Celebrating Women of Worth 2025
R350,00
USAPHO (isiXhosa) Foundation was established as a registered NPO (121-474) in 2013; to provide specific preventative and developmental family interventions in the Western Cape. With a strong focus on strengthening families, and encompassing the values of the CIRCLE OF COURAGE, namely BELONGING, INTERDEPENDENCE, MASTERY and GENEROSITY, USAPHO Foundation aims to empower families and individuals with the necessary tools and psycho-social support, to not only enable healthy, effective relationships, but also to grow and positively affect change in communities and the nation.
Throughout the years, USAPHO has had the privilege of engaging with WOMEN of WORTH from all walks of life. From different cultures and religions, with various beliefs, practices and perspectives, one common thread that connects them, and binds them to the past, present, and future of USAPHO, is their WORTH.
Being founded, lead, and inspired by a strong female, USAPHO continues to strive to empower young women and girls to shatter glass ceilings and break through the status quo. To do so, we do not need to look too far to find examples of this. Within USAPHO alone, we boast a CEO and MBA graduate, who completed this feat whilst running an NPO, a two-time Cancer survivor, who in her 60’s is raising a teenager, and a mother of four boys who successfully rewrote matric subjects to better her chances of studying further.
No small feats, to say the least. Accolades and accomplishments often go overlooked, yet these amazing women are our mothers, and friends, and form an integral part of USAPHO.
The stories shared introduce us to WOMEN who know their WORTH, share and show others their WORTH, and evoke the value and belief that we are all “WORTHY BEYOND MEASURE”
FOREWORD By Derrick Schroeder
I am extremely humbled and, at the same time, honoured to write the foreword for this insightful book and beautiful piece of art, which has emerged from a special friend of more than 40 years, Elize Lombard. A true milestone indeed!
Elize is an amazing person—a mother, a proud grandmother, a Social Worker by profession, and a phenomenal servant leader. She is the founder and CEO of USAPHO Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa.
Over the years, she has pioneered various initiatives focused on family and community empowerment, with a special emphasis on women, men, fathers, children, and youth. Her track record speaks for itself. Her passion for people’s growth led to the birth of what she refers to as her “third child,” USAPHO Foundation, which was established in 2013. A heartfelt thank you to Jessica and Melanie, Elize’s two wonderful daughters, for their selfless contributions and unwavering support of their mother.
The organisation, aptly named USAPHO, which means “family” in isiXhosa, has—despite challenges—flourished under her leadership. It has successfully provided preventative and developmental family interventions. With its focus on strengthening families and individuals, USAPHO has empowered many communities, making invaluable contributions to nationbuilding. The participation of women in sharing their knowledge and experiences cannot be underestimated, as it has added immense value and dignity to individuals and their families.
Someone once said, “Stories constitute the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal.” I salute all the women—not only for sharing their stories in such an authentic and honest manner but also for the many life lessons we can draw from them. These stories inspire growth, both for the storytellers and for those who read and listen to them. It reminds me of the words of Simply Topaz: “Live the story you want to tell.”
Never stop sharing these and many other stories that will emerge from your experiences. Continue to share them widely so they can reach those who need to hear them. Stories like these have the power to shift paradigms, inspire action, and transform lives, families, and communities. You have once again demonstrated that you are true change agents for the empowerment of women, showing remarkable strength and perseverance in the face of challenges.
It brings to mind the well-known African saying: ‘Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo’—“When you strike a woman, you strike a rock.” This powerful phrase echoes the resilience, courage, and unbreakable spirit of the women whose stories fill these pages. The different themes—warriors, resilience, fruitfulness, new growth, jars of clay, letting your light shine, strength of hope, letting strength arise, overflow, hydrangeas, thrones, single proteas, and artistic expression—beautifully align with the stories, creating a symphony of hope, love, authenticity, belonging, and generosity. These themes reinforce USAPHO Foundation’s belief that everyone has the right to belong to a family.
Elize, USAPHO Foundation, and all the women who contributed to this incredible milestone remind me of Proverbs 31:29: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you have outclassed them all.” Once again, congratulations! May this be the beginning of many more stories that will inspire, transform, and restore families, communities, cities, our nation, and the world.
God bless you,
Derrick Schroeder
| Book Type | Hard Copy, Digital Copy |
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