River Club woman finds healing through crochet at Rosebank Union Church
After the loss of her husband, Sandy de Goede turned to crochet, not just as a hobby, but as a journey to find healing.
A small ball of yarn and a crotchet hook have become powerful tools of healing and connection for Sandy de Goede.
The 78-year-old, who moved to River Club in Sandton in 2022 with her late husband Brian, has turned a lifelong craft into a meaningful way to give back, while rebuilding her own sense of purpose.
Born and bred in Durban, she first learned to knit in her 20s while working as a hairdresser. “My boss at the salon I was working at taught me how to knit. We had a staff room where she would stay and do knitting and she would ask me to knit with her when I wasn’t busy with clients. That’s where my knitting journey started.
Read more: KnitWits 4 the Needy bring comfort to Forest Farm residents on Mandela Day
“When I was pregnant with my first baby boy, I used to make little jackets for him in between doing hair. When I had my son, everything came to a standstill and so my knitting came to an abrupt stop.”
After taking a long break to focus on family life, De Goede returned to knitting in her later years. “I started knitting again in my 50s on to my 60s, and then it started heading towards my 70s.”
However, it was a deeply personal loss that ultimately led her to a local community initiative that would change her life.
“A couple of months after we moved to River Club, my husband passed away. I was at a bit of a loss, and decided I need a group to join and to start doing something. Just a meeting place to have coffee and knit or crochet.”
De Goede said her search brought her to a group of women who meet every Saturday morning at Rosebank Union Church. The group, KnitWits 4 the Needy, dedicates its time to crocheting and knitting blankets and clothing for underprivileged communities across Johannesburg, particularly vital during the city’s cold winter months.
“These girls are amazing. They do so much work for the destitute people of Johannesburg, especially in the winter time. It’s very, very cold here and they need blankets badly, so I joined the group and started crocheting.”
Also read: KnitWits 4 the Needy celebrates a decade of warmth and compassion
Now a member of the group for four years, De Goede said the group has become more than just a weekly gathering. It’s a support system and a source of joy. She describes crochet as a deeply therapeutic activity.
“I now actually prefer crochet to knitting, and it actually becomes very addictive. It’s actually a healing process, especially if you’re going through something such as your husband passing away.
@caxtonjoburgnorth 78-year-old Sandy de Goede, from River Club, opens up about finding comfort, purpose, and friendship through a simple craft, and how joining a local group gave her a renewed sense of belonging. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #johannesburg #Communitynews #2026 #newsupdate #sandtoncity #crochettiktok #Crochet #fyp #SA ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North
“Crotchet gives you a purpose in life. You make friends who you meet for a tea or a coffee and you never get tired of it. It’s just the most amazing hobby to pick up at any age.”
Her message to fellow residents. “It’s never too late to start something new or to reach out. As I said, I started at the age of 20 and it just carried on. It is definitely a healing process and a good addiction.
“So, anybody that takes up this hobby will be doing themselves a huge favour. You are allowed to come and join us at Rosebank Union on a Saturday morning.”
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
