Women Who Make Somerset West Work
This Women’s Month, we put out a call to the Village to help us shine a light on the women who keep our town ticking – the ones who bring kindness, care, energy and excellence to the work they do, often without much recognition.
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. Here are a few of the remarkable women who were celebrated:
Sunet Pieters
Sunet is the woman second from the right.
Teacher at Edhen School of Skills
Nominated by Pauline Kotzé
“Sunet has been teaching at Edhen for many years now, and her faith and commitment through many difficult times have been so encouraging. Sunet has grace and patience on a whole different level, always offering love and support to her learners as if they were her very own children. Sunet always has a smile on her face, no matter how challenging her day might have been. Being a special needs teacher is not easily done by just anyone, but Sunet does it like the hero she is!”
Okuhle Songqengqe
Manager at The Poké Co.
Nominated by The Poké Co. team
“As a manager, she brings positive energy, incredible attention to detail, and her signature smile that always makes our day!”
Elizabeth Visagie
Founder of Love in Action
Nominated by Laurette van der Merwe
“I would like to nominate Elizabeth for the amazing and self-sacrificing work she does in assisting all the people in Sir Lowry's Pass village with her wonderful initiative through her organisation 'Love in Action'.”
The Women of Vetus Schola
Nominated by the Vetus Schola Team
“Today, we acknowledge all the exceptional women who work for us. Your strength and integrity are part of the soul of our business. Thank you for your dedication and endurance to our mission. As the famous Poet Dr Maya Angelou once wrote, ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women’. May you continue to stand up for yourselves, and in doing so, stand up for all women in our community”.
Gloria Okkers
Kitchen Supervisor at The Smokey Brisket
Nominated by The Smokey Brisket Team
“Gloria is a single mother of three boys, and somehow manages to balance the demands of work and home life with strength, grace, and unwavering commitment. She is the heart of our kitchen – always dependable, hardworking, and present, not only for her family, but also for her team, whom she treats like her second family. She never forgets a birthday, is always the first to step in when extra hands are needed, and she does it all without complaint. Gloria is a true everyday superhero!”
Brigitte van Rooyen
Nursing Sister and Founder of Angels Nursing
Nominated by Callo Cloete
“Brigitte cares deeply for her patients and does important medical outreach in our community. Her work combines medical care with real compassion, generously giving of her time and skills to those who cannot afford it.”
Sony Muller
Teacher at The Magic Treehouse Playschool
Nominated by Wendy Viljoen
“As a new mommy and daddy, we were very hesitant about placing our little one in a school. From day one, he came home happy and tired from all the playing. Sony and her team took weeks to ensure he adapted to school, taking turns to watch him, and when he got overwhelmed, they would take him on alone time adventures in the garden. Sony and her team provide much more than just a school; they provide a village for the whole family to be nurtured.”
Bernice Hendricks
Teacher
Nominated by Melissa Sampson
“Teacher Bernice has always been supporting me with my charity work or when I am fundraising. She never asks for anything in return, and handles everything with such grace.”
To all the women of Somerset West – we see you.
Thank you for showing up in big and small ways that help this Village thrive. We hope this little round-up reminds you that your efforts matter.