Germiston child welfare veteran celebrates 30 years of service
Colleagues celebrated a staff member’s birthday and three decades of service at a local child welfare organisation this month.
Milinda De Klerk celebrated a double milestone this month, marking her 49th birthday on May 7 and 30 years of service with Child Welfare Germiston.
De Klerk’s journey with the organisation began in 1996 after matriculating in 1995.
She later pursued a qualification in social auxiliary work and worked closely alongside the organisation’s head social workers.
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On May 7, colleagues surprised her with gifts, lunch and snacks, turning her day off into a special occasion in recognition of both her birthday and a remarkable milestone.
According to Mosima Ethel Mcathule, operations director at Child Welfare Germiston, the celebration marked a significant moment in the organisation’s history.
“De Klerk is celebrating three decades with the organisation. On May 6, 1996, she walked through the doors of Child Welfare Germiston as a recently matriculated youngster, with the world ahead of her and a balance of uncertainty, courage and determination,” said Mcathule.
Over the years, De Klerk has experienced the highs and lows of community work, dedicating her life to making a difference in the lives of children and families served by the organisation.
In 2018, she transitioned from field work to a receptionist position, a role she still holds today.
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She explained that the emotional strain of working directly in the field contributed to her decision.
“A lot of children were abandoned at the time, and I had seen enough. This job needs someone who has a heart. If you have a heart, you won’t survive easily,” she said.
“I applaud all the ladies who continue to do the job and give their all. These ladies go beyond their duties. I chose the receptionist option. I now receive clients and calls and send a team to investigate.”
She added that working at reception also comes with its own challenges, as she deals daily with people arriving at the offices with expectations and urgent concerns.
De Klerk, who has been married for 14 years and is a mother of two, has remained a loyal and consistent figure within the organisation despite changes in leadership over the years.
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“I have learnt a lot from Barbara, and now with Ethel taking over, it is a different kind of leadership that we all have to respect. For me, not much has changed because I have known our current director for a long time, as she also started here as part of the staff,” she said.
Speaking about the surprise celebration, De Klerk admitted that the gesture deeply touched her.
“The gifts were a surprise, and it hit home, showing that I am still appreciated,” she said.
“I think from here it is important to continue being humble and to teach newcomers the culture of the organisation where possible.”
Mcathule described De Klerk as a dedicated and committed staff member whose contribution to the organisation cannot be overlooked.
“She welcomes everyone who comes in and is literally the face of the organisation, as she receives all those who come through our doors,” said Mcathule.
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“It is a big milestone. For someone to stay this long, she must be doing something right, and the organisation has also been good to her. When there is something that makes her uncomfortable, she addresses it directly.”
“Her loyalty cannot be measured. Her dedication and commitment have remained unwavering. We saw Milinda grow into a confident young woman, train as a social auxiliary worker, become a loving wife and thereafter a dedicated mother.
“Throughout it all, she has remained a constant figure at our offices and someone we can depend on.”
Mcathule commended De Klerk for her years of service and contribution to the community.
“We salute you for the contribution you have made towards the organisation and our community. May the journey ahead, however long it may still be, be blessed, and may all the difference you have made return to you in abundance and joyful ways.
“Thank you for being the person you are. Thank you for doing what you do and most of all, thank you for choosing us as the career vehicle you have travelled in for the past 30 years,” said Mcathule.
