About Us

We realise that it is as important to empower and rejuvenate caregivers as it is for disabled patients to have access to the professional care and rehabilitation therapies they need.

Butterfly Haven Facilities

Butterfly Haven was established when the need for such a respite facility was identified by parties keen on making a difference. The trials and tribulations of parents and caregivers trying to care for mentally and/or physically disabled children in their own homes is immense. We understand the challenges involved, and aimed to create a safe place where long or short-term residential care is offered to alleviate the pressures on families.

We realise that it is as important to empower and rejuvenate caregivers as it is for disabled patients to have access to the professional care and rehabilitation therapies they need.

Ruimsig Entomological Reserve and The “Roodepoort Copper”

The Ruimsig Entomological Reserve in Roodepoort, adjacent to Butterfly Haven, was actually established in 1985 to conserve Aloeides dentatis dentatis, the “Roodepoort Copper”. This was the first reserve in Africa proclaimed to protect a unique grassland habitat for insects not common in the Witwatersrand. Red-listed under the SA red data butterfly book, this rare butterfly is only found in the Roodepoort area. Adults are on wing from August to November and from February to March. There are two generations per year. ​

Our Beliefs

Our Vision: We strive for the full, rightful inclusion and integration of the handicapped in our society.

our Mission

The Butterfly Centre provides a sanctuary of respite, rejuvenation and rehabilitation which allows our handicapped patients to regain the skills and confidence to play an integral part in our society.

Our Values

- Positivity
- Fairness
- Empathy
- Diligence

Operations Manager

​Sister Erica has brought her extensive experience and organisational ability to fruition at Butterfly Haven, ensuring a fully professional, yet caring environment is maintained at all times.

After completing her General Nursing Diploma and a Post grad diploma in Midwifery, Sr Erica began a very dedicated 24 year career as a theatre scrub nurse at both Wilgeheuwel and Milpark hospitals in Gauteng. In 2001 she was promoted to Theatre Manager at St Augustine’s Hospital in KZN, and went on to complete her Business Management Diploma with Wit Business School in 2004. Sr Erica part of the commissioning team for Hillcrest Private Hospital and Lady Phohamba Hospital in Namibia between 2009 – 2015. She then moved to Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town until 2019, where she retired after 17 years in Theatre Management. Erica joined Butterfly Haven in March of 2020 to head up our operations and help set up our facility.

“I wanted to continue sharing my experience and passion and decided to join the team at Butterfly Haven, where caring for children with intellectual and physical disabilities has really taught me what unconditional love means. To be able to enrich the lives of the less fortunate is a privilege.”

Hobbies and Interests: Art, Sewing and gardening.

She is a family-oriented person and enjoys her grandchildren, and is also an animal lover.

Sr. Erica Thompson
Operations Manager