The Bethany House Trust still going strong after 25 years

When you hear the words The Bethany House Trust, you will hopefully immediately know who they are. This year, the organisation is celebrating 25 years of building a nation and although it was not always a smooth ride, they can now look forward to building a better future for the children in their care.

In 1998, Gert and Antionette Jonker took in a young girl who was HIV positive and needed full-time care. Eventually, they took in another child as well and just continued. When they had no space, they moved to Randfontein and when that space also became too small, they moved to their current location in Monument. Over the years, they continued to buy surrounding properties due to their fast expansion.

But what is Bethany House? Many know it as an orphanage but it is so much more. They are a child protection organisation that provides specialised services to victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. They also have programmes running to help marginalised communities.

Although situated in Krugersdorp, they have programmes that run across Gauteng and work with many partners to get their beneficiaries the services they need.

In 1997 they sent their organisational model to be adjudicated by the office of former president Nelson Mandela and the comment they received said; “President Nelson Mandela has noted with interest the sentiments you expressed. The President is gratified and encouraged to note that you have been thinking seriously about some of the problems in the country. Your observations and suggestions are constructive and worthy of consideration.”

Gert explained the past 25 years came with joyous and sad memories. Highlights for him over the years include when Zizi, the first child they ever took in, was cured of Aids. Other memories include the hundreds of times children were successfully placed back into families. The support they received over the years to build what their establishment is known as today, as well as the Ikusasa Child and Youth Development Centre (CYCC) is commendable. Funding from The National Lottery also enabled them to buy a new property, their first ministry car, and their first Combi.

“Needless to say, as we have learnt over the past 25 years, emergency placements are mostly a rough ride.”

With the good unfortunately also comes the bad and Gert explained when they started there was no antiretroviral programme for children born with HIV/ Aids. In those years they lost a dozen children, most of them to the disease but also to other diseases and congenital health problems.

“I can recount another million happy and sad stories. That is what makes The Bethany House ministry so special.”

So many years on, the Jonkers get to enjoy the children they have helped raise. Many have gone on to be successful, even having their own families. The couple is grandparents to many.

Even though the children at the trust are given every opportunity to make a success of their lives, some still make the wrong choices, which is sad for the Jonkers.

He said that he does not enjoy the management side of the organisation but rather being with the children, whenever he can, he gets away and visits the children who have to do book reports to him on Sundays, and weekends are sometimes filled with spectating sports matches.

In October they are planning a get-together with everyone involved in the trust, with the invitation extended to former residents as well.

“We are still as committed to helping build this nation, as we were 25 years ago,” he said.

The News congratulates the Jonkers on this remarkable achievement.