters, via ADEL. Amai wanted to address issues of food insecurity through the provision of catering equipment and training for the Amai preschool. 20 vulnerable women were selected to receive catering training to provide both school lunches, and snacks for sale out of hours. 4 of these women dropped out during the course due to pregnancy and/or caring duties. The 16 who completed the course benefited from small business training. The Amai preschool now provides improved school meals for vulnerable children, improving their welfare and providing the nourishment needed for their development. Small snack businesses will promote income generation for these vulnerable women.

2.1.3 Resources for Bristol Schools

Learning Everywhere and Bristol City Council have been promoting BLB’s “Where is our Twin” Learning Pack with Activity Sheets about Beira, Mozambique and Sub-Saharan Africa, for use in schools in Bristol. One of the schools in Bristol is negotiating a link with a school in Beira, following a workshop facilitated by the Bristol City Twinning Officer and MoYah, a Mozambican rapper, activist, and educator resident in Bristol.

As well as learning about Beira, Mozambique and Sub-Saharan Africa, we hope that students and staff will be inspired to develop school links, get involved with Twinning, and benefit from the partnerships we have set up. These learning documents contribute to raising awareness in Bristol about issues of urban sub-Saharan Africa, Climate Justice, and encourage Global Citizenship. The documents can be downloaded from the BLB website.

2.1.4 Research

We have continued to elicit research projects from the universities in Bristol, and benefit from the input of student volunteers. We encourage universities in Beira to take part in the initiatives of University of Bristol’s Perivoli Africa Research Centre. We also encourage Mozambicans to study in Bristol via the Chevening Scholarships.

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

A SARC Trustee representing BLB presented our work at the Development Studies Association conference “Navigating crisis: dangers and opportunities in development” at the University of Bath. The panel assembled by South West International Development Network (SWIDN) comprised BLB, Chase Africa, Just a Drop, and Motivation, and addressed “ Towards a Meaningful Practice of Reparative Development: Bridging Crises and Reimagining Opportunities for Decolonisation ” by presenting our reflections to an academic audience.

2.2 Community & Civil Society

2.2.1 Women in Urban Agriculture

ADEL are implementing our project “ Economic Resilience for Vulnerable Women ”, designed in conjunction with the local community association Fundissananhe. They represent women working in urban agriculture in Vaz, on the edge of Beira’s industrial zone. This project supports 200 women in developing micro businesses and improve the economic resilience of their households. The project includes training, mentoring and provision of horticultural goods

ADEL have also handed over income-generating kits to enable self-employment for a sustainable source of income generation. These women have taken part in micro-finance and small business training workshops, and formed savings and rotating credit groups. Topics discussed included the role of women in the family, Family Law, food security and small business management, with a view to dissemination in their communities.

The final stage of the project is planting, which will take place in November. This £5k project was financed by Kitchen Table, Eleanor Rathbone and Taylor Charitable Trusts.

2.2.2 Bristol’s ‘Beira Day’

BLB celebrated Beira’s Dia da Cidade on 20 August, marking 118 years of Beira’s city status by raising Beira’s city flag outside Bristol’s City Hall, attended by representatives of BLB, Bristol City Council and the Bristol Commonwealth Society.

2.3 Climate Change & Energy

2.3.1 Youth Leadership for the Environment

BLB has been working with ADEL, and a youth group in Beira to prepare a project proposal focussing on youth leadership and environmental management, and are applying for grants in UK.

2.3.2 Green Cities Infrastructure Programme

Beira is one of the 3 cities in Mozambique included in UKAID’s GCIP programme. BLB has maintained communication with FCDO and the project managers with a view to strengthening the Bristol-Beira Link. We are pleased that our partners in Beira, ADEL have been contracted to initiate the community engagement in Beira.

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

2.4 Culture & Sport

2.4.1 Festival of Voice

As part of “Festival of Voice” organised by St George’s concert hall in Bristol, BLB facilitated Beira’s contribution to the video “Twin Cities - Singing City 2025” . We are grateful to dance teacher Natércio Bazo and his colleagues at Escola Primaria Palmo e Maio, in Beira for submitting their cultural anthem which is on BLB’s YouTube channel. The teachers express their pride in being African, like their ancestors, recognising all the provinces of Mozambique.

