Just like a protea plant relies on fire to sprout its seeds, the 49-year-old Wellington mother of four Cornel de Beer likes to sow and nurture the seeds of change in her community and the lives of the people – especially children – she touches. She is a shining beacon in her community, working among others as a volunteer at Moms for Wellington as well as being a safety parent herself. De Beer has a passion for restorative justice she lives out by being involved with the Hope Prison Ministry and volunteers at House Andrew Murray. Lastly, except for her involvement with the Shofar Church she also volunteers wherever there is a need to do so. The thing De Beer is proudest of in her life is her family, she says excitedly when asked. She also describes being a mother as well as a foster parent as one of the things she loves most about being a woman. “I have an amazing husband, Pieter, who supports me in everything I do, along with my boys and my beautiful daughter, who also loves being there for others. Secondly, I love to look back and see someone not reoffending and going back to prison. I love to see families reunited and to see someone standing up again because they received a helping hand. I love getting photos from my foster kids


Each year, Valcare coordinates the Proteas of the Valley Women’s Month campaign to honour and celebrate remarkable women in the Cape Winelands. These are women who, like the protea, flourish and flower despite difficult conditions. From the nominations received an independent committee selected 15 women who are making a great difference in their communities. Paarl Post will share their stories throughout August. Read about the first five women and their stories.

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