Before Elmarie Janse van Vuuren became the person calmly phoning members, working through accounts and helping keep the wheels turning at CEO, she was apparently a small Pretoria expert in “kattekwaad”. Growing up in Capital Park, she admits she definitely tested her parents’ patience with the pranks and mischief she got up to as a child. Fortunately, she says it was also the happiest time of her childhood, filled with love, laughter, and the sort of memories that usually begin with “don’t tell Mom” and end with everyone laughing years later.
That playful spark has not disappeared. It has simply been upgraded into something more useful. As a Debt Collector at CEO, Elmarie spends her days speaking to different people over the phone, and that suits her perfectly because, in her own words, she likes to talk. There is a real skill in that. Debt collection is not only about records, reminders and payments. It is about tone, patience, timing, and knowing how to keep a conversation human when the topic can be uncomfortable. Elmarie brings exactly that mix – warm enough to connect, clear enough to get the job done, and funny enough to make the day feel a little lighter.
Her parents gave her the foundation for that approach. They taught her that the world can be unfair, but that holding onto God through the difficult seasons, and through the good ones, keeps life steady. Later, her late aunt became one of her strongest influences, teaching her to see the good in people and not to judge them because you never know what someone else is going through. For someone who works with people every day, often in moments of pressure, that lesson matters. It is the difference between simply making a call and genuinely understanding the person on the other side of it.
Elmarie joined CEO after being referred to the organisation, and she found herself among what she calls “oulike mense”. She values the clear structure, the opportunity to learn across different areas, and the pride that comes with being part of a team that gives members a unique and personal touch. For her, CEO’s role is to protect members and remind them that they are not standing alone. That sense of support is something she clearly understands, both professionally and personally.
Friends would describe her as patient, loving, funny and respectful. Her family would probably add “busy”, because when she is not working, her favourite place is with them. Her proudest accomplishment is being mom to three beautiful girls, and her vision for the future is to be a successful mother and wife, someone her children and husband can look up to and be proud
of. It is a simple dream, but not a small one. Anyone raising three girls knows that it requires strategy, stamina, snacks and probably a good sense of humour.
She is also honest about what she wants to improve. She would like to be a little less sensitive, learn to say no, stand up for herself, and sometimes put herself first when it is necessary. That kind of self-awareness says a lot about her. The same person who sees the good in others is learning to extend that same grace to herself.
Outside of work, Elmarie loves time with Jesus and her family, the outdoors, fishing, and wildlife viewing, especially when there is the rare treat of spotting a leopard. She enjoys Binnelanders, Sweet Magnolias, old Afrikaans Christian music, Zambezi Mustang Sally’s, and, very importantly, Spur onion rings with the Spur sauces! Which feels right. A little comfort, a little tradition and just enough mischief on the side.
So yes, Elmarie may have started life testing patience with pranks in Capital Park, but today that same lively spirit helps her connect with people, keep conversations moving, and bring warmth to work that requires both firmness and heart. Once a little mischievous, always memorable.