2.4.2 Dance Programme at Casa de Cultura

£1.5k raised by BLB from Rotary Bristol, to sponsor the programme “Social Protection through the Arts” for vulnerable teenagers who use dance as a method of social support and stability away from crime. This programme was designed by the professional dance teacher in Beira in conjunction with a Red Cross Project Manager. The young people participate in formal dance training, as well as cultural, recreational and educational activities. The dance teacher has shown that vulnerable teenagers who attend regular dance classes and feel part of a team, can turn their lives around, become included socially, and subsequently avoid criminal and unhealthy lifestyles. Indeed, one of the students now attends the Mozambican National Dance School, and was selected to perform in Reunion.

BLB have facilitated preparation of a £5k funding proposal for a subsequent phase of the project with the dance teacher in Beira, and Rise Youth Dance in Bristol. This will incorporate digital collaboration between both sets of students, peer-to-peer CPD, and training of teaching assistants. This project is partially funded to date.

2.4.3 Afrika Eye Film Festival

SARC received £2k in this financial year from the Morel Trust for the 20[th] Afrika Eye Film Festival, which will be held in November 2025. This grant has covered venue hire, marketing, distributor costs, speakers’ expenses, venue hire, administration and marketing, relating to four films from Southern Africa.

18/11/25 APPROVED AT AGM

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

2.5 Anniversary Events in Bristol

2.5.1 Mozambican Films screened in Bristol

To celebrate 35 years of BLB, we have screened 2 films about Mozambican culture. “ Dance for Peace ”, based on the choreographed 'Ode a Paz' created by Mozambique's National Dance Company was shown twice, once in conjunction with the Global Goals Centre at their International Cultural Festival, and again in conjunction with Afrika Eye Film Festival at Bristol Commonwealth Society. The wonderful music documentary, “ Marrabentando ”, looking at the contemporary approach to the national music of Mozambique was shown at Easton Cowfolk Radical Film Club. About 40 people attended each screening of the 3 screenings. The films were screened for free, thanks to the directors and the venues.

2.5.2 Mozambican Poster Exhibition in Bristol

Celebrating 50 years of Mozambican Independence and 35 years of Bristol Link with Beira, BLB mounted the exhibition ‘ Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution ’ assembled at London University’s School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS). It ran for 5 weeks in Bristol Central Library, which had an average footfall of 935 per day. Set up during the student revision period, and located outside the study centre, the 20 posters and received much interest.

40 people attended the preview, attended by the Lord Mayor of Bristol and BLB supporters. Following talks on Mozambican Independence and on BLB, one of the curators, explained the artistic and political value of the posters. The exhibition was later visited by the Mozambican High Commissioner, who was guided by SARC Trustees, members of the Mozambican diaspora and representatives of the Bristol Commonwealth Society, Bristol Libraries and Bristol City Council.

The exhibition was part sponsored by Bristol International Twinning Association, Bristol Commonwealth Society, Bristol Libraries, Amiel and Melburn, and SOAS; with the shortfall covered by SARC.

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

2.5.3 Mozambican Independence Exhibition in Bristol

A selection of posters and archival material was exhibited as “ Mozambique at 50: A Luta Continua! ” at the Bristol Radical History Festival in Bristol, attended by over 1,000 people. The displays related to the campaign for Independence in Mozambique and the ensuing civil war. The exhibition celebrated the 50[th] anniversary of the successful struggle for the liberation of Mozambique from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. One of the Trustees who has been involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement, gave a talk to an audience of 20, on the history of Mozambican independence, how it supported and inspired liberation struggles across Southern Africa, and the price Mozambique in terms of its own development. He identified the challenges the country faced and elaborated on the current situation in Mozambique.

2.5.4 Celebrating 50 years of Mozambican Independence

Over 40 people gathered at Bristol’s City Hall on 25[th] June to celebrate the 50[th] anniversary of Mozambique’s Independence. Guests included Mozambique’s High Commissioner in UK and her staff, Bristol’s Lord Mayor, members of the Mozambican diaspora, SARC Trustees, BLB friends and supporters. The Mozambican flag was raised on College Green before guests assembled in City Hall's Beira Room, to listen to speeches and messages of support for Mozambique, its people, and the Bristol-Beira link. The Beira Room echoed to the chants of “Viva Mozambique, Viva” and “Viva Bristol Link with Beira, Viva”. Formalities were concluded by MoYah reading a poem written by Alberto da Barca in Beira, to commemorate 50 years since Independence. Everyone then enjoyed Mozambican food kindly provided by the Mozambique High Commission.

