Jolande Holder

I have often said that I am not particularly good with words. My gift has always been caring for people as a nurse rather than telling my own story. Yet every patient who walks through the doors of Pastorie Clinic becomes part of a journey that began many years ago with a simple dream.

From the beginning, I believed that people living in rural communities should never have to settle for less simply because of where they live. Every person deserves compassionate, high-quality healthcare, and that belief became the foundation upon which Pastorie Clinic was built.

The journey started in the smallest of places—a makeshift office in my little boy's bedroom. With faith, determination, and the support of people who believed in the vision, that dream slowly became a reality. Daphne Snyders stood beside me from the very beginning, helping lay the foundations of what would become Pastorie Clinic.

As the clinic grew, I realised that finding the right doctor was never simply about filling a position. It was about finding someone who shared the same purpose. Looking back, I truly believe that Dr T.J. van der Merwe and I met through faith and perfect timing. We both believed that rural communities deserved more than basic healthcare. Together, we committed ourselves to building a practice equipped to diagnose, stabilise, and care for patients with excellence, compassion, and dignity.

Today, as equal partners, we continue to grow that vision. Every service we introduce, every piece of equipment we invest in, and every decision we make is guided by one simple question: How can we better serve our patients?

Although our story began in Greyton, my hope is that what we are building will inspire other rural communities throughout South Africa. I believe that exceptional healthcare should not be defined by geography but by the dedication, compassion, and commitment of the people who provide it.

I remain a nurse at heart. While my role today includes leading the practice and helping shape its future, my greatest privilege is still serving our community alongside an extraordinary team. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering love, encouragement, and understanding of my incredible family, who have always believed in my dreams and given me the strength to keep pursuing them.