Minutes 

of AA East Rand Area Assembly Meeting Held on Saturday 11th April 2017 2

At Area Office, the Central Methodist Church,
26 Bunyan Street, Benoni

East Rand Area Committee Meeting: Every second Saturday of each month.
Annual General Meeting: every September. Election AGM: next elections September 2018.

Area Capacity Name Group Phone

Chairperson Teresa Airfield 825,779,234

Vice Chairperson Vacant

Delegate Anil Benoni City 722,544,789

Delegate George Boksburg 832,343,040

Alt. Delegate Vacant

Trustee Vincent Brakpan 844,001,982

Secretary Lisa Boksburg 835,645,659

Treasurer Tony Springs 834,222,694

Office Co-ordinator/ Larry Actonville 722,815,949

Archivist/Delegate
CF & TF Craig B C2C 793,341,362

PIC/CPC Fatima Benoni 833,465,222

Lunchtime
Literature Suben Kempton Park 846,199,585

Eastrander/Website Colin Brakpan 844,006,795

Intergroup Chair Debbie Boksburg 824,460,293

General Service Rep. Tony Actonville 739,508,433

General Service Rep. John Airfield 844,320,540

Alternate GSR Paul Benoni 826,517,329

General Service Rep. Warren W.O.M 832,353,157

General Service Rep. Adil 769,145,975

General Service Rep. Valerie Benoni South 766,370,671

GSR-Alternative Shane Boksburg 723,557,660

General Service Rep. Vivienne Courage 2 C

General Service Rep. Deon Edenvale 0826860371

Alternate GSR Fabian Edenvale 0832769959

Lunch Time
General Service Rep. Shawn Kempton Park 0834522571

Alternate GSR Niel Kempton Park 730,190,076

General Service Rep. Trevor H.A.T.S 833,141,856

General Service Rep. Koos Phoenix 823,519,451

General Service Rep. Dev Primrose

General Service Rep. Ellie Springs 768,193,123

General Service Rep. Release Tembisa 817,834,939

Contact Person Jon Tembisa and 0716151235

Katlehong
Contact Person Nala Tembisa 0748521318

General Service Rep. Skipper Heidelberg 611,426,633

Contact Person Tony Courage 2 C 0824434425

Contact Person George Highveld 722,902,875

Contact Person David Katlehong 733,161,646

Horizon Clinic
Contact Person Mandla Katlehong

Contact Person Mike Edenvale

MINUTE
1 OPENING AND WELCOME
Teresa welcomed all, Craig read the 12 Concepts

2 CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Vince proposed, Trevor seconded.

3 APOLOGIES
David, Colin, Fatima, Nala

4 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
Confirmation of decision regarding contributions to GSO – This to be done at Group level by the Groups, not via Area
Office

5. GROUP FEEDBACK

GROUP ATTENDANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Actonville In recess, have applied for new premises

Airfield 35-40 Tues Step Step meetings are open to members of all groups
meeting
20-25
Benoni City 12-15

Benoni Lunch Time 12-15

Benoni South 15-20 No GSR attendance for more than six months. New GSR to be
considered
Boksburg 6-8

Brakpan 12 Retaining newcomers

Courage to Change 5-10

Edenvale Mon-18-20 Newcomers attending.

Thurs - 28 Special Service Arms portfolio holders invited to
attend to discuss their portfolios

Edenvale Lunch 11-15 Vivienne to check whether registered at GSO

Focus 2 Needs support
Germiston 8-11 No report
Heidelberg 8-10 No report

Here Are The Steps 6

Hambesa 4-6 No report
House of mercy 18-15
Tues/Thurs 12-20
Sat
Highveld 8-10 Visit to be arranged by Anil

