Jenat is a housemother to the residents at House Liebenberg. She says: “I am a mother to them the same way as I am a mother to my own children. I am a person that you can come to for advice and have gained a lot of experience in being there for our residents.”
She grew up in Agter Paarl on a farm and went to school at Windmeul Primary. During late 1994 her family moved to Mbekweni. She continued high school but found it very difficult to fit in, because she came from Afrikaans background.
After school she worked at an old age home for 8 years and was seeking new opportunities. She read an article about Sunfield Home and knew that this would be the answer to her prayers. She applied to work as a char and soon after was offered a permanent appointment here.
Jenat is a widow and mother of 3 beautiful kids. Her first born is a girl followed by twins – a boy and another girl.
She is always friendly, laughs a lot and gives love, support and respect to those around her and has faith in her actions, just like her mom and dad taught her. Jenat starts her days with a Bible verse and prayer and always ends it with laughter, knowing that she has done something good in someone’s life that day.
She would’ve loved to become a social worker but admits in her role as a housemother, there is always something new to learn. Every day comes with challenges, but she makes the best of each day. It is important to her to accept that certain things cannot be changed.
One of the things that she cherishes the most at Sunfield Home is the beautiful smile from one of our residents, Neil.
“Our residents have feelings like any other human being, respect them and always allow them to talk. Give them an ear and listen. Show support when they are hurt, give them a smile and tell them that you love them – end with a hug.”
Quick Fire
- Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?
Dog person
- Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Music, singing and dancing
- If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be?
Grace – I live under the Grace of God
- If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Courage to do everything that I am supposed to do.
- If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That would most definitely be meat – I love meat.
- The best compliment I’ve ever received was….
You have a good heart and never change who you are.