The Greater Benoni Child Welfare celebrated and honoured one of its longest-serving staff members, Elsie Mpinga, on January 30 for her 30 years of dedicated service.

Mpinga, a Daveyton resident, began working at the organisation on January 2, 1996, starting out as a general worker.

Determined to grow, she later trained herself to operate the switchboard and took on the receptionist role while continuing her cleaning duties. She was eventually permanently appointed as the organisation’s receptionist.

Over the years, her role has expanded beyond the front desk. Mpinga also assists at the society’s charity shop and provides administrative support to the organisation’s director, Vanessa Carelse.

“I love working here because of the warm environment and because I love working with children,” said Mpinga.

Her passion for children also inspired her personal life. She adopted and fostered a three-year-old girl, now 10, who was previously a beneficiary at Colin House, a temporary home for vulnerable children managed by the society.

Mpinga said working at the society has taught her a lot about herself and others. One of her highlights has been meeting young social workers who join the organisation as trainees before moving on in their careers.

Carelse spoke highly of Mpinga, describing her as her “right hand”.

“I met Elsie when I was still a student social worker volunteering at the organisation. She has a heart for people, especially children. She supports me with administration and offers guidance.

“She is thorough, meticulous and loyal. She keeps her ear to the ground and knows what is going on. She assists the staff, and they really love her. They call her ‘Mamzo’ because she is like a mother to them.

“They confide in her, and she guides them. She is an asset to our organisation, and we are fortunate to have someone of her calibre working with us. She goes out of her way to help and when she sees something lacking, she is always willing to step in.”

Carelse added that Mpinga’s determination and dedication to serving others are admirable.

“Working for one organisation for 30 years is no small achievement,” she said.

Mpinga, who was emotional, also shared that last year she lost her close friend, Ethel Mazibuko, who had also served the organisation for many years.

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