Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when the people you have cared for over the years have become family. For Davieshof Sentrum sister Genevieve Potgieter, leaving her position at Davieshof marks the end of a deeply meaningful chapter in her life.

Potgieter’s last day with the residents was November 6, bringing to an end three years and 10 months of dedicated service.
Her decision to resign was not an easy one, as she has developed close relationships with the residents.

However, she has decided to pursue another career while making more time to care for her daughter, who is currently studying.

Before joining Davieshof, Potgieter worked at Sasol. She eventually resigned due to personal struggles. She followed what she describes as a spiritual calling after seeing an advertisement for a sister’s position at Davieshof.

“I asked God to place me where I could do His work. The then chairperson of Davieshof was reluctant to take me and said I was overqualified, but I insisted, even though I would get half of what I had previously earned,” said Potgieter.

She describes the residents as her family by choice and through Christ.

“I treat every one of the residents, even those who do not like me, with the utmost respect. I love them all,” she said.

Potgieter explained that, as a single mother and breadwinner, her priorities now need to shift towards her family. Her dedication to the residents went far beyond her formal duties.

She knew every resident by name and flat number, as well as their medication requirements and allergies. When residents were too ill to visit her office, she would make door-to-door visits to check on them.

She also went the extra mile by assisting with bathing when residents were frail or required medical care. Her responsibilities included medical and administrative work, securing sponsorships, fundraising and obtaining donations.

Although she is leaving her position, Potgieter assured residents that she would not disappear from their lives.

“Although I am leaving, the residents know I will always be available. If there is any crisis, I will assist wherever I can. I have been through hard times and good times with the residents, laughed and cried,” she said.

One of her fondest memories was her 50th birthday, when the residents surprised her with a birthday tea in the hall.

“They are not just my patients that I come to work to see and go home. They are with me constantly,” she said.

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Potgieter matriculated in 1993 with dreams of becoming a mathematics or science teacher, although nursing was her alternative career choice.

“God has had an instrumental role in my life,” she said.

Her journey was not without hardship. After her father died in December 2018 and she went through a divorce, Potgieter reached a low point and stepped away from nursing. She also lost five family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She believes that being led to Davieshof was part of God’s plan, adding that the residents helped save her during some of the darkest days of her life.

“I share their lives with them. My work will continue here, but not in the position I am in. From my personal mission, my moral obligation and the love I have for them, I will continue to do whatever I can for them,” she said.

Resident Elsie Trutter said Potgieter had played an invaluable role in the lives of the residents, both medically and administratively.

“I cannot fathom how it is going to work without her. We are devastated,” said Trutter.

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