‘It takes a community to sustain a home for older persons’
Futureproofing Badisa is about choices made today that ensure dignity and care for tomorrow. Four of our homes for older persons, namely Huis de Kuilen, Loeriehof, Monte Rosa and Herberg-Aan-See, each faced times when their survival seemed uncertain. Yet through courage, humility, and the strength of their communities, they found a way forward. Huis De […]
Tannie Ria turns 100 with a life lesson to share: ‘Always help others where you can’
Tannie Ria and a good friend “Tannie Ria, you aren’t 100 – you are 18 with 82 years’ experience.” On a Wednesday morning, over 60 people gathered in Parow Senior Centre’s hall to celebrate a significant milestone with Tannie Ria Dirkschen-van Schalkwyk. Born on 4 August 1925, her words reflect a practical approach to life. […]
‘I arrived broken and left with my head held high’
I arrived at Toevlug’s front gate on Monday, 13 January, scared of the unknown awaiting me and deeply downhearted about the life I had left behind, as well as the uncertainty of its future. From the very first phone call I made to enquire about the possibility of being admitted, the staff at Toevlug were […]
‘Sobriety is not easy but it’s worth it!’ says former drug user Daan
My name is Daan. I was discharged on 17 June 2022 after completing my 5-week programme at Toevlug Centre. When I walked out, I quickly realised that what we learned inside was true: “You change, but the world out there hasn’t changed.” It was incredible to be back home, but at the same time, I […]
‘She helped her find hope and a voice’: A foster care story of hope
This story was submitted by one of Badisa’s dedicated social workers who walked alongside Lia and her foster mother throughout their journey. Lia* is a special child. From birth, it was clear that she faced unique medical and emotional challenges. Her early years were filled with serious health problems and repeated hospital stays. Her journey […]
‘The children saw the turnaround in their mother’s life’
By Chantelle Gertse, Badisa Social Worker (Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai) At the beginning of 2024, Heidi and Kurt* were successfully reunited with their biological mother and family of origin. This milestone marked the end of a long journey of dedication and the tireless efforts of all the role players involved, including the committed social work team […]
‘Families can be rebuilt and restored’: A foster child’s story of hope
By Chantelle Gertse, Badisa Social Worker (Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai) Duwayne’s* life journey is a testimony of hope, perseverance, and the power of collaboration between stakeholders and community members with a heart for a child. He was just under three weeks old when he was placed in foster care. His biological mother, facing difficult circumstances, was […]
‘Addiction isn’t the end’ – why recovery is possible when community shows up
Like an unwanted guest at a party, addiction often arrives without warning and often takes root long before anyone notices. At Ramot, a holistic alcohol, pill and drug addiction treatment facility in Bellville, Cape Town, the team sees this reality every day. They work not only with the symptoms of addiction, but with the pain […]
Day mothers of Tesselaarsdal building a future for the community
After a devastating storm tore the roof off Tesselaarsdal’s only preschool, the community witnessed the loss of a once lively space filled with children’s voices and joy. For a time, no structured early childhood development took place in the small town. Children played outside, without educational stimulation or a safe learning environment. However, in the […]
A countrysider’s journey to empower children and mothers ‘in the big city’
When Suzette Hendricks (25) and her family moved from Oudtshoorn to Vanrhynsdorp in 2022, she never imagined she would one day find herself in the field of early childhood development. But as Suzette says, “At the time, I didn’t have a job, but I wanted to build something within the community.” Today, she is not […]
