Meet the People Behind Badisa is a monthly profile series that introduces one member of the Badisa board at a time. Each article shares personal reflections, values and experiences that shape how our board members serve the organisation and the communities Badisa supports.
Although Attie Butler joined the Badisa board only recently, his connection to the organisation started long before a formal appointment. Through his involvement with Innovation for the Blind, a programme of Badisa, over the past four years, he came to know Badisa from the outside first.
“What stood out for me was Badisa’s clear commitment to dignity, care and long term social impact,” he says. “The organistion does not chase visibility for its own sake. The focus is on people who genuinely need support.” This approach drew him closer to Badisa and, over time, into a board role.
As someone still finding his feet, Attie has been paying close attention to how Badisa operates and how its people show up. What he has noticed goes beyond systems or programmes.
Balancing heart and people
“The Badisa team really cares for people,” he says. “There is a strong sense of purpose, professionalism and humility across the organisation.” From Attie’s perspective, this way of working is closely linked to how Badisa balances heart and discipline. “Badisa combines compassion with operational discipline,” he explains. The organisation has deep roots in the communities it serves, while also applying sound governance, accountability and sustainability thinking.
“That combination is rare,” he adds. “And it is powerful.”
The work that shaped Attie’s thinking
This belief has been shaped by Attie’s own professional path, which has taken him through internal auditing, auditing at the Auditor General, strategy and innovation consulting, business process and performance consulting, leadership development, and more recently, gaining insight into psychometry. He has worked across both public and private sectors, often in complex and resource constrained environments.
Those environments taught him that leadership cannot live only in theory. “Working in those spaces shaped my belief that leadership must be principled, practical and grounded in common sense and emotional intelligence,” he says.
His move into organisational development started during his auditing years. While the work required rigour, it was the conversations that stayed with him. “I loved meeting with clients to discuss challenges and audit outcomes,” he says. “Over time, I realised I wanted to do more than report on problems. I wanted to help solve them.”
In 2000, he decided to start again and learn how to be a consultant. What fascinated him was what happens beneath the surface of organisations such as culture, decision making, leadership behaviour and systems. Organisational development allowed him to work at the intersection where people, strategy, efficiency and performance meet, and this is a space that continues to shape his thinking.
On the Badisa board, Attie hopes to contribute from that same place. “I hope to add value through strategy design and systems thinking,” he says, “supported by strong governance awareness and a deep understanding of organisational effectiveness. My purpose in life is to make a difference and to add value, whether that is in my own organisation, with my clients, or through Badisa.”
CEO of the Year award
In 2023, Attie was named Human Capital Consulting CEO of the Year. He approaches this recognition with a lot of perspective. “I do not enjoy being placed on a pedestal,” he says. “But I do believe recognition has value when it can inspire others.”
For him, the experience brought reflection and gratitude for what was very much a team effort. Being recognised for operational optimisation by one of the country’s most prominent businesses reinforced something he already believes strongly. Leadership carries responsibility, and accountability does not end with success.
READ MORE ABOUT ATTIE’S AWARD:Innovative and collaborative leadership – CEO Review
Life beyond the boardroom
Away from titles and boardrooms, Attie speaks openly about the values that guide him. “I have learnt from many mistakes in my past,” he says. Integrity, accountability, curiosity and compassion shape how he leads and lives. He believes strongly in doing what is right and in the best interest of all parties involved, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Those closest to him would describe him as thoughtful, calm and caring. When life gets busy, he returns to simple things. Gardening. Time with family. Cooking. A braai and a glass of good wine. He also enjoys vehicles, an interest that offers a different focus outside of work.
Future-focused with Badisa
Looking ahead, Attie’s long term hope for Badisa is clear. He wants to see the organisation remain a trusted and sustainable force for social care, combining deep compassion with strong systems to ensure impact for generations to come, and improving the lives of its clients.
He sees his role as supporting strong governance, strategic clarity, leadership development and organisational resilience, ensuring that purpose is matched by capability and high standards.
Says Attie, “I am excited about the opportunity to change the way Badisa does business to deepen impact, strengthen partnerships and adapt to changing social needs and operational challenges, while remaining true to its core values.
When asked why he believes in Badisa, his answer is simple. “Badisa embodies what it means to serve humanity with dignity, integrity, professionalism and long term commitment.”
