At some point in our lives, each of us has been told it is better to give than to receive, and this sentiment is one of Janine Pretorius’ most cherished values.

As a Mrs Africa 2021 finalist and Krugersdorp resident, Janine is highly involved in community projects in not only her area, but throughout the West Rand.

An organisation that has been very close to her heart since she first started working with them in 2019 is the St Laurence’s Children’s Haven in Discovery, which is run by Tilly and Richard Malan.

Janine described the warm welcome she always receives from Tilly, Richard and the children, comparing the couple who run the children’s haven to angels.

“I love the welcoming feeling that a person gets when you stop there and the kids run to greet you,” she said. “Tilly and Richard always welcome me with open arms as well. I don’t think I have ever met two people who care more about others than they do.”

On Saturday, 12 September, Janine spent her morning hosting a fun day for the children at St Laurence’s, saying that she loves how grateful they are for every treat they receive. The smallest things brighten their faces so much that she could not resist giving them another reason to smile.

Even though Janine was on a budget because she was paying for everything herself (apart from the doughnuts and some craft items her aunt donated), she organised face painters, jumping castles, water slides, and snow cones to try to make the day as fun as possible.

The girls who stay at the children’s haven were at a dance class for longer than expected and didn’t get the chance to enjoy the fun day, but the boys really seemed to enjoy themselves. They were having so much fun on the water slide and jumping castle that there wasn’t time for them to do art.

Janine said it always amazes her how carefree these children are despite their circumstances, saying that it is the most beautiful sight in the world.

She donates items to charities whenever she can, but for her, the best and most important part of her outreaches is the opportunity to build a special relationship with someone and use her actions to show she cares.

It is easy to donate and drop something off, which is always amazing, but I think it is more important to interact with people and get to know those to whom you are donating.”

The Mrs Africa finalist is urging residents of the West Rand get involved in their communities, saying that even if someone helps one family, and that family pays it forward, it can create a cycle of change and positivity.