MARIE Liebenberg knew from her early high school years that she wanted to help others.
‘Growing up on a farm in the Free State with 12 siblings, I experienced a lot of love, which sparked my urge to care and lend a hand to others,’ says the 63-year-old social worker.
After finishing her Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Free State, she married the love of her live and followed him around South Africa until they finally settled in Empangeni in 1984.
While working for the Zululand Mental Health Society (ZMHS) she was given a project which permitted her to open the Thuthukani Adult Workshop for disabled workers in 1993.
A few years later ZMHS dropped the project and Liebenberg had to choose between the society and Thuthukani.
She decided to stick with her baby and built up the project which delivered many success stories over the years.
‘My biggest professional achievement is having kept this project running for 21 years as most projects like this crumble after a year.’
While balancing the demands of the Thuthukani project, a husband and four children, Liebenberg helped start up a running club and has completed 12 Comrades Marathons since her early forties.
‘When I’m retired I still intend to assist and care for others as much as I can, but my little grandson comes second to none.’
Having sharing so much love and compassion throughout her life, it is difficult not to admire and respect this astonishing woman.
