Juanita Beukes (49), Manager: Social Services at Badisa’s Management Program, tragically passed away with her two teenage children in a fatal car accident on 2 February 2025. She was a dynamic person with infectious energy, a sharp sense of humor, and a source of wisdom for many.

Beyond her dedication to her work, she had a deep love for music and sang in the Tygerberg Children’s Choir as a child. In her free time, she enjoyed walking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

For her colleagues, Juanita was a leader, mentor, and pillar of support. The sudden transition from a world with Juanita to one without her remains surreal for her coworkers, many of whom became her close friends.

Badisa team members and partners honour their cherished colleague and friend through a collection of memories spanning years, celebrating Juanita’s vibrant spirit and her passion for children and families.

Beloved “Junior”

Juanita was involved with various social work offices, focusing on child protection services and youth care centres, and she played a key role in Badisa’s training programs. As Manager: Social Services, she was responsible for overseeing and developing child protection services within her region and the broader organisation. Her responsibilities also included supervision, consultation, training of social workers, fundraising, and marketing.

Ronel van Zyl, Director of Social Services at Badisa, recalls appointing Juanita in 2003, despite criticism regarding her youth and lack of experience in child protection services. “I saw her potential. We grew and learned together. I called her ‘Junior’ back then, and the nickname stuck. She was a rock, and her loyalty, skills, and sense of humor were invaluable.”

Van Zyl adds, “Her network and influence were immense. She shared her expertise with passion and approached every interaction with genuine sincerity and compassion.”

A champion for child protection

During her 22 years at Badisa, Juanita made a remarkable contribution to child protection at both grassroots and provincial levels.

Dr. Robert Macdonald, Head of the Department of Social Development, says, “We knew Juanita as a dedicated and hardworking social worker with a deep commitment to child protection. Her constructive contributions and expert insights will be remembered for years to come.”

Hughen Lombard, Assistant Manager for Childcare and Protection, adds, “Juanita always stood up for what was right and aligned with the law. We have lost a true champion.”

A lasting legacy

Both current and former Chief Executive Officers of Badisa will always value Juanita’s zest for life, positive influence, and the significant impact she made within and beyond the organisation.

Basie van Wyk, Badisa’s current CEO, describes her as an absolute expert and a source of positive energy. “She took on every challenge with a smile. Nothing was ever too much for her, and she had the ability to handle complex situations with calmness and insight.”

Christine Quickfall, former CEO, says, “Juanita’s zest for life and authenticity left an indelible mark. I remember her infectious laughter, her enthusiasm for new ideas, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people. She lived life to the fullest.”

Mentor and role model

Juanita was a warm and empathetic person, as well as an inspiring mentor. Her colleagues write:

“Juanita lived out her passion for social work by acting as a mentor to other social workers,” says Johanna Strauss, Manager at Durbanville Children’s Home.

Karen Uys, Social Services Manager, recalls, “I was a few years older than Juanita, but she was my mentor, my confidant, and my compass. I learned so much from her and was privileged to work closely with her and absorb her knowledge, work ethic, and humanity.”

Rene Crawford, a social worker at Magdalenahuis, shares, “I will honour Juanita’s life by continuing to uphold the values she instilled in me: resilience, dedication, empathy, and the courage to always do what is right.”

A lifelong friend 

Together with her colleagues-turned-best friends, Annemarie Bezuidenhout (Director of Marketing and Fundraising), Ronel van Zyl, and Reneé Pretorius (Manager: Social Services), Juanita shared wonderful adventures and unforgettable moments. They called themselves the “Four Beautiful Babes,” and her passing has left a deep void for these women.

Ronel writes, “You lightened my load. You challenged me and made me think. You were ever-present in my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to say goodbye to you, Emma with the golden voice, and Stephan, who gave the best bear hugs. I miss you! The ‘Four Beautiful Babes’ don’t know how to go on without you.”

Reneé adds, “For 21 years, you were my contrast, my elixir, my source of frustration, my confidant, my ‘go-to person,’ my ‘first stop,’ my ‘let-me-call-a-friend person,’ my ‘speed dial’—and now… now I just miss you so terribly. You were an alchemist, and without you, the truth feels incomplete, and the search for it seems irrelevant. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time I got to know you.”

Annemarie concludes, “Your family was your priority, and you embraced parenthood with confidence and dedication. You always said that if you could, you would keep your children with you forever. In your short lifetime, you lived fully, worked hard, and did so much for others. You always put yourself second. Now, you are suddenly gone, and we will miss you endlessly.

My heart aches, but I know you are safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father, together with your children.

Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

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