18/11/25 APPROVED AT AGM

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

3 FINANCIAL REVIEW

3.1 Financial Position

3.1.1 End of Year Balance

The last year-end balance of £14,924 at 31/10/24 included £1,175 restricted funds, leaving £13,749; which was above the target figure of £12,500. The surplus £1,300 was used this year to kick-start fundraising events to celebrate 35 years of BLB and 50 years of Mozambican Independence.

This year-end balance of £13,137 at 31/10/25 includes £2,660 restricted funds, leaving a working balance of £10,477; which is below the target figure of £12,500. Fundraising is now a priority for 2026, and if unsuccessful, Financial Reserves will have to be reduced by £2,000.

3.1.2 Income

The income of £13,658 this year included restricted grants: £5k from Coles Medlock for ADS, £1,415 for the poster exhibition; £2k from Morel for Afrika Eye; £2k from Morel for next year’s dance project; and £1,775 for the fundraising calendar. The remaining £1,468 was from GoFundMe Crowdfunders, and various unsolicited donations.

3.1.3 Expenditure

Expenditure overseas in Beira of £8,398 included the Urban Agriculture project, and the Girl-to-Girl project including ADEL’s monitoring and evaluation. £2,500 was sent to ADEL for core costs.

Expenditure on projects in Bristol of £4,261 included the Poster exhibition and Afrika Eye. The remaining £2,787 was spent on the fundraising calendar and core costs. All other BLB activities in Bristol have been undertaken for free by volunteers.

This represents 54% spent on projects in Beira, Mozambique, 28% on projects in Bristol, UK and 18% on fundraising and administrative costs. The percentage in Bristol was high this year due to the anniversary events

3.2 Financial Planning and Management

3.2.1 Financial Reserves Strategy

As a voluntary organisation, we have specified minimum reserves of £12,500 at the end of each year, assuming a minimum of £1,000 unrestricted donations, to cover spending on:

This end of year balance of just over £13,000 includes over £2,500 restricted funds unspent on ongoing projects. The working balance of £10,500 will leave the reserves £2,000 short next year, unless equivalent unrestricted fundraising is successful.

3.2.2 Financial Management

The Trustees aim to secure strong financial management by comparing the financial position of SARC against the Financial Strategy above for the following 12 months, at each Trustee meeting. Whilst fundraising to cover reserves and core costs, BLB relies primarily on grant applications for new initiatives. Crowdfunding has been more successful for projects than for core costs.

SARC and BLB use Coop Business Banking which has been named ' Best Charity Banking Provider ' for 10 years running by Business Moneyfacts.

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Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

3.2.3 Fundraising

SARC/BLB’s streams of fundraising undertaken by volunteers this year were:

The trustees are working on their networks to motivate Bristol-Beira partnerships, initiate projects and unlock finance. The long-term sustainability of the charity depends on the motivation of volunteers to cover core costs as well as projects.

4 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

4.1 Structure

4.1.1 Trustees and Volunteers

Following the resignation of one long-standing trustee and one new trustee, we now have 4 volunteer Trustees from diverse professions and backgrounds, who manage the activities of SARC and BLB. The long-standing chair has stood down, and another Trustee is now Acting Chair, prior to a formal vote. An additional 10 volunteers, including members of the Mozambican diaspora in Bristol, focus on BLB. BLB has also benefited from the activities of Bristol City Council’s International Twinning Officer who manages activities in Bristol. We are actively looking for more Trustees and Volunteers through social networks and umbrella organisations, to strengthen the Working Groups and the Trustee Board.

4.1.2 Working Groups

The Trustees and volunteers contribute to either or both of the separate bi-monthly meetings of the Operational Working Group, dealing with administration; and the Programmes Working Group (which includes representatives of the partners overseas), dealing with projects.

