About Golden Sunbeams e.V.
Britta Belz and Bernd Holtkamp founded their association in 2018Our Goal: To improve Opportunities for disadvantaged Children and their Families in Townships
A young organization with over 20 years of impact.
Although still considered a young association, it proudly reflects on a tradition spanning more than two decades. In 1995, Bernd Holtkamp—an engineering graduate and former executive at a major German logistics company—relocated from the Frankfurt area to South Africa. Driven by dedication and compassion, he traded his white dress shirt for hands-on community work and, in 1998, established his first kindergarten and preschool in the township of Macassar, located 45 km southeast of Cape Town: Helderberg Golden Sunbeam.
In 2018, Helderberg Golden Sunbeam celebrated its 20th anniversary. Many of its former students have since gone on to complete their Abitur (high school diploma) and are now successfully employed in stable professions—an achievement made possible, in part, by the foundation they received at the preschool.
Following this success, Bernd Holtkamp initiated and supported additional early childhood education projects across the Cape region. These kindergartens and preschools, developed independently of the association, were largely funded by Holtkamp himself along with generous private donations from close supporters.
In 2014, Britta Belz—former manager at a Frankfurt-based financial group and expert in marketing and communications—relocated to Gordon’s Bay with a clear mission: to actively support charitable initiatives for children living in the townships of the Cape region. Guided by a deep commitment to long-term impact, she focused on identifying and developing projects that would sustainably improve the living conditions of these vulnerable children.
In 2018, Bernd and Britta combined their experience and shared passion for social impact by founding the non-profit organization Golden Sunbeams e.V. The association is dedicated to supporting children through a range of initiatives designed to improve their quality of life and break the cycle of disadvantage and inequality. At the heart of their work is a commitment to sustainability, with a strong focus on empowering communities through self-help projects that foster long-term change.
On May 15, 2024, Bernd Holtkamp passed away at the age of 85—a profound and deeply felt loss for our association. His passing marked a significant turning point in our history. In the months leading up to his death, Bernd and Britta had carefully and thoughtfully planned the future of Golden Sunbeams e.V., including the necessary reorganization of the board. It was Bernd’s heartfelt wish that Britta would carry on his legacy and succeed him in leading the association.
Golden Sunbeams e.V. was founded with the clear purpose of preserving Bernd Holtkamp’s life’s work—ensuring that the kindergartens he established would continue to thrive and receive support long after his passing.
At the Golden Sunbeams e.V. general meeting on May 16, 2024, Britta Belz was officially elected as the successor to Bernd Holtkamp and will assume his role as First Chairwoman. In turn, she handed over her previous responsibilities as Deputy Chairwoman and Treasurer to Claudia Beißner—a long-time friend and dedicated member of the association since its founding in 2018.
Britta and Claudia share a close bond spanning over 40 years. They completed their vocational training and university studies together, navigated the highs and lows of their respective careers, and collaborated on the early preparations for the establishment of Golden Sunbeams e.V.. In December 2023, Claudia visited Britta and Bernd in South Africa once more. During that visit, Bernd personally expressed his gratitude to Claudia for her willingness to take on the dual role of Deputy Chairwoman and Treasurer—calling her the ideal choice to help carry the association forward.
Brigitte Stegmeyer—a founding member, dedicated supporter of the association, and a key figure from the very beginning—was also a long-time confidante and trusted advisor to Bernd. It had long been his wish for her to take on a leadership role within the organization.
At the general meeting on May 16, 2024, all three board members were unanimously elected and confirmed in their positions. United by a shared vision, they have pledged to lead and continue developing Golden Sunbeams e.V. in the spirit of Bernd Holtkamp’s legacy.
“Golden Sunbeams e.V.” acts independently of ethnic, religious, ideological and economic interests.
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