Vote for Potchefstroom’s Santi Britz as Inspirasievrou 2025
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
Potchefstroom’s own Santi Britz has been named one of the top 50 finalists for Voelgoed Media’s Inspirasievrou 2025 award, a recognition that honours extraordinary women across South Africa who make a significant difference in the lives of others.
A journey that shaped a mission
Originally from Johannesburg, Britz has lived in Potchefstroom for 24 years. In 2009 she experienced the trauma of rape, followed by a court case that led to the conviction and life sentence of her attacker. The experience led her to dedicate her life to supporting survivors of gender-based violence, creating safe spaces for healing, and building structures of support where they were lacking.
The founding of iDUC
In the aftermath of her personal ordeal, Britz was encouraged by a symbolic gesture of kindness that would later inspire the creation of iDUC (Initiative for Dedicated Upliftment and Care). Soon after, she was approached to help a traumatised child who had witnessed sexual violence. A small act of comfort helped the child begin her own journey of recovery, which highlighted the need for an organisation focused on empowerment, awareness, and care.
Over the years, iDUC has grown into a multifaceted support network. The organisation provides assistance to victims of abuse, partners with crisis centres, drives awareness campaigns aimed at men, and runs gender-based violence programmes at universities. It also works in collaboration with Athletics South Africa to safeguard athletes against abuse.
National recognition
The Inspirasievrou initiative, run by Voelgoed Media in partnership with Finbond and Helpende Hand, aims to highlight South Africa’s most inspiring women. Fifty women are shortlisted before the panel of judges selects ten finalists. The public’s votes are taken into account when the final winner is announced at a special event on 1 November 2025.
Britz’s selection as one of the top 50 candidates underscores her impact not only in Potchefstroom but also nationally, where her advocacy and work through iDUC have reached thousands.
How to vote
The public can vote for Britz until 31 August 2025. Voting is done via SMS, with different options available:
SMS Inspirasie 7 to 33282 for 1 vote (R1.50)
SMS Inspirasie 7 to 39051 for 11 votes (R15)
SMS Inspirasie 7 to 41014 for 21 votes (R25)
Link for voting information: https://voelgoed.co.za/inspirasievrou/britz/
Final Thought
With the closing date for voting approaching, residents of Potchefstroom and beyond have the opportunity to support a local leader whose life story has been transformed into a mission of empowerment. Recognition through the Inspirasievrou 2025 award would not only honour her personal journey but also the broader fight against gender-based violence in South Africa.
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