Katlehong 8-10 No report, may move premises

Kempton Park 20-25 Step meetings on Wednesdays

Phoenix 10-15 Step meeting last Tuesday each month

Plantation 7

Primrose 17-19 No report

Springs 10 New venue, step meetings held on Thursdays

Tembisa Thurs 3 Newcomers attending

Sun 7-8

12 Step 6-12
Word of Mouth 10 Would like support
6 INTERGROUP
General:
Katlehong Group has indicated they wish to host a AA Rally on the 19 August 2017 this is to be added Intergroup even
Nala will discuss with David and Mandla re venues and speakers.
Family Picnic in the Park
This went off really well we had over 50 people during the course of the day. Plenty of food
Good atmosphere and lots of fellowship. Special thanks to our Braai masters for getting there early, catering and clean
teams.
47 meal vouchers were sold and even though this was more a fellowship event we managed to raise R 524.00.
Founders Day:
Please contact Belinda should you wish to share/speak at this event. Germiston has requested that each group bring a
small plate of snacks.
7 REPORTS FROM SPECIAL SERVICES
Archives
Proposed that an article about Springs Group’s 70 th anniversary be published in local newspaper – to be prepared in
conjunction with PIC
Correctional Facilities : Report April 2017
Boksburg Prison
Meetings re running extremely well. Two members of the group was released recently and we are in contact with them
On the Monday the 13th of March the group in Boksburg prison had a group conscience, 2 vital decisions were made
1 Group name will be " RECOVERY IN PRISON"
2 Members of the group will have the liberty to talk about drugs. Vote was 13- 0 in favour to the above.
Moderbee Prison
Meetings are doing extremely well. Attendance and participation is great. CF Summary.
A very big thank you to all the volunteers that has been helping us. Any person who has not attended a prison meetin
within the last three months will have to re-apply for security clearance.
A very big thank you to all of you who have donated so generously literature to the committee, thanks you all for your
emails and messages of support after the last area meeting.
Literature.
We just need a date from Area office on when the prison literature will be available.
Treatment Facilities
We have been in contact with HOPE HOUSE in Edenvale, explaining to them what the 12 Step program is all about.
Unfortunately use another program and do not want to use us.
We also made contact with JESUS DISIPLIES in Brentwood Park through John from the 12 Step Group. We will help and
assist him as necessary at his request.
We want to extend a offer to all Halfway and Sober houses to contact us as we would like to help them.
CF / TF Committee meeting.
The next committee meeting will be held Sunday the 9 April at Koos house. Anyone interested in getting involved is m
than welcome to contact me on 0823519451.
March Area Chairpersons report and Correspondence to Koos ,  Cf/TF Chairperson
We are shocked at the conduct of the Teresa the Chairperson, Anil the Delegate, Vince the Trustee and

Larry the Office co coordinator. The week before the last Area meeting these four had a meeting to
discuss Koos the CF/TF Chairperson. Please note that Koos did at no time beforehand receive a invite or
notice about this meeting. This meeting was held in secret with the purpose to gossip, ( that is what we
call it when we talk being some ones back). Totally defeating the object of group conscience, totally
disregarding the principal that the minority voice has to be heard. This shocking behavior by members
with a lot of sober time is not helping to unite the fellowship. In fact we see it as totally disrespectful
toward the fellowship principles and member involved.
Please see a quote from the chairpersons report 11 March 2017 :
"
……we must and can insist…."
This statement is a clear violation of Tradition 1. Please refer to the 12& 12
p129 :", when indeed no A.A can give another a directive and enforce
obedience " " We ought but never you must"
p134: " In no sence whatsoever can its members govern or direct a group.
They are servants "
p134 ; " The committee gives no gives no spiritual advice , judges no ones conduct ,issues no orders"
Insists as defined by the Oxford dictionary means :
Demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.

It was agreed that in future, communications will be limited to suggestions and experience while

affirming group autonomy. Suben subsequently drafted such response.

Counsellors in TF are to be advised on the role of both AA and NA.

The TF/CF committee requires volunteers to assist.

CPC/ PIC March 2017

Glenchem
Meeting set for 7th April to address staff.
Contact
Charmain Saunders
Financial Manager
11 Pomona Road
Kempton Park
Tel: 011 396 1631 / 2
Fax to E-mail: 086 225 9785
Fax: 011 979 2665
Web: www.glenchem.com
Nampak
Meeting set for 2nd May to address staff.
Contact
Florence Themba
[email protected]
Eskom/ Omeme Electrical
Follow up meeting set for beginning of May
Contact
Lucy Westley
Omeme Electrical
 [email protected]
Address is 99 Jones Street, Dalview, Brakpan
Tel: [011] 740-7879 / 079 517 0776
Social Worker Workshop
Matter discussed with GSO Chair and will be raised at Conference in May. Conference will
make a decision as to whether they would like to continue funding this project.
Contact
Mrs Varoshini Nadesan
[email protected]
Lecturer: Department of Social Work
C Ring 6, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park
Tel: (011) 559 3349/2804
Fax: (011) 559 2800
Caxton Newspapers
Article submitted to Caxton.
Maile
[email protected]
(011) 916-5390
SANCA
Working with to identify venue for Vosloorus meeting.
Contact
[email protected]
Tel : 011 999 0541
Cell: 083 382 2987
Animated Videos
I am currently working with GSO to create animated short videos (under 10 minutes) to
explain the various services position and service structure in a simply easy to understand
way. I am unfortunately unable to share with area at this stage. As soon as I get the go
ahead from GSO, which will be after conference, I will share.
Literature
Literature Report 8_04_2017
Last month we reviewed the grapevine book ‘Forming True Partnerships’

