“It’s a privilege to be able to serve your community” – Badisa Tulbagh’s #Changemaker of the Month
For Arendéne Du Plessis, chairperson of Badisa Tulbagh’s management board, community service is not just a project or a position – it’s a way of life. Her involvement with Badisa began eleven years ago, shortly after she moved to Tulbagh. “I lived in Cape Town, and when I moved to Tulbagh, my late father-in-law suggested […]
‘A servant leader is a changemaker’
Recently elected as Vice Chairperson of Badisa’s Management Board, Reverend Msawenkosi Ntshongwana shares how faith, humility and a passion for transformation shape his approach to leadership. Affectionately known as Msa, he continues to bring his passion for servant leadership, transformation, and faith-driven service into the heart of the organisation. Msa was born in Lusikisiki, a […]
Meet Rev Charl van Rensburg, Badisa’s Chairperson with a heart for community
Charl is described by many as someone who truly knows and loves his community. For him, it’s simple: life only has meaning when it is lived for others. “I am part of the people around me, and if the Lord gives me the gifts or ability to make a difference, then my life makes sense. […]
‘Our wish is for people to go home…and live out their potential’
When you walk through the doors of Toevlug Treatment Centre, you’ll find a wall with these words written in bold letters: “set free to live”. This represents the sole mission of Theresa Rossouw, programme manager at Toevlug Treatment Centre, and her team – to help people become drug-free so that they can become active and […]
Badisa volunteer reflects on lessons learned and the importance of showing up
“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 […]
Tribute to Annemarie Bezuidenhout: “Her heart always made room for one more”
“A mother’s heart is big – there is always room for one more,” someone once said. These words are deeply etched into Carmen Smith, Badisa’s receptionist’s memory, because they perfectly describe Annemarie Bezuidenhout, Director of Fundraising and Marketing. Carmen called her “my work mom” – a stylish, gentle, and humble-yet-confident woman who, in just 17 […]
Social auxiliary worker from Delft is changing lives “one spark at a time”
“The communities we work with are hungry for change. They just need the skills and space to find it.” These words from Lene November (61) capture the heart of her work across the Western Cape. As a facilitator of the Brightstar Lifestyle programme – an interactive personal development course that builds emotional resilience, self-awareness, and […]
How setbacks taught a tech support engineer the value of serving others
For Martin Janse van Rensburg, giving back isn’t a side project, it’s a way of life. Now partnering with Badisa to help digitise aged care facilities in South Africa, Martin shares a story shaped by early struggles, unexpected opportunities, and the people who believed in him when he had nothing to offer. “I wouldn’t be […]
#Changemaker of the Month: Badisa and colleagues pay tribute to Juanita Beukes
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 […]
#Changemaker of the Month: ‘I care deeply about my community’
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 […]
