Dear Friends of Golden Sunbeams
In our newsletter No. 78 from October 2025 we reported for the first time about the wish of our dear friend, artist and long-time supporter Christiane Klein, who sadly passed away far too soon.
She had requested that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Golden Sunbeams at her memorial service – for the children who were so close to her heart.
A year later, her family organised a private auction of many of her artworks. All proceeds also benefited Golden Sunbeams – with the express wish that Christiane’s legacy lives on. Thanks to this extraordinarily generous gesture, we were now able to make her heartfelt wish come true: the donations were used to create a new ECD centre – a place that gives children security, education and a future that continues Christiane’s commitment far beyond her lifetime.
Building an ECD centre is a huge challenge. Even more important, however, is finding someone who will fill that place with passion and devotion. In Belinda Meintjes, we found exactly that person.
Many years ago, Belinda and her husband Kevin founded their own school under extremely modest conditions. Back then, lessons took place in a small wooden hut. Although she only looked after around 20 children, there was not enough space – at times a group even had to be accommodated in the family’s living room.
We submitted the building plans to the local building authority back in September 2025. When we still hadn’t received a building permit by November, we decided to at least begin renovating the existing building to avoid wasting any more time.
The former bathroom was converted into a child-friendly toilet. The adjacent storage room was transformed into a sanitary area with a toilet and shower for staff and family.
Furthermore, the entire roof had to be replaced and raised to accommodate the planned extension. Since the building previously lacked interior ceilings, these were installed. We also renewed the electrical system and installed new lighting in the kitchen.
However, work had to be temporarily suspended because the building permit was still pending.
The situation was still the same when Edwin Klein traveled to South Africa on May 12, 2026, to see the construction progress for himself. The already completed renovation impressed and moved him deeply.
Finally, on June 25th – during the South African winter holidays – we were able to begin building. First, part of the old building was demolished, then the foundation was poured and the new walls were built.
From then on, everything went surprisingly quickly – not least because the South African winter blessed us with sunny weather this year.
Once the walls were plastered and the roof finished, we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Then the windows and doors were installed, the tiles were laid, the walls were painted, and the final touches were completed.
In the week before the inauguration, the coat hangers and bad hangers were assembled, artificial grass was laid in front of the entrance, thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and tables and chairs were set up for the children.
On August 7, 2026, the day finally arrived: Belinda Meintjes was able to officially open the Free to Grow Edu-Care centre. Her dream of owning her own ECD centre had become a reality.
Under a bright blue sky and in glorious sunshine, Belinda Meintjes and her husband Kevin welcomed their numerous guests to the grand opening. After the children’s performances, Belinda, Kevin, and Britta addressed the attendees with a few personal words.
Karen Bufe von Masikhule (left), Kevin and Belinda Meintjes (2nd and 3rd from left), Britta Belz (2nd from right) and our long-time construction builder Doctor (right) could hardly wait to cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially open the new Edu-Care centre..
Afterwards, Belinda and Kevin proudly presented their new kindergarten. A buffet and drinks were provided for all the guests.
The new kindergarten initially offers space for 35 children and was designed from the outset to allow for state registration. After successful registration, Belinda can apply for funding and expand the school step by step.
We are truly delighted to have accompanied Belinda Meintjes on this special journey. At the same time, we are convinced that Christiane Klein would also look back on her passion project with pride.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Edwin, Elena, and Nora Klein, as well as to all the supporters and sponsors whose donations made it possible to fulfil Christiane’s dearest wish with the construction of this kindergarten.
“Christiane’s Free to Grow” is far more than a building—it is a place filled with laughter, learning, and hope. A place where Christiane’s legacy lives on every day.
Warmest regards from sunny Cape Town,
Britta and Michi