An Interview with Ronel van Zyl, Director Social Services at Badisa
For the past 30 years, Ronel has dedicated her life to Badisa’s mission of implementing and sustaining social services programmes for South Africa’s most vulnerable people. As one of Badisa’s longest serving employees, Ronel has become one of the pillars of the organisation, witnessing its evolution, weathering more than a few storms and sharing her wisdom and experience to its success.
As Badisa approaches its 21st anniversary in September this year, Ronel spent some time reflecting on her journey at Badisa and sharing insights and memories into the organisation’s transformation, the challenges overcome, and her dreams for Badisa’s future.
Q: Share your first memories of Badisa – what stands out for you?
Ronel: My first memory of Badisa was the process of establishing the organisation. I worked as Director of Social Services at Diaconal Services from 1994 -1997. In 1997, I was appointed as the Director of Social Services at the Dutch Reformed Church welfare service. At that time, no one thought that the two organisations would merge and that everyone would be part of the same team in the early 2000’s. It was difficult and many people wondered whether the merger would be successful. In the end, despite concerns and fears, everybody worked together because they believed that uniting was the right thing to do, and it was symbolic of cooperation and hope for the future.
Q: It is said that the door to your future is unlocked when you turn 21. What future dreams and aspirations are you cherishing for Badisa?
Ronel: I dream that the organisation will always have a good reputation with ethical leaders at the helm and provide excellent service delivery. We are always leaders in our areas of expertise and I’d like to see the team keep learning to support our validity, as this will ensure that we remain the organisation of choice with our donors and in the communities. My hope is that Badisa will grow to such an extent that we are able to expand our footprint and improve the remuneration of our personnel, and above all, I hope that we never become complacent and forget where we came from. In the end it is not about individuals, but rather our contribution towards the greater good and being of service.
Q: As Individuals we can choose which legacy we leave for the future generations. What legacy did Badisa build during the past 21 years that future Badisa employees and stakeholders can continue to build on?
Ronel: We established practices to support good management, governance and service delivery standards. All our basic services are in place and functioning well, which can be confirmed by the positive feedback that we receive as part of our monitoring and evaluation audits. Badisa is a mature organisation and we do our work well. We regularly conduct evaluations to ensure that we remain relevant to the current needs of the various communities we serve. We encourage innovative practices. I believe that continuous improvement will keep us agile to effectively impact current and future service offerings. Ultimately, our foundation is solid and future generations of employees and stakeholders can build on that.
Q: Let’s discuss the next 21 years for Badisa and what the future holds for it.
Ronel: The problems and challenges faced by communities are too much for one organisation to handle alone and, therefore it is important to foster collaboration with different entities during the next 21 years. Our professionalism, ethical ability and values of diversity and inclusivity will take us to the next level of growth in our relationships with other organisations and networks.
Q: What makes Badisa unique? What makes you proud to be associated with the organisation?
Ronel: Our people and the dedication and passion that they have for their work. Individuals arrive each day and do exactly what is needed to succeed, and I believe this makes us a consistent and credible organisation. When I listen to the stories of hope and positive experiences shared by our social service professionals it makes me realise once again why Badisa is about so much more than protocols and good management practices. Every family that is supported and relationships preserved, every child that we protect, each contribution that we make to develop the potential of children and young people make this job worthwhile. For us, it is all about giving children a better future and ensuring that the elderly and disabled persons receive humane care. We contribute to building a meaningful life for all. This is what makes me proud and thankful to be part of Badisa.
Q: Is there a particular story of hope that has inspired you?
Ronel: During the past 21 years I’ve encountered many stories and people that have fueled my hope in our purpose. Looking back, the challenges that Badisa as an organisation has overcome is already a testimony of what can be achieved when a team works toward a common goal. I remember the first setback in 2006 when almost the entire management team changed within a few months of each other. The organisation was at a very fragile point. However, the dream to make Badisa successful was greater than the change in leadership and the remaining staff pulled through. In 2012, we experienced a major financial setback which forced us to relook our practices and make adjustments. I believe that our Father God knows our needs and although it might take time, you always get what you need – at the right time.
This was very true for us during the seasons of turmoil and change. Also, in 2018 our elderly care division experienced a setback when a crucial member of the team resigned. The silver lining for us in this situation was the resignation allowed us to, with approval from the Department, be one of the first organisations to appoint a fully qualified nurse in this position. The appointment of a registered nurse in this position led to Badisa being (unknowingly) prepared and equipped to deal with challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Again, I was reminded that we always get what we need at the right time.
Q: As you look back on your journey with Badisa, what are you grateful for and why?
Ronel: Each of our stakeholders – board and staff members and volunteers – has a unique and specific duty to fulfill. I often describe our team as an interlinking chain: for us to succeed as an organisation, all the links need to be in place and joined together. I am immensely thankful for each individual, especially thankful for the Badisa Middle Management Team. These are people that I will go to war with. I am thankful for the knowledge and passion of my colleagues in the Management Team and especially my secretary, Lettie. She is one of the most competent and reliable individuals I know. Without her I would not enjoy the success I do today. My biggest thanks however goes to our Father that provides not only for Badisa’s needs but for the needs of each of us as individuals. We constantly experience grace and blessings from God and that fills me with so much gratitude.
Q: How can the public engage with Badisa and help to ensure its success for the next 21 years?
Ronel: Become involved and be part of the solution. Our country has many challenges and, while criticism is valid in many instances, it does not ensure a different outcome nor does it provide solutions. Invite people to get involved, take hands and help wherever you can. Where possible give your time, expertise and talents and, if financially possible, assist with monetary donations.
For more information, visit www.badisa.org
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