With a burning passion and dedication, Anchelle Damon, a Community Development Officer at Badisa, works daily to bring positive change to the lives of the people in Hermanus, Stanford, and Gansbaai. She strives to build hope amidst challenges like poverty, crime, and gender-based violence. Says Anchelle, “I want to make a difference, one person at a time.”
‘The people inspire me’
“As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ I was that child. I am one of seven siblings, and I often lived with different caregivers—whether it was my grandmother, an aunt, or my mother. From each of them, I learned the value of care and love. It’s something that has shaped me and continues to drive me,” Anchelle shares.
Anchelle’s work is about much more than projects and programs—it’s about people. With her warm smile and gentle voice, she has touched hundreds of lives. “It’s about genuine love—a love that doesn’t ask for money. It’s the kind of love that builds communities and transforms lives.”
An award that inspires
Her passion and dedication were recently recognised with the PeaceJam Award—a surprise achievement for her. “I was so shocked,” she admits. “Sometimes it feels like the work you do goes unnoticed. But this award made me realise that there are people who value what I do. It motivates me to keep going. This work comes from my heart—it’s not something I’m paid for.”
The PeaceJam Foundation is a non-profit initiative aimed at nurturing young leaders dedicated to creating positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world. It connects youth with Nobel Peace Laureates who share their wisdom, skills, and inspiration.
A love that keeps growing
Her love for people has also taken her to the sports field. “I was in a dark place after being in an abusive relationship,” she recalls. “I asked myself, ‘What makes me unique?’ My answer was netball.”
Anchelle used her passion for the sport to rebuild herself and her community. Today, 15 years later, her netball program is still going strong. It has already changed the lives of many girls—from those who avoided teen pregnancies to a mother who overcame a drug addiction and earned her spot at a Western Cape tournament. “I always say, if I can change just one life, I know I’m on the right path.”
A light in dark times
Anchelle knows what it feels like to be trapped. She understands what it means to fight for survival, having literally escaped a relationship that threatened her life. But she also knows what it means to rise again, to persevere, and to rebuild. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “But I knew I had to take back my life. And today, I can say I’m stronger than ever.”
Hope for the future
For Anchelle, it’s all about care. Her dream for the community is simple: peace, love, and genuine support. “We need to work together. I may not always have money or food to give, but I can help someone make a plan. That’s the kind of mindset that transforms communities.”
Her story is a testament to how love, perseverance, and faith in people can transform an entire community. “I just want to be remembered as someone who was truly there for her people—someone who loved and cared deeply.”
