MES Kempton Park appoints new branch manager

Helena van Blerk has been appointed as the official Kempton Park branch manager for Mould Empower Serve (MES) as from October 1.

She served as acting branch manager for two months after her predecessor, Duane Edwards, resigned at the end of August.

Van Blerk will also continue in her role of finance officer.

MES board chairperson Rev Hannes Windell welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are sure Helena will continue to add a lot of value in her new role, drawing from her appropriate experience during a successful career spanning 30 years.”

Van Blerk is described as a compassionate woman of God who has a heart for people.

“These qualities were evident from the time she started working at MES Kempton Park, as she automatically took it upon herself to be involved in the weekly Bible study for the food parcel clients, monthly street outreaches, as well as the weekly shelter outreaches,” said Rev Johan Krige, the acting CEO of MES.

“I believe Helena is the right person to lead the Kempton Park branch to the next level,” Krige added.

“Based on her management experience and strength of character, we are confident she will mould the team, empower the beneficiaries and serve the community in these exciting times, as MES Kempton Park is approaching its 10th anniversary in August 2020.”

Van Blerk said she would like to make people aware of how serious homelessness and poverty in Kempton Park is.

“Our aim is to try to assist with finding employment for our shelter clients, help the people with addictions to get rehabilitation and reunite clients with their families.

“All of this is only achievable through hard teamwork, embracing our community and through prayer and petition to God,” Van Blerk said.

Krige said: “God has been faithful to MES Kempton Park and we trust that with Helena’s faith-founded leadership, He will continue to be faithful and gracious to the work we have to do in the Kempton Park branch.”