4.1.3 Policies and Procedures

We have reviewed our existing policies to align with the requirements of the CIO. These include:

In addition, we have policies for:

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Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

4.2 Governance

4.2.1 Participation

We have held Trustee meetings approximately every 2 months, and held a workshop including volunteers, to discuss our workplan for the coming year. The two working groups, one for Programmes and another for Operations, consisting of Trustees and volunteers, have met approximately every two months.

4.2.2 Partner Agreements

As agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding with ADEL, we have contributed to their core funding every quarter, and included ADEL representatives in our Programme Working Group Meetings, as well as project related meetings. In conjunction with ADEL, we prepare an annual Strategic Development Plan. All grants made by SARC are preceded by Donation Agreements signed by both SARC and the organisation receiving the grant.

4.2.3 Monitoring and Evaluation

We complete a Monitoring and Evaluation checklist for each project, including grant applications made, grants received, and grants expended. The organisation which has received the grant are asked to provide a qualitative report with photographs, either in the format of our grant giver, or in the format of the recipient organisation. A volunteer from Bristol has undertaken to visit Beira annually.

4.2.4 Registration with HMRC

We have registered with HMRC for Corporation Tax.

4.3 Management

4.3.1 Work Plan

We prepared a work plan for the years 2024-2025, to prioritise actions for SARC, and the two BLB working groups. We will continue with the initiatives undertaken this year, and ensure that we are a sustainable organisation through long-term planning.

4.3.2 Communications

The use of zoom has ensured good attendance at our regular internal meetings and workshops based in Bristol; as well as regular virtual meetings with ADEL in Beira. We have managed to increase our followers on BLB’s Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook through regular social media posts. We post videos of our projects on our YouTube channel. These all contain news affecting Beira and describe the activities of BLB and our partners in Beira, and highlighting opportunities for Mozambicans sponsored by UK and Commonwealth organisations. We assemble these posts, with other relevant articles, as newsletters sent to subscribing supporters approximately every two months.

The address of SARC has been changed from 17 Oldbury Court Rd Bristol BS16 2HH, to c/o Bristol Commonwealth Society, 14 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1PD.

4.3.3 Umbrella organisations

We actively follow the activities and advice of relevant volunteer, charity and international development organisations. Of particular relevance are South West International Development Network (SWIDN) and Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN).

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Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

Statement of Trustees Responsibility

Company law requires the directors, who are also charity Trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the organisation's financial activities during the year and its financial position at the end of the year.

In doing so the Trustees are required to:

  1. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

  2. make judgements and reasonable and prudent judgement;

  3. state whether applicable accounting standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

  4. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the organisation will continue in operation.

The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law, regulations and the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

………………………………………...

Date 18/11/2025

Peninah Achieng-Kindberg

Trustee

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Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

5 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCOME AND EXPENDITURE)

Incoming Resources
Fundraising
Grants (restricted)
Donation
Sponsorships
Total Incoming Resources
Resources Expended
Projects (UK restricted grants)
Projects (Overseas restricted grants)
Projects (Overseas)
Professional Fees
Printing, Postage and Subscriptions
Events
Fundraising Cost
Accountancy Fees
Bank Charges
Travel/Subsistence
Total Resources Expended
Net Surplus/Deficit for the year
Opening Funds
Closing Funds		 Total funds £
2025
Total Funds £
2024
£
744
1,795
10,484
9,365
655
800
1,775
2650
13,658
14,610
4,261
1,800
4,598
6,537
2,500
1,500
0
180
425
248
987
0
1,002
1,002
0
0
260
145
112
0
15,446
11,412
-1,788
3,198
14,924
11,726
13,137
14,924

(£2,660 Restricted funds at the end of the year)

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SOUTHERN AFRICA RESOURCE CENTRE

Annual Report and Accounts, year-end 31 October 2025

6 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025

Current Assets
Cash at bank
SARC Account
SARC Account (reserves)
Beira Fund
Beira Fund (reserves)
Total cash
Net Assets
Represented by
General Funds		 2025
2024
£
£
3,137
4,925
0
0
0
0
10,000
10,000
13,137
14,925
13,137
14,925
13,137
14,925
13,137
14,925

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

Peninah Achieng-Kindberg Trustee

Date 18/11/2025

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