The new uThungulu CANSA Regional Manager Aletta Williams is in love with the outdoors and has heart for the people.
THE purpose of life is to be useful, honourable, compassionate and to make a difference.
This is how new uThungulu CANSA Regional Manager Aletta Williams aims to live her life.
Originally from Nelspruit, a single parent to a three-month-old Pekingese puppy named Panda; Aletta has a qualification in training development, first aid, health and safety and originally hoped to follow a career in a technical field.
‘Even though we may make our plans, God ultimately determines our steps,’ said Aletta.
Having worked for CANSA in Nelspruit as the fundraising project manager for a few months, Aletta took some time to adjust to the organisation.
‘When I got involved with CANSA my heart wasn’t in it, but I knew the Lord wanted me there. He had plans for me. The more I got involved with my work and the community, the more I realised this is where I belong, and I wanted to stay with the organisation,’ she said.
Aletta’s father died of liver cancer in March 2009 and she faced many struggles in overcoming his death.
‘My dad was my pillar, I feel he didn’t want to live and I was so broken and angry. It took me four years to forgive him. I believe there are people out there who feel the way I once felt and I want to reach out and emotionally support them,’ she said.
Last year Aletta applied for a regional post in Mpumalanga, but instead she was given the chance to fill the uThungulu vacancy.
‘I was told I’m moving to Empangeni. I was like ‘Empang-where?’ she said.
Having never heard of Empangeni, Aletta had no expectation except that there is an ocean nearby.
‘All I expected was the sea, but I honestly got more than I could have hoped for,’ she said.
‘I am a bushbaby and this was like the Lowveld with a bonus.’
Independent, compassionate and crazy about the outdoors, the lively 36-year-old is hardly in the office.
‘People are so helpful, supportive and friendly unlike the snobs up north,’ she said.
‘Empangeni is such a close-knit community and I am always out there connecting with the community.’
The petite brunette stressed there is life after cancer diagnosis. All you need is a support system and motivation.
‘You will live longer purely on the attitude you chose to have. You have to choose not to give up because there is always a purpose in life,’
‘I don’t know what mine is, but I am soon to find out because I am here to make a difference and succeed,’ she said.
CANSA deals with early detection and offers affordable testing at the Helen Ludwig Care Centre in Empangeni.
‘We offer pap smear and PSA protein testing. Due to the lack of facilities, there is a large number of people with cancer in the rural areas. Perhaps give vouchers to your domestic worker as a gift and potentially save a life,’ she said.
In her spare time, you will catch Aletta following her other passion.
She hopes to learn to play the drums ‘I have had a passion for it for ages, and there is no time like the present to follow your childhood dreams,’ she said.
If you would like to get involved or go for testing contact CANSA on 035 7725677.
