Pappas shares her life story

Lakefield resident Margeret Pappas dedicated 30 years of her life to helping the future generations of the Benoni community.

Margeret Pappas is a Lakefield resident who dedicated three decades to set the foundation for children at The South African Red Cross Society.

BCT: Why did you move to Benoni?

MP: My parents, Seraphem and Maroulla Charalambous, moved to Rynfield from Cyprus and shortly after, others followed.

Benoni instils values that are promoted by the people, like ‘serve your fellow man’.

BCT: Why did you join The South African Red Cross Society?

MP: I started working at the Red Cross Society in Rynfield from 1986 and retired in December last year. However, I joined the committee in February 1979.

The society has the most fundamental principles.

One of my biggest highlights while I spent my time there was the establishment of the day care centre in Etwatwa (1989) and the home-based care programmes. I also coordinated the first aid stations during the 1994 elections.

BCT: Tell us about your life growing up?

MP: We are very family-orientated.

I am the eldest of three children. My youngest brother, Dino Charalambous, lives in England and my other brother, Chris Charalambous, lives in Australia.

I attended Rynfield Primary School and Benoni High School, then studied physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand, but dropped out and then studied accounting through Unisa.

BCT: Tell us about your life.

MP: I am still a member of the Rotary Club of Benoni and still involved in the Greek community.

I married Gabriel Pappas (1978) and we have three children, Marylou Kazantzas, Theo and Michael Pappas.

I have four grandchildren, Gabriella, Leonidas and Angelique Kazantzas, and Gabriel Pappas.

So I am a travelling granny.

BCT: Now that you have retired, what are your hobbies?

MP: When I was working full time, I had very few hobbies, but I enjoyed and still enjoy embroidery, knitting, tapestries and travelling.

I also enjoy cooking, baking and having family and friends over at our home.

We always have friends over because I enjoy the family-orientated environment.

BCT: What are your plans going forward?

MP: I have given myself a six-month break to readjust my life.

Once my six-month break is over, I would like to invest in more projects, but I am not sure what those projects will be as yet.