By creating Cape Town’s first elderly day care centre, Estherline Meyer is proving that some of the most powerful acts of leadership begin with compassion.
There are moments in life when an idea feels bigger than the person carrying it. For Estherline Meyer, 53, that moment came while watching her own family navigate a challenge faced by thousands of South African households every day: Who looks after ageing parents while everyone else is at work?
Instead of accepting that there was no solution, Estherline created one. In January 2026, after years of planning, praying and persevering, she officially opened Leap of Faith Elderly Day Care in Grassy Park, Cape Town – the first service of its kind in the area. Unlike an old-age home, Leap of Faith offers older people a safe, stimulating space during the day before they return to the comfort of their own homes in the afternoon.
It’s a concept that has already changed lives, offering companionship to lonely seniors and peace of mind to working families. But for Estherline, this isn’t simply a business. It’s a calling.
When faith becomes your business plan
Estherline registered the business in 2024 and doors officially opened in January this year, but bringing the idea to life wasn’t easy. The concept of an elderly day care was new and unfamiliar to many people in the community.’ It took time to market the business. I felt that the idea was taking too long to materialise. There were days I definitely wanted to give up,’ she admits. Like many women who are building something from the ground up, she encountered financial obstacles almost immediately. Fortunately, she had one invaluable asset – her own home. Instead of waiting for the perfect building or enough capital, Estherline transformed part of her house into the centre, allowing the dream to begin without enormous overheads. Her family rallied around her. They helped financially where they could, while her son produced and shared an introductory video on social media that would become the catalyst for everything that followed. But Estherline credits something even greater for carrying her through. ‘My faith in God kept me going,’ she says. ‘I believe He gave me the idea and He would surely see it through.’
Women who lead with compassion
Estherline represents a different kind of leadership. She isn’t leading from a corporate boardroom or political stage, but from her heart. Asked what women contribute to society, she answers without hesitation. ‘Women are a power to be reckoned with.’ She goes on to describe women as creative, innovative and influential change-makers. ‘Women are an awesome gift to the world. Life would be so boring without us,’ she adds, laughing. Yet she also believes women have an important responsibility toward one another. ‘It’s sad that women sometimes break down other women.’ Instead, she hopes women will continue lifting one another, recognising that kindness and encouragement create stronger communities for everyone.
Finding balance through family
Running a business centred on caring for others could easily become emotionally exhausting. Thankfully, Estherline doesn’t carry the responsibility alone. ‘My family are my biggest supporters,’ she says. Their encouragement allows her to balance entrepreneurship with family life while continuing to pursue a purpose that has become deeply personal. Interestingly, Estherline believes Leap of Faith has helped her just as much as it helps the people who attend. With her children grown and an empty nest at home, she found herself entering a new chapter of life. ‘As women, I believe we were born to take care of one another,’ she says. ‘With me having empty nest syndrome, God saw that and allowed me to continue caring for others through Leap of Faith. But as much as I’m helping the elderly, they’re helping me too.’
A leap worth taking
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Estherline’s story isn’t about business at all. It’s about courage. She describes herself as an ordinary woman who simply chose to take the first step – even before she knew exactly how everything would unfold. ‘If God could do it for me, an ordinary woman, He can surely do it for you too,’ she says. ‘Don’t wait until you have it all fi gured out. All you need is God on your side.’ The name Leap of Faith couldn’t be more fitting. It captures not only the centre she built, but the journey she’s lived – a journey fuelled by compassion, sustained by faith and strengthened by perseverance. And perhaps that’s exactly what makes Estherline a true leader. She didn’t wait for someone else to solve a problem. She saw a need, took a leap of faith and, in doing so, created a place where Cape Town’s elderly can laugh, belong and continue living life with dignity. Because, as she gently reminds us: ‘Remember, we’re all getting old. Treat the elderly the way you want to be treated. What you sow, you will reap. Love them, put a smile on their faces and make time to visit them.’
Address: 45 Dieman Road, Grassy Park, Cape Town
Contact number: 076 605 5439
Email: [email protected]
Featured Image: Lauren Fredericks
