Deirdre Mariette Dique

What does your company do?

I would like to clarify that all my charity work I am involved in is undertaken in my personal capacity. My journey in community service began in earnest in 2019, during my time as Mrs bloemfontein, and has since evolved into a continued personal commitment. Since 2022 I have been actively involved as a charity worker with Irene Homes, and organization close to my heart. My role there is voluntary and reflects my ongoing dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

What is your biggest success?

One of my greatest achievements in this work has been creating moments of joy and inclusion through events that celebrate womanhood and family. l organize annual Women's Day celebrations where we come together to uplift and honor the residents of Irene Homes. My involvement is deeply personal and guided by the belief that compassion and consistency can transform lives. Even though my organization is not yet formally registered, the impact is real and growing. Every gesture, every gathering and every shared moment contributes to a more inclusive and caring society. Perhaps the most touching recognition of this work is how the women at Irene Homes have welcomed me as part of their family. They often tell me how much they look forward to the next function, eagerly counting down the days. Seeing their excitement and happiness, is one of the most fulfilling and humbling rewards of my journey.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

These women live with intellectual disabilities and have no means of changing their circumstances. While the emotional rewards of this work are profound, one of the most difficult challenges has been finding long-term sponsors who truly understand and believe in my mission. many potential partners are moved by the cause, but few are able to commit consistently, which makes planning and expanding our impact difficult. Despite this, I remain driven, I have learned to work with limited resources, to build meaningful partnerships and to rely on creativity and community engagement to keep the work alive. Every event I have organized, whether it is Womens day or Christmas day for the orphaned residents, has been a testament to perseverance and often made possible by the generosity of índividuals rather than institutions. This hurdle has not discouraged me, it has strengthened my belief in the power of purpose.