In a moment that left both her and her colleagues in awe, Suanne de Bruyn, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated social worker at Lerato Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award. This award celebrates her tireless commitment to improving the lives of children and families, especially those dealing with trauma and adversity.

Suanne’s journey in social work is deeply personal. Having faced her own challenges and traumas as a young person, she discovered the power of empathy and support, leading her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. Her personal experiences shaped her understanding of the importance of emotional healing and the value of having someone to listen, a foundation that has driven her work as a social worker.

After graduating from the NWU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Suanne immediately immersed herself in the field, gaining hands-on experience at various institutions. She has now spent seven years in the profession, continuously impacting the lives of children in need of care and support.

The Hope Bearer Award, which De Bruyn received for her work in the Vaal Triangle and West Rand area, was especially meaningful given the emotional challenges she has faced in her career. "The award came at a point where I was questioning if I was doing enough for the children in the children’s home," she shared. A traumatic incident had left her feeling uncertain about the difference she was making, but the recognition reignited her passion and reminded her of the impact she has had on the children she serves.

The moment Suanne found out she had won the award was one she will never forget. She had been invited to a radio interview where she was surprised with the announcement, which was made live. Overcome with emotion, she could barely speak as the realisation set in that her hard work and dedication had been recognised by her peers and the community.

"Receiving this award was a turning point," she said. "It gave me the hope I needed to continue, to know that I am making a difference even on the tough days."

Known for her unwavering passion, Suanne has always been lauded for the dedication and love she pours into her work. Her colleagues and the children at the CYCC have consistently praised her for her empathetic approach, whether she ’is working with children who have faced trauma, collaborating with other professionals, or supporting her fellow social workers. She believes that her passion for the work is what sets her apart as a social worker, and it is this very passion that has earned her this prestigious award.

The Hope Bearer Award will have a profound impact not only on Suanne’s personal career but also on her future endeavours. The recognition has opened doors for her to collaborate with other organisations and professionals, providing greater opportunities to support the children she serves. In addition, she is now a public face of social work for the "ONS" shop, a community shop of Solidarity Helping Hand in Meyerton, a role that further amplifies the important work being done in the field.

Looking forward, she hopes to continue broadening her knowledge and skills, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. She is also committed to mentoring future social workers, especially students from the NWU, encouraging them to display the same passion, empathy, and creativity that have defined her own approach to the profession.

As a mentor, her advice to young social workers and students is simple yet profound: "Social work is not easy, but the wins are forever. Even small positive changes can have a lasting impact on a child's life. Always do what you do with passion and for the love of social work."

NWU alumnus Suanne de Bruyn was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award.