In 1976, 1st December, a good seed was planted in the Department of Social Development and today stands an inspirational tree with good fruits.
Gauteng DSD is sad to announce that our longest serving and dedicated Deputy Director in Systems, Gerhard Coetsee has decided to retire after 43 years of public service. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and hope he will continue remaining part of our extended family.
DSD bid Gerhard farewell last Friday at the Riverside Country Estate in Springs. He started at the department as a trained social worker; took part developing Social Work code of conduct and permanent placement adoptions of foster children. He moved up the ranks across Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State and finally Gauteng in May 2019 at Supatsela building, ICT. He also trained staff in Procurement, Finance and Labour.
A memory he won't forget is that of making a difference at an ECD in Daveyton when he performed all plumbing work. On parting thoughts to the department, he said, "Invest in staff – provide more training and get the best out of them. You may be a leader but you are not better than others."
His motto is: "Whatever you do, do it right the first time. Life is about ideas and it's a journey." He always looked forward to delivering work according to requirements. One of his dislikes was rewriting reports.
Gerhard recently turned 65 years, and attributes reading and innovation to keeping his mind and body healthy. A self-taught handy man, he enjoys construction work and gardening. Photography is his ultimate joy - and one of the special gifts received from colleagues was a drone and tripod stand to take aerial pictures.
Past and current colleagues described him as exemplary with great interpersonal skills, ethical, family-oriented, committed and meticulous. Gerhard bore fruits of integrity, team effort, discipline, humility. Hopefully staff will not eat the seeds of the fruits but germinate all this excellence across the workplace.
His last day will be Wednesday 31st July. His short terms plans are, manufacture furniture for his lovely wife, visit parents in Cape Town, involvement in church activities and relax.
Data Manager, Modiehi Chaphi echoed "Thanks for serving us with humility and excellence."
Farewell Gerhard!​