Stepping Stone Hospice leader earns national recognition for community impact
Tersia Burger’s nomination celebrates years of compassionate leadership, transforming palliative care and bringing dignity and support to thousands of families across Gauteng.
Stepping Stone Hospice and Care Services is celebrating a proud moment as its founder and CEO, Tersia Burger, has been nominated for the Woman of Stature Awards South Africa 2026 in the woman in community category.
The marketing and fundraising officer of the Hospice, Simphiwe Malunga, said that the nomination comes as no surprise to those who witness Burger’s dedication daily.
He said that as a mother whose love was transformed into purpose, she has demonstrated that compassion and resolve can build a legacy that reaches far beyond the limits of circumstance.
“This is not the first time Burger’s leadership has drawn national attention. In 2023, she was recognised as a finalist in the CEO of the Year category at the same awards, highlighting the calibre of guidance she brings to the Alberton-based Hospice,” Simphiwe said.
Her latest nomination reflects the depth and breadth of her community impact, which has continued to grow over the years.
Founded in 2013 as a promise to her late daughter, Vicky, Stepping Stone Hospice has evolved into a vital lifeline for families facing life-limiting illness.
Under Burger’s leadership, the organisation has cared for more than 4 000 patients and supported over 40 000 family members through some of life’s most tender and challenging moments.
The Hospice stands out for its excellence in care, holding dual accreditation from the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (CoHSASA) alongside a five-star rating from the Association of Palliative Care Centres.
In 2024, it opened a dedicated paediatric unit, becoming the only CoHSASA-accredited paediatric palliative care facility in the country and one of just five specialised children’s end-of-life care centres nationwide.
Further cementing its reputation, Stepping Stone Hospice received the Global Recognition Award in 2025, placing it among Africa’s leading palliative care providers.
“Behind each milestone is Burger’s unwavering commitment to dignity, compassion and holistic support for patients and their families,” Simphiwe said.
The Stepping Stone community has called on supporters and partners to join them in congratulating Burger on her latest nomination, which serves as a tribute to a leader whose courage and vision continue to transform lives across Gauteng and beyond.
