Candace begins new chapter for HACT

THE new CEO at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT), Candace Davidson, is a powerhouse 21st Century working mom.

She is a mother of four, head of a crucial non-profit organisation, is studying for her PhD and still finds some time to fit in a bout of exercise.

Candace is no stranger to HACT as she took up a six-month maternity leave contract to manage the organisation’s Orphan and Vulnerable Children and Home-Based Care programme in 2014.

It was during this time that her heart was won over and she remained a firm friend and supporter of the work done by the NPO.

“I only ever heard very good things about HACT for years and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to fall in love with it on a personal basis,” said Candace.

When the contract came to an end she worked as a research fellow at CAPRISA (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa) for two years, which she said added a whole new dimension to her awareness of HIV/AIDS.

While she may originally be from Canada, she has lived in South Africa with her family for nearly 20 years and has garnered much experience in non-profit management, in the health field from her time working in South Africa, Canada and Namibia.

New beginnings

“When I first heard of the position opening, it grabbed my attention because it was so near to me. I wondered who I knew that I could pass this on to. I felt very protective of the organisation so spent some time thinking of who I could recommend and who would be a good fit.”

“Initially I never intended to apply for the position myself,” she laughed.

“When I read the advert package I mulled it over. I mentioned it to a few friends and they encouraged me to be the one to apply.”

It was during her interview that she wowed the panel with her openness, experience and ability to say what was on her heart.

She laid out her values and faith and left it up to the panel to decide.

“I am so humbled and honoured to have been offered this role and Olivia Myeza (former CEO) has left some really large shoes to fill and she has a fantastic team that she has built up here,” said Candace.

“I was overjoyed as my heart has always been with the community and to work at an organisation that has such an immense impact on it – is thrilling!”

Continuing a legacy

The landscape of HIV/AIDS has changed dramatically and we are now in the third decade of HIV/AIDS work in South Africa.

“HACT was created at the beginning of the epidemic, when it was still risky to even talk about the disease.”

“The founders of the organisation were forward thinkers and came together very early on to develop a response and this is a legacy to honour.”

“When HACT started it was almost risky talking about HIV and AIDS. Just to see how the times have changed and how the organisation’s role and approach has evolved to respond to the social and political arenas is amazing. It is wonderful the organisation has changed to help the community and is responsive when addressing ongoing transmission and getting people tested and onto treatment.”

“There is still so much work to be done in terms of prevention and caring for those who are infected,” said Candace.

“Even though the times and landscape has changed, the core love for the valley has remained intact and I want to keep it that way.”

When she is not fulfilling her new role as the CEO she enjoys travelling, manages a busy household and spends time with her children. She has also registered for her PhD in public health medicine.

“I don’t play any sport, besides running after my children,” she laughed.

“Although I do try and fit in some Zumba classes.”

Her children are in primary school, high school and in university and she said she relishes trying to find activities that they can all enjoy as a family.

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