Growing up in challenging circumstances and facing numerous hardships, Maggie Bezuidenhout (69) from Jeffreys Bay has developed a unique understanding and empathy for the difficulties her community encounters.
To assist, she has spent the last 30 years dedicated to supporting her community, with many people seeing her home as a “lighthouse” during challenging times.
After relocating from Gqeberha to Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay, 30 years ago, at 39 years old Bezuidenhout promptly engaged with several non-profit organisations.
While on the ground assisting her community, she co-founded four organisations, Joshua Project, Victory4All, Sunshine Old Age Club, and Parents Against Drugs Abuse, based in Gqeberha.
“I am aware of everything happening in my community and have seen the establishment of many organisations that continue to assist the community,” said Bezuidenhout.
She was also previously an active member of the Jeffreys Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the JBay Trauma Support Centre.
As a qualified trauma counsellor, Bezuidenhout continues to support the JBay Trauma Support Centre upon request and is always eager to assist the JBay CPF.
She also helps CMR, a non-profit organisation and Child Protection Organisation, with various cases in her community.
Experiencing a difficult life with many stumbling blocks as a single mother of three and a foster mother of five, she said that her challenges have enabled her to empathise with her community filled with drugs, gangsterism, and dysfunctional families.
“Having a difficult upbringing and past has been a privilege because I have been able to use those experiences to uplift my community,” said Bezuidenhout.
“My difficult life has made me into the person I am today.”
Bezuidenhout stated that her strong two-way relationships with various NPOs enable her to request assistance in addressing the needs of the underprivileged in her community.
Even though she had to shut down her soup kitchen due to insufficient funding, she said that she still helps those who come to her “lighthouse” seeking food.
“People can call me when they need assistance. I am always willing to assist,” said Bezuidenhout.
“I thank God that I was able to achieve so many great things in my life and offer assistance to many.”
As an ordained evangelist with the Apostolic Faith Mission church, Bezuidenhout also frequently walks through her neighbourhood, offering prayers and spreading positive messages to the community.
“I use every opportunity to go out into my community to encourage people,” said Bezuidenhout.
