Aadielah Maker-Diedericks, a prominent figure in South Africa's civil society, has dedicated her life to driving change and promoting social justice. Born and raised in District Six, Maker-Diedericks' early life was marked by the forced removal of her family to Mitchells Plain, a traumatic experience that had a lasting impact on her. Despite the challenges she faced, Maker-Diedericks remained determined to make a difference, inspired by the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who once said, "Be the change that you want to see."
Maker-Diedericks' personal experiences have shaped her career in social work. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young girls, including early pregnancