Deidre Mamani is proud to call Paarl the place where her journey began. She grew up there with her three brothers, her older brother and her younger twin brothers, under the loving care of her grandmother. A pillar of strength and wisdom, her grandmother taught them from a young age the values of love, respect and integrity. Those lessons became the foundation on which Deidre built her life.
Deidre decided to join the Elevation Programme, a Val de Vie Foundation beneficiary, after hearing inspiring testimonies from people in her community, people who had discovered their purpose and changed the direction of their lives. Their stories stirred something inside her. She knew she wanted to grow. Joining the programme became one of the most empowering decisions she had ever made.
Throughout the programme, participants journeyed through powerful themes: one’s relationship with oneself, with God, core values and beliefs and true identity. These sessions opened Deidre’s eyes and heart. She discovered parts of herself she had ignored for years, gaining confidence and a stronger sense of personal responsibility. The topic that impacted her most was her relationship with God, which reminded her of her inner strength, her purpose and the fact that she is never walking this journey alone.
When the programme ended, real life began and so did the tests. Applying what she had learnt wasn’t always easy. Deidre struggled with self-doubt, uncertainty about opportunities and the pressure to stay consistent. But she refused to fall back into old patterns. She leaned on the support network she had built, used the programme’s tools, set realistic goals and learned to celebrate every small win. Every step, no matter how small, moved her forward.
Today, Deidre is proudly completing a New Venture Creation learnership, gaining hands-on experience at Iveranda, a job-creation initiative of the Elevation Programme. Here, she designs and creates handmade leather jewellery and clothing, a space where creativity meets skill and where she is learning what it means to build something from the ground up. These experiences are shaping her into the businesswoman she aspires to become.
Deidre’s dream for the future is clear: she wants to become an entrepreneur. To get there, she is intentionally developing her leadership abilities, strengthening her communication skills, honing her strategic thinking and learning to lead and inspire others. She is seeking mentorship, embracing new challenges and building a professional network that supports her goals.
To anyone considering the Elevation Programme, Deidre says this from the heart: “Take the step. This programme is truly life-changing. It will help you discover who you are, guide you through real-world challenges and give you the courage to grow, both personally and professionally. Most of all, you will meet people who will uplift you and celebrate your victories.”
