Rhodesfield’s Magriet honoured by Queen of England
Magriet started as a volunteer at St John in 1956 when she was still in high school
After a lifetime of devotion to St John, Margaret Fourie (78) was honoured with the title Dame of Grace at the Anglican Church in Johannesburg in August.
The Rhodesfield resident, better known as Magriet, was bestowed the title by South African Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England.
“It came as a great shock to me. I’ve worked tirelessly towards this honour and at least six people had nominated me over the years. This is an exclusive merit-based award and I was the only one to be granted this title in 2019,” said Magriet.
Her words reflect her care and commitment shown to St John for the past 62 years.
She’s also a registered nurse, basic ambulance assistant and presents first-aid instructor certificate programmes at St John.
St John provides training and services in first aid, basic health care and home care to members of the community with the help of dedicated volunteers and support staff.
Magriet started as a volunteer at St John in 1956 when she was still in high school, before meeting her husband Sir Louis Fourie (82).
The two have been married for 58 years, which they have spent side by side in service to St John. Her husband was granted the title of Sir in 2003.
Magriet’s age counts in her favour as she’s no longer obliged to pay fees to belong to the organisation.
“But we still get called out to emergencies. We’ve presented home nursing courses and still offer community service,” she explained.
Even though they are not as active in the organisation as they once were, Louis bakes rusks and fruitcakes for the organisation, and Magriet bakes wedding cakes and is part of a confectionery club and a sewing club. She is also a member of the Vroue Landbou Unie.
Louis and Magriet have two children.
“My son now lives abroad in Australia and my daughter is an occupational therapist at the North West University of Potchefstroom,” said Magriet.
“I’m a disciple of God who has been chosen in this profession to be a good Samaritan to offer care to those of any creed, colour and language, to love my neighbour in the same way I love myself,” she concluded.
