23/10/2026
My name is Edward (Eddie) Dippenaar, and I was born in District Six in Cape Town. My childhood was quiet. I was raised under strict rules, but I had a very close relationship with my father. I grew up close to the church, which led me to become a Sunday school teacher and, later on, even a priest.
Some of my happiest memories come from those years with the church. back when I used to visit young people, listened to them, and helped them work through their problems.
About twenty years ago, I discovered singing, and I found great joy in karaoke. I also treasure the memory of my own home in Bay View, Cape Town.
Before NOAH, I worked in a printing factory in Ndabeni for 52 years. In that time, I watched four different companies take the place over while I stayed on. I retired at 63.
My wife and I first heard about NOAH through a family friend who worked at a furniture store in Woodstock. We came by one weekend, had everything explained to us, and we were over the moon. When we were introduced to NOAH’s rules and conditions, we were sold immediately. When I looked over the rules, it was exactly my life. I appreciate that The centre is very central; I grew up not far from here.
From the moment we arrived, my wife and I felt happy and warmly welcomed by Bernie. In those early days, I threw myself into everything! karaoke, gardening, helping with transport and donations, and so much more. It made me very happy.
These days, since Kenny is no longer able to do his cleaning job, I’ve taken it over, and I clean the centre and put out the trash for collection every Tuesday and Friday.
I’m also part of the NOAH action group, so I’m often busy with those responsibilities too.
I still love singing karaoke, and in the evenings my wife and I like to watch movies together before bed.
Karaoke and gardening remain my favourite activities but what’s enriched my life most has been the medical side of NOAH. Having a doctor close by gives a big sense of security and I find the monthly contribution very reasonable for everything we receive as being part of NOAH.
The value I see reflected most in my daily life here is the focus on health and medical support.
I’ve built a close relationship with Bernie, though these days it’s mostly just me and my wife.
I learned early in life what it means to be a man — to provide and to protect — and coming to NOAH only solidified that lesson. I’ve also learned that people can be cruel when they believe they’re righteous, and that to avoid unnecessary conflict, you must always be capable of forgiveness and patience.
I hope younger generations learn to stay more involved in the lives of their parents, and to care for them rather than placing them into some facility.
If I had to describe NOAH in three words: health, security, and activity.
My message to the public is this: you won’t find a better place for this price, one that truly keeps its promise about health and happiness.
Looking back on my journey, I can finally understand why the founder gave this organisation its name. NOAH is there to protect, to provide, and to give shelter.
