Lower Didimana Village · Whittlesea · Eastern Cape, South Africa
"Rise & Shine — Siyaphila ngesidima"
Our Heritage
Who We Are
The Vela Langa SSS Alumni Club is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) incorporated in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, registered with the CIPC of South Africa.
Situated at Lower Didimana Village near Whittlesea — historically part of the former Ciskei homeland — we are united by our shared experiences and commitment to our alma mater, Vela Langa Senior Secondary School.
We resolve to reopen and revitalize the school premises, develop skills development programs to empower community members, foster a sense of community and social responsibility, and promote selfless and shared solidarity.
The Association is exempt from income tax in terms of section 10(1)(cN) of the Income Tax Act, and operates as a fully constituted non-profit entity.
Open to all alumni of Vela Langa SSS and community members who support the organisation's objectives.
Curbing poverty and combating crime within the surrounding Didimana and Whittlesea communities.
Registered Non-Profit Company with full governance structures, a Board of Trustees, and Executive Committee.
Promoting peaceful coexistence and resolving conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation.
What We Stand For
Reopen and manage the Vela Langa SSS premises for the benefit of the broader community, restoring its role as a centre of learning and opportunity.
Develop and implement skills development programmes for the community, promoting self-reliance, employment readiness, and economic empowerment.
Actively combat crime and poverty within the surrounding community through structured programmes and meaningful community engagement.
Promote and implement infrastructural development reforms as part of our Economic Strategic Blueprint through the Subcommittee on Infrastructure.
Promote community development and social responsibility, fostering harmony, unity, and cooperation among diverse groups including farmers, churches, youth formations, and senior citizens.
Combat and report all elements that seek to sabotage the objectives of the Vela Langa SSS Alumni Club from within and outside the Association.
Become Part of the Legacy
In the event of death of a member or their spouse and children, the elected member of VSSSA Alumni will send condolences to the respective next of kin.
Members not wishing to participate in bereavement contributions must submit written notification to the Executive Committee.
Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions. Criteria include:
Lifetime members enjoy voting rights, recognition on the website and publications, and are exempt from annual dues.
Structure & Leadership
Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Executive Committee. The Board is made up of voted former SGB members, with a maximum of 7 trustees. The Executive Committee serves as ex-officio members of the Board.
The Board approves and reviews the annual budget, monitors financial performance, approves major financial decisions, and ensures compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
Democratic Process
Held in June or August every year. Business includes adopting the Annual Report and Treasurer's report, electing the Executive Committee, and amending the Constitution if required.
Called by the Executive Committee or by petition of not less than one-twentieth of total members. Discussions are confined to the stated agenda only.
Held at the request of the Chairperson or any two Executive Committee members. Main business is to discuss and decide general policies, plans, and matters relating to the club.
Financial Governance
The Alumni Association shall maintain accurate financial records of all income, expenditure, and assets.
A bank account shall be opened under the Alumni Club name with minimum three signatories (including the Treasurer).
Bank statements shall be made available to any Executive Committee member at any time requested.
The Alumni Club may not distribute any money or property to members or the Board of Trustees except for reasonable compensation for work performed.
Neither the Board, Executive, nor members have personal rights over the Alumni Club's assets.
Donations are accepted or rejected at the Executive Committee's discretion, must be unconditional, and are non-refundable once accepted.
Each year. The Board reviews and approves the annual budget.
Minimum 3 signatories required. Joint signing required for all transactions.
Fundraising Committee to report monthly to M&E Committee on progress vs. goals.
Upholding Standards
Legal Framework
Requires a two-thirds majority vote at the AGM. Proposed changes must be circulated to members at least 14 days before the vote.
The organisation may be dissolved by special resolution. Upon dissolution, all assets shall be transferred to a similar organisation decided by general meeting.
The organisation shall indemnify its directors, officers, and employees against any claims arising from duties performed in their official capacity.
Executive Committee members must give one month's written notice and provide sufficient grounds. Resignation requires consent from the Executive Committee.
Executive Leadership
Subcommittee Structure
Inaugural Celebration
The Vela Langa SSS Alumni Association launched in spectacular fashion on 18 December 2025 with a black-tie Gala Dinner — celebrating unity, heritage, and the rise of a proud alumni community. The evening brought together alumni from across the Eastern Cape and beyond, with world-class entertainment and heartfelt fellowship.
VSSS Progress Report · 30 March 2026
A preliminary draft proposal has been successfully submitted to WSU for a satellite campus at Velalanga (Lower Didimana). The Association is awaiting an invitation for a formal presentation and defence — format (physical or virtual) is yet to be confirmed.
A dedicated task team is making good progress with landowners regarding extra land needed for additional campus buildings. The team — comprising Zolile Chulayo, Nobahle Mjamba, Popi Nduna and Simon Jongile — will meet the legal team to draft a pre-contract for finalisation.
Meetings were successfully held with both Eskom and Sasol. Infrastructural and construction proposals have been submitted to both potential partners. Feedback is awaited, acknowledging some delay due to the timing of submissions.
SANRAL has reconnected and diary alignment with their CEO is underway, led by Simon Jongile. A tar-road proposal will be submitted as soon as a meeting can be secured and diaries synchronised.
A meeting with the NFSAS CEO yielded a positive commitment: NFSAS will fund every needy student who enrols at the satellite WSU campus at Velalanga, ensuring access to higher education for the community.
A VSSS delegation led by Simon Jongile met with the Sisulu family to notify them of plans to extend Walter Sisulu University's name to the satellite campus. The family fully endorsed the initiative and issued a written commitment letter, stating their support for rural education benefits.
Our delegation met with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Higher Education in Cape Town. He granted a full go-ahead and committed to arranging a meeting with the Minister of Higher Education — who may also assist with student accommodation construction through the Ministry.
Some committees — ECD, Economic Development and Bereavement & Burial Support — had not yet met with office bearers as of March 2026. MANCO is calling on all members to help persuade outstanding committees to engage. Legal Affairs agreed to meet on 27 March 2026, and the Fundraising Committee has begun connecting and holding preliminary meetings, with reinforcements added: Mxolisi Twalo, Zodidi Mdzeke, Mluleki Matiwane, Mandisa Nxumalo and Bongani Mfobela.
Alumni Quarterly Report · 15 May 2026
Administrative oversight by Ms Nobahle Mjamba. Members are requested to review their committee's plan and flag any inaccuracies or additions.
Alumni Asset
AN ALUMNI ASSET · VSSSA
MANCO resolved to establish a Task Team to develop the governance, structure and direction of the Choir. The Task Team consists of 6 members — 2 selected from each of the following committees: Marketing & Events, Security & Infrastructure Integrated, and Fundraising Committee.
The Task Team will oversee competition participation, manage indemnity agreements with parents of choir members, procure and brand attire/uniform, and coordinate the planned choir tour spearheaded by the Fundraising Committee Chairperson.
The Alumni Choir will participate in two prestigious competitions:
Democratic Renewal
The Secretariat will develop the guiding election document — covering process, rules, eligibility, dates and participation guidelines — and present it to the General Membership.
This Constitution was formally adopted by the founding members of the Vela Langa SSS Alumni Club on:
Registered as a Non-Profit Company with CIPC of South Africa · Private Bag X 304, Whittlesea 5360