One can sense a calm and focused energy as Danie van den Heever sits at his desk in the Focus on iThemba offices. He is a man who has accomplished a great deal in his years and yet you feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. His entrepreneurial spirit surfaced from an early age and he enjoyed success in the corporate world with his automotive business.

Danie and Judy van den Heever pictured with Dr James Dobson

Then his life took an interesting turn when he attended Harvard Business School in the USA in 1989. Fellow class mate, Scott McOwen, introduced him to the teachings of Dr James Dobson and Focus on the Family and he became intrigued to discover more.

 

Focus on the Family is an international ministry aiming to help families thrive and Danie realised the need in South Africa and Africa especially due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic which impacts families profoundly.

"I felt called to start the work and help families in South Africa," explained Danie. "Soon afterwards in 1991, I sold my automotive business to give my full time attention to launching Focus on the Family Africa as Executive Director, in the capacity of a full-time volunteer."

This of course was a huge change for Danie, moving from a corporate environment with 400 employees to running a non-profit organisation with a half-day secretary to assist him. However the challenge motivated him and his wife Judy and soon families in Africa, mainly through radio broadcasts and literature, were becoming familiar with and benefiting from the Focus on the Family teachings.

 

"The journey with Focus on the Family over 17 years was a very positive experience for Judy and I," said Danie. "We reflect on amazing generosity, strong friendships, many positive lessons learnt and the visit to South Africa by Dr Dobson and the US board. It is a truly wonderful ministry that has our deepest respect."

 

Building on his strong belief in the significance of a nurturing loving family and determined to make a positive difference in young lives, Danie in 2003 established an inspirational non-profit organisation entitled 'Focus on iThemba', the isiZulu word for 'hope'.

 

"The devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic motivated me to offer a place of sanctuary for orphaned and vulnerable children in the form of cluster foster care homes in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal. I also realised that I needed to hand over to a younger generation to take over the Focus on the Family reins."

 

Danie has consequently resigned from the Board of Focus on the Family effective from the end of May 2009 to dedicate his time to iThemba.

 

In a letter to Danie and Judy from Dr Dobson he wrote, "I deeply appreciated your faithful service to Focus on the Family throughout the past 17 years. You have both made an invaluable contribution to our efforts, and I know your wisdom and insight will be sorely missed by each of the board members. One of the highlights of my service with Focus of the Family was our trip to South Africa in 1996. We will never forget the warmth of the people we met and the wonderful friends who hosted us."

 

Glenn Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Focus on the Family wrote, "You served with Focus Africa so admirably as Founder, Executive Chairman and Board member, your heart and wisdom will be sorely missed."

 

Jim Daly, President & CEO Focus on the Family wrote, "What an amazing journey. I know it is right, but it does signify an end of an era of great fun, success and impact. You have taught me many things, but mostly to love my kids. I have seen that in you from the beginning, and I so admired it. "

 

There is however little time to reflect and rest for Danie and Judy as they plough their hearts into iThemba. They both realise that the time is now, the place is South Africa and the difference is their tomorrow.

 

 

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