Transitioning to a new system is never easy, and Aurum’s finance team knows this first-hand. When tasked with moving the petty cash and credit card management from SharePoint to Dynamics 365 (D365), the team faced several hurdles. However, their dedication and teamwork paid off, transforming what began as a challenge into a major success.

For Assistant Financial Accountants Pauline Sekati and Siyathemba Khumala, one of the biggest challenges was convincing long-time users of the old system to embrace D365. "There was resistance at first; people were used to the old way of doing things," Pauline explained. “It required patience, structured training, and one-on-one support to help everyone adapt.” Siya added, “We had to take extra care in explaining how the new system could actually make their lives easier—once they saw that, it became much smoother.”

The process also revealed gaps in preparedness and data integrity. Custodians needed to understand that D365, like many modern systems, evolves over time to meet user needs—an idea that required time to sink in. "It was crucial to show everyone that this system wasn't just a one-time change but something that would continue to develop and adapt to their needs," Pauline noted. The team, including bookkeepers Salome Rasebotsa and Epson Tivani Mabasa, worked tirelessly to provide support, build trust, and align expectations.

As custodians of the petty cash system, Pauline and Siya played essential roles in the project's success. They set up structured training schedules, worked with administrators to ensure everyone received hands-on guidance, and maintained clear communication throughout. “We made sure no one felt left behind,” Siya said. “This was a team effort, and we wanted everyone to feel like they had a part in making it work.” Their efforts didn’t stop there; they monitored progress closely and collaborated with Altron Digital Business to achieve the project deliverables, making sure no one was left behind.

Now, the team is proud of what they’ve accomplished. Capturing expenses has become simple and streamlined, without the need for multiple steps. “Before, submitting claims was tedious, with three steps just to get it through the system,” Siya shared. “Now, everything’s much more straightforward, and the system even calculates balances automatically.” Pauline echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’ve taken out so many pain points. Seeing how much easier it is now makes all the work we put in worthwhile.”

The new system has also improved expense approval processes, particularly for amounts over R500, which now require only a single approval instead of multiple steps. “It’s a real time-saver, and it’s easier for everyone involved,” Pauline added. The moment of clarity came when custodians successfully captured their expenses on D365, and the first reconciliation was generated without a hitch. "Seeing that first reconciliation paid seamlessly was a proud moment for all of us," Pauline said, recalling the team’s excitement. "It felt like we had truly achieved something meaningful."

With D365 live, the team isn’t stopping at implementation. They’re now focused on continuous improvement, identifying potential gaps, and setting “smart goals” to maximise the system's potential. They’re also creating a proactive culture to encourage flexibility and accountability, ensuring D365 continues to meet Aurum’s evolving needs. "This isn’t just about making processes faster; it’s about building a foundation for the future," Siya said in closing. "We’re excited to keep learning and growing with D365 to support Aurum’s mission." 

Congratulations to Pauline, Siya, and the entire finance team for their hard work and determination in successfully transitioning to Dynamics 365! Your commitment to teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving has not only improved processes but has also set a benchmark for future projects at Aurum. Your efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptability. Well done on this incredible achievement—your dedication is truly inspiring!

The Aurum Institute is proud to announce that Blossom Makhubalo, our Community Engagement Manager, has been appointed as one of the newest members of the Global Tuberculosis Community Advisory Board (TB CAB). Blossom joins the TB CAB, an international network of advocates committed to advancing the interests of communities affected by TB, in her personal capacity. The announcement coincides with the launch of the new TB CAB website, a platform dedicated to highlighting the group's work and the critical role of community involvement in TB research and advocacy.

Blossom Makhubalo's appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication to ending TB globally and her advocacy for a people-centred, rights-based approach. Her extensive experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by TB will be invaluable to the TB CAB's mission.

“As a social worker, I have always found myself working with people and communities who are disproportionately impacted by TB," said Blossom Makhubalo. "TB is a social disease, and we cannot only treat it medically while ignoring its social dimensions. The inequities and structural barriers in these communities have driven my passion for advocating a holistic approach when working with communities affected by TB. I firmly believe that programmes, interventions, and trials should be designed with people, not just for them."

She further explained, “I hope to leverage my background in social work and my experience as a community engagement manager in the clinical trial space to ensure that the social determinants associated with high TB burden settings are addressed. It’s vital to recognise that it is not the individuals who are a burden but rather the settings and circumstances that place them at risk."

Aurum celebrates Blossom's appointment and her commitment to fostering meaningful community involvement in TB research and policy. Her advocacy aligns perfectly with our goal to drive forward a more equitable and comprehensive approach to ending TB worldwide.

For more information, visit www.globaltbcab.org.

Meet the newest members of the Global TB Community Advisory Board (TB CAB), a cadre of scientifically literate advocates who represent the voice of TB-affected communities at every step of the TB R&D process. Visit the TB CAB's new website to learn more: https://t.co/3PkDVYummy pic.twitter.com/6pRRaHx05j

— Treatment Action Group (TAG) (@TAGTeam_Tweets) September 4, 2024

The Adherence Support Coalition to End TB (ASCENT) project is collaborating with City Health, and TB HIV Care funded by the Global Fund to implement Digital Adherence Technologies (DATs), to support tuberculosis (TB) patients to successfully complete their treatment in the Western Cape. 60 participants have been enrolled within the first 2 months of the project in Cape Town. 

The ASCENT project, implemented by The Aurum Institute in South Africa, aims to help TB patients to successfully complete their course of treatment, using DATs linked to a central web-based platform (Everwell).

The Cape Town launch was held at the Phumlani Clinic in Mitchells Plain on 23 September 2021 and was attended by delegates from the City of Cape Town’s Health Department, The Aurum Institute, TB HIV Care, beneficiaries, and community members. Dr Zahid Badroodien, a Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health gave the keynote address, outlining the efforts the city has invested in the fight to end TB. He highlighted the potential of the EvriMED pill boxes to improve TB treatment outcomes and the ultimately eliminate the disease.

Two patients gave testimonials of how the pill box has improved their adherence and how they felt more supported by healthcare system. “Having this box is like having a healthcare worker in my house, I can never go wrong now”, said a patient from Weltevreden Clinic. The City Health’s TB Programme Manager Judy Taylor invested a lot of time and effort in getting the project off the ground which is appreciated by the ASCENT South Africa team.

Implementation visits

ASCENT Programme Manager Nontobeko Ndlovu, Junior Project Manager Tanyaradzwa Dube and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Jeff Weisser visited the 16 clinics who have begun implementing the project, to conduct quality monitoring and provide technical support.

Healthcare workers in the “mother city”, as Cape Town is known, embraced the pill boxes and incorporated monitoring patients on the Everwell platform into their daily routines. “TB nurses really appreciated the implementation guidance and support from The Aurum Institute, and the psychosocial support being provided by the social workers from TB HIV Care,” said Ndlovu.

The Unitaid funded and supported ASCENT project in South Africa is led by KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation together with The Aurum Institute and in partnership with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and PATH.

Source: https://www.digitaladherence.org/ascent-south-africa-launches-in-cape-town/