Desiree Beukes

About 

Desiree Beukes, affectionately known as Mama Desiree in Makers Valley, is a prominent community leader. As a mother of five and grandmother to 13, she is deeply committed to uplifting her community. Mama Desiree runs a soup kitchen, works closely with city patrollers to ensure safety and cleanliness, and helps connect families in need with social workers. Additionally, she supports children in accessing educational opportunities. Her passion for community involvement is evident, with a special joy in providing nourishment to those in need.

Issues and Ideas

Mama Desiree dedicates her Tuesdays and Thursdays to cooking for the community. Entire families often queue at the soup kitchen, as food becomes unaffordable due to high unemployment rates. This financial strain can lead to children dropping out of school, either because of hunger or the inability to afford uniforms.

From Mama Desiree’s perspective, the lack of job opportunities in Makers Valley is a significant challenge. There are few spaces for young people to develop skills outside of school, making them vulnerable to negative influences like drugs and crime. Infrastructure issues, such as potholes that damage cars and pose safety risks to children playing in the streets, also need urgent attention.

Mama Desiree’s vision for Makers Valley focuses on investing in its youth. This involves improving the quality and accessibility of education, fostering skill development, and creating more job opportunities. She believes that empowering today’s youth is essential for cultivating tomorrow’s leaders.

Find out more from Desiree Beukes in their video interview, available here.