Since we receive only two copies from GSO per institution, I would like to suggest that our Delegates
request at least 5 copies per institution from GSO, and Area negotiate a bulk subscription with GSO for an
additional 5 copies per institution. For example: if we are servicing 7 institutions we would need a
subscription of 35 copies (7*5), a yearly payment of approximately R1700. What was the outcome here?
This month we review the booklet: Living Sober

‘Living Sober is filled with practical advice on how to stay away from the first drink and lead a happy and
 productive life in sobriety. For example, the acronym, HALT — which stands for “Don’t get too Hungry,
Angry, Lonely, or Tired” — there is a chapter on each of these issues. Other chapters discuss gratitude,
eating nutritionally, “Easy Does It,” going to meetings, telephone therapy, and much more.’
https://aabeyondbelief.org/
A proposal to purchase 1000 copies of old Regmakers for TF/CF was approved

The national committee has approved the provision of 10 Big Books per treatment facility
8 Vacancies and Appointments
GSO IT Administrator position has been filled Literature and Publications
CF/TF – position has been filled
Area Vacancies:
Area Vice Chair Alternate Delegate

9 Chairperson’s Report
  East Rand Area’s letter of request to host the 2019 National Convention was received by GSO. This letter will be read
the 2017 Conference. I suggest that we ask Vince to do the honours.
 I sent a letter and CV to GSO regarding East Rand Area’s nomination for Joe P to be considered as World Delegate.
 I have spoken to Mandy at GSO regarding old Regmaker issues for distribution at Rehab and other Facilities. A single
will cost R5.00 but if we order 100 or more we can purchase them for R1.00 a copy.
THANK YOU
Teresa
Additional report
Spoke to Belinda with regards to the Primrose Rally. She understands that as they have not requested any Intergroup
assistance the Rally is not listed in the Intergroup Report.
We will however advertise the Primrose Rally in the Eastrander and Website closer to the time.
We did touch on the subject that Alcoholics Anonymous events, rallies, group meetings are all held at the most conven
and affordable venue. We do not associate these events, rallies or group meetings with the venues.

10 Delegate’s Report
Mark from Focus group requests support
Germiston/Primrose will elect new GSRs. As neither were in attendance at this meeting, Anil will contact
Belinda

11 Trustee’s Report
No report

12 Secretary’s Report
Nothing to report

13 Treasurer’s Report
Financial Reports reviewed
14 Area Office Report
REPORT FROM OFFICE FOR AREA ASSEMBLY 8 APRIL 2017
 Office Analysis
a. 12 Steps 5
b. Literature 8
c. General Info 38
d. AA member visits 22
e. AA member calls 68
f. PIC 1
g. CPC
h. Internet requests 8
i. Total calls 148
 Office: Assisted with Picnic in the Park..
.3. Literature: Cocaine Anonymous buying a lot big books as well 12 & 12. March
madness sold R2679. And purchased R4518.00

PIC: Student from Annlatsky College 3rd year nursing student Name Makhosini spent two hours
thew office. He choose AA to do his assingnment on. Literature handed to him. Request from
Glenchem and Nampak for talks handed over to Fatima.
Archives: Recorded Tony 35 year share at Benoni South Group.
John H 47th thanksgiving share available on the East Rand Website to listen to.
I forwarded an article to Tony Springs on Val D founding member of Springs group from the Sta
May 28 1985. I Will forward to Colin so that he can post on the website under the Archives.
Amazing tale of the life in A.A. service and founding member of the Springs group that’s celebra
70 years of keeping the doors open.

15 EASTRANDER AND WEBSITE:
Request to advertise for the position of Convention Committee Chair more prominently on the website. Hits for March
were 28,000 and 69,000 for 2017
16 GENERAL
Convention 2019 – Colin will advertise the position and requirements for Chairperson of the Convention Committee –
Chair will then select a committee. Planning and fund-raising should start ASAP. GSRs are to discuss this at group level
Holders of Special Arms portfolios are requested to visit groups to briefly explain their portfolios. Requested that
communications and reports be sensitive and respectful.
2017 Social Worker’s workshop – East Rand Area will fund hall hire and cost of refreshments, GSO will fund
literature

17 NEXT PLANNED MEETING –  GENERAL EAST RAND AREA ASSEMBLY MEETING.
AT 14H00 ON Saturday 14th May AT THE CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH, 26
BUNYAN STREET, BENONI.
 Meeting Held on Saturday 11th April 2017 2pm
Central Methodist Church,
n Street, Benoni

ond Saturday of each month.

ction AGM: next elections September 2018.

Email Att.

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] AP

[email protected] P

[email protected] AP

[email protected] P

AB

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] AP
 P

[email protected] AB

[email protected] AB

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

[email protected] AB

[email protected] P

[email protected] P

AB

[email protected] AB

AB

[email protected] AB

[email protected] AP

[email protected] AB

[email protected] AB

[email protected] AB

[email protected] AP

AB

TE OWNER
 Teresa

to be done at Group level by the Groups, not via Area

ENTS
e applied for new premises

are open to members of all groups

dance for more than six months. New GSR to be

comers

ttending.
e Arms portfolio holders invited to
uss their portfolios

her registered at GSO

t
anged by Anil

y move premises

on Wednesdays

ast Tuesday each month

ep meetings held on Thursdays

ttending

Debbie

the 19 August 2017 this is to be added Intergroup events

s.

se of the day. Plenty of food

Braai masters for getting there early, catering and clean up

ellowship event we managed to raise R 524.00.

vent. Germiston has requested that each group bring a

 Larry
Koos
be published in local newspaper – to be prepared in

p was released recently and we are in contact with them.

n had a group conscience, 2 vital decisions were made :

s. Vote was 13- 0 in favour to the above.

on is great. CF Summary.
us. Any person who has not attended a prison meeting
clearance.
usly literature to the committee, thanks you all for your

ture will be available.

ning to them what the 12 Step program is all about.

.
through John from the 12 Step Group. We will help and

ontact us as we would like to help them.

Koos house. Anyone interested in getting involved is more

  Cf/TF Chairperson
Anil the Delegate, Vince the Trustee and

ea meeting these four had a meeting to

id at no time beforehand receive a invite or
with the purpose to gossip, ( that is what we
g the object of group conscience, totally
heard. This shocking behavior by members
p. In fact we see it as totally disrespectful

017 :
r to the 12& 12
d enforce

direct a group.

dges no ones conduct ,issues no orders"

to suggestions and experience while

response.
d NA.

Fatima
rence in May. Conference will
unding this project.

deos (under 10 minutes) to

a simply easy to understand
ge. As soon as I get the go

Suben

tnerships’

uld like to suggest that our Delegates

gotiate a bulk subscription with GSO for an
ing 7 institutions we would need a
tely R1700. What was the outcome here?

from the first drink and lead a happy and

 which stands for “Don’t get too Hungry,
ssues. Other chapters discuss gratitude,
ne therapy, and much more.’

was approved Larry

ooks per treatment facility

e and Publications

Teresa
onvention was received by GSO. This letter will be read at
ours.
nation for Joe P to be considered as World Delegate.
s for distribution at Rehab and other Facilities. A single issue
em for R1.00 a copy.

stands that as they have not requested any Intergroup

and Website closer to the time.

, rallies, group meetings are all held at the most convenient
or group meetings with the venues.

Anil

endance at this meeting, Anil will contact

Vince

Lisa

Tony
 Larry

as well 12 & 12. March

nursing student Name Makhosini spent two hours at

ment on. Literature handed to him. Request from
r to Fatima.
noni South Group.
he East Rand Website to listen to.
D founding member of Springs group from the Star
he can post on the website under the Archives.
unding member of the Springs group that’s celebrates

Colin
Chair more prominently on the website. Hits for March
 Colin GSRs
ments for Chairperson of the Convention Committee – the
hould start ASAP. GSRs are to discuss this at group level
to briefly explain their portfolios. Requested that

hall hire and cost of refreshments, GSO will fund

AST RAND AREA ASSEMBLY MEETING.
E CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH, 26
ET, BENONI.