Meerlust

Johanna Maria Coetzee, better known to those on the farm as ‘Tolla’, was awarded the Farm Worker of the Year Award at the fourth annual Farm Health Awards held on 7 December 2006.

Tolla grew up on Meerlust, and worked her way up from a part time worker to the farm’s first female supervisor, and today holds the position of Health Worker. In addition to her 3 adult children, she is also the primary caregiver for 7 foster children, who without her would have a very bleak future. Tolla is intensely involved in the Meerlust community, and performs a great number of tasks which include: Offering shelter to woman and children in times of emergency, protecting women from abusive husbands, assisting the elderly by getting them their medication and arranging activities for them, organizing computer lessons for the children and caring for the terminally ill.

Hannes Myburgh, owner of the Estate, says “Her efforts are greatly appreciated by all those who have been touched by her love and kindness. She is like a true mother for the entire farm worker community.”

For more information, contact:
Deidre van Rhyn
Tel: 021 843 3587
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.meerlust.co.za