“I said yes immediately. I didn’t know what I was saying yes to, but I knew I wanted to serve.”
Liz Steenkamp
That’s how Liz Steenkamp remembers the day Rev. Stef Esterhuize invited her to join the board of Badisa Trio, one of Badisa’s 134 community-based programmes. At the time, she had already been volunteering with another Badisa programme since 1998.
In the beginning, board meetings felt uneventful. “Most of us just attended the meetings. At one point, I remember wondering, what am I actually doing here? Am I making a difference, or am I wasting time?”
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Facing difficult seasons
Liz comments that those early years weren’t easy. The board’s role was still limited, and Liz often questioned whether she was truly making a difference. But as the organisation faced difficult times, she stayed committed.
“I learned valuable lessons during the challenging times. I learned to lead by example. To never give up. And to never stop praying.”
In those early days, Badisa Scottsville had recently merged with the Kraaifontein office to become part of Badisa Trio. The financial pressure was real. “I remember reading an old minute noting how Kraaifontein and Bellville had to draw on Scottsville’s reserves because they faced greater difficulties compared to other programs,” Liz wrote in an article published in Badisa’s 2023/2024 annual report.
There was also intense competition for donations from churches and companies. Recruiting volunteers for the governing board was sometimes tough. But Liz held onto the promise in Isaiah 60:22, which says, “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
Perseverance was essential. “At the time, the board had a common purpose. It was to not allow the challenging circumstances to deprive the vulnerable of a much needed service.”
Despite the strain, prayer and good cooperation began to transform the situation. The Social Services Managers and the governing board worked together for a better future by staying committed to the people and purpose of the programme.
People shaping progress
“A committed board and staff members,” Liz recalls, “made the difference.” “Awareness campaigns helped to empower communities and carry out the message about the excellent services we render. We work as a team. It’s never just one person.”
Leading with purpose
Liz brings consistency and a steady mindset to her leadership. “Strive to set an example in whatever you do. Be positive, encouraging and cheerful irrespective of the challenges. Believe in the power of faith and in yourself.”
Her focus is not on outcomes alone but on showing up with purpose and integrity. “Things don’t always work out the way you would like, but don’t quit.”
Turning ideas into action
Looking back, Liz sees the toughest years as the most formative. “Those challenging years were necessary to shape us to be the proud, successful team we are today.”
During that time, the social work managers voiced concern about staff wellbeing. Liz recalls how their motivation and insight pushed the board to act. “We decided something should be done to boost the morale of the social workers.”
In South Africa, social workers face high levels of emotional exhaustion and burnout, with increasing caseloads and systemic pressure placing strain on their physical and mental health.
“We did a survey to determine what the workers were struggling with. That helped us start a wellness programme at Badisa Trio.” Liz notes that they were likely the first governing board in Badisa to implement such a plan.
New structures also took shape. “Within the board we started various committees. One of them was a marketing and fundraising committee. They worked very hard to establish something that worked well for Badisa Trio.”In the 2023/2024 annual report article, Liz reflected on that decision: “Badisa Trio later established various committees within the governing board to better manage affairs, which was one of the best decisions we ever made. We now have a successful strategic fundraising and marketing committee.”
Finding motivation
Says Liz, “It gives me immeasurable joy to be part of a team who are passionate about changing communities and children’s lives. The social workers at Badisa Trio always give their best, work hard, are committed to serve and go the extra mile to make a difference.”
“I’m also very grateful for the Badisa Management Programme’s support and belief in us as board members. We really appreciate it. I simply love the Badisa family. It is where I feel at home. It gives me a sense of belonging.”
‘Volunteering is not only a privilege; it’s an honour’
When asked about a time at Badisa Trio she’ll never forget, Liz reflects on a key milestone. “I think when I was elected chairperson of the board for the first time.”
Another memory she treasures is her children’s involvement. “When my children decided to climb Kilimanjaro to assist with fundraising for Badisa Trio it was another incredible highlight for me. During that time, the first Badisa Trio Ball was also held. It is now an annual event.”
Says Liz, “Over the years, I got to meet so many people that impacted my life and I sincerely appreciate all the lessons I learned.”
Finding her place
Liz values connection and trust in the people she serves alongside. “Trust those you work with. Also appreciate and respect others’ opinions and contributions,” she says.
Details matter to Liz. “Watching the change that happens in communities. Reading in the social work reports about the positive impact child protection service has on vulnerable children…these things build lasting relationships.”
Legacy and living with purpose
Liz isn’t chasing recognition. She is thinking about what will last. “I would like to leave a legacy of dedication, perseverance, integrity and living with purpose.”
And if there is one thing she hopes people remember from her journey, it is this: “Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today.”
