Inspiring Women – Part 3: Modest Michaela makes a difference

SHE attributes her kind, loving and helpful nature to her mother and says the only way to change the world is through conscious citizens acting.

Michaela Geytenbeek, at the age of 25, is a masters student in sustainable development, who feels most complete when she is helping others. 

READ ALSO: Inspiring Women – Part 1: Answering the call to serve

“I always say yes to things. It started when I was in school when I was part of the Rotary Interact Club and I was able to give back through them. Once I finished school, I still wanted to give back so I became involved with Sithanda Upliftment Projects which helps a school in Kwa Mashu. I also met Nonhlanhla who does charity work, also in Kwa Mashu and I assist her with people that can help with whatever the community is in need off,” she said.

Geytenbeek, describes herself as a nature lover and enjoys outdoor activities. She has swam the Midmar 8-mile and raised funds for Ezemvelo KZN WildLife and the International Rhino Foundation; and paddled the 67 kilometer Shongweni 67 where she encouraged others to become involved, raising almost R100 000 collectively, for Shongweni Nature Reserve.

She also heads the social outreach portfolio for The Mountain Club of South Africa, the oldest and largest mountaineering club in South Africa.

“The club takes children from disadvantaged backgrounds and give them experiences outside. By reconnecting with nature, they forget their troubles and what’s happening at home. It’s therapeutic,” she said.

“Everyone wants to help but nobody knows where to start. My advice to them is to just start, even it it’s doing something for a neighbour or friend who is in need of help. Even buying someone a loaf of bread can make a world of difference to their loves,” she said.

READ ALSO: Inspiring Women – Part 2: Giving hope to others

The Kinship Programme is the brainchild of Geytenbeek that provides sensory activities to reconnect children with nature.

“I started this programme in June last year after the hard lock down when I noticed how stressed our children had become. I also believe that at the heart of our environmental crisis is human/nature disconnect and if we are going to solve anything in his regard, we need to ensure that we have a relationship with nature and that needs to start at a young age. I noticed that there wasn’t a programme like this in Durban that allowed children that opportunity to just experience nature. After the activities, you can see the changes in children, in their mood and behaviour,” she said.

But that’s not all, Geytenbeel plays rugby for the Touch Boks and represented South Africa in Malaysia two years ago.

“It was very exciting. I play mixed, and prefer playing with in the men’s team because it’s faster,” she laughed.