After 16 years of dedicated leadership, Champions for Change managing director Gwen Pretorius has stepped down, passing the baton to Meryl Thomas, affectionately known as Myrna.

Champions for Change, a non-profit organisation established in July 2014, focuses on child protection, safeguarding awareness, and community support initiatives.

Gwen and Meryl have together done impactful work in the community, including providing comfort and practical support to adult and child survivors at Discovery Hospital’s Clinical Forensic Medicine (CFM) Unit, as well as mothers and newborns in the maternity ward.

Through donations of pre-loved clothing, snack packs, toiletries, baby essentials, and other necessities, the champions have ensured vulnerable individuals receive both material assistance and compassionate care.

The organisation also launched its successful Duty to Care Series, aimed at strengthening child protection and safeguarding practices in schools.

Gwen officially stepped down on June 1 but will remain actively involved in the organisation. She will continue guiding the Outreach Programme Pillar 2, which supports survivors at the local CFM Unit and traumatised minors who become mothers at Discovery Hospital.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to help build this mission, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have given me along the way,” said Gwen.

Taking over as managing director, Meryl will lead the organisation into its next phase while overseeing Pillar 1, which focuses on child protection and safeguarding.

“With the support of our dedicated staff and volunteers, she will run with the baton, carrying our vision forward and ensuring our mission continues seamlessly,” Gwen added.

Looking ahead, Meryl has ambitious plans for the organisation’s growth. These include rolling out online safeguarding courses for teachers and student teachers through the MOODLE platform in August, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg.

The organisation also plans to expand training programmes for early childhood development centre practitioners, recruit experienced independent contractors to extend safeguarding education across districts, and establish a dedicated office space to facilitate small-group workshops and strengthen operational capacity.

As Champions for Change enters this new chapter, the organisation remains committed to protecting children, supporting vulnerable communities, and empowering individuals through education, awareness, and compassionate care.