Representatives of various social clubs which meet at Lobelia community hall, gathered to pay tribute to the facility manager, who retires this week.
Catherona Willemse, 62, was surprised with flowers, a hall filled with members of the diabetic club, gym, seniors’ clubs, support group for parents, after-school programme, arts and crafts, and early childhood development centre, on Thursday January 23.
She scolded them for making such a fuss but said that she was grateful for what they had brought to her life.
Ms Willemse, who is a private person, did not want her story to be published in the Plainsman.
“What I did over the years came from the heart. I got so attached to the people from the community. I appreciate everything they have done for me over the years,” she said.
Gym instructor Audrey Galant and her colleagues hosted the brunch to show their appreciation to Ms Willemse.
“This is not a farewell party. This is to say thank you,” she said.
Berenice Scott, a training facilitator from the Parent Centre, thanked Ms Willemse for sharing her expertise, advice and her life with the community.
She and Yumna Mohammed, from Lobelia Seniors’ Community Club, acknowledged Ms Willemse for her willingness to help and her friendly demeanour to all who came to the centre.