Stefnie Griffin bids farewell to the community of Standerton
Her opinion of a good leader is someone who serves other people and not someone, who expects to be served.
Ms Stefnie Griffin from Standerton will depart from town to live in Pretoria this month after a career in various fields.
Stefnie matriculated in our neighbouring town, Volksrust before deciding to study teaching at the University of Pretoria, with life holding a few surprises in store.
“I did not spend a single day of my life teaching,” she said.
The personnel department at the Department of Education, previously known as Bantu Education, first made use of her in human resources, followed by a stint at the Human Sciences Research Council.
“I found that I enjoyed interpersonal relationships and communication,” she also said.
Marriage was on the cards in 1980 when she wed her late husband, Charles and the knot was tied in her hometown.
Charles was in the technical field, applied for a position at Tutuka Power Station and Stefnie was invited to an interview as well.
“I originally worked in training and was appointed as head of the communication division eventually.”
Some change in her perceptions was the reason for leaving a lucrative position.
“I began noticing the needs of disadvantaged communities.”
She worked as a community liaison officer at the Department of Health and was involved in various projects in the townships.
“I was following my passion instead of getting a monthly salary.”
Standerton TB Hospital was the next stop for a position as administrative manager, working there till retirement.
Her three children have branched out in different fields as well.
Christopher is a sales manager in Roodepoort, Monique an auditor in Pretoria and Genevieve, who studied consumer science, will also move to Pretoria.
Stefnie covered the whole of Sakhile with programmes intent on uplifting the community.
She worked on a voluntary basis with the youth in leadership training and names such as Messrs Louis Thabethe, Kgotso Motlaung and Tshepo Mphuti were among the trainees.
Her opinion of a good leader is someone who serves other people and not someone, who expects to be served.
“It is part of my belief in the Lord,” she added. Stefnie clocked in 30 years of Sunday School-lessons and was involved with a project, focusing on nursery schools in Sakhile.
The woman, who has formed many friendships over the years, singled out the community’s support in times of crises.
“Christopher was diagnosed with cancer when in his 20s and the support of the community, helped him to completely beat the disease.”
She admitted frankly that she will miss her colleagues, treasured friends and congregation, but be able to spend time with her two grandchildren.
The capital city will see her in a different role altogether.
“I would like to volunteer at a hospice although I am not a qualified nurse.”
Hopefully she will also be able to link up with a new chess partner.
Her thoughts on Standerton were concise.
“Even though you sometimes feel there is no light at the end on the tunnel, stand together and help to uplift the town to its former glory,” she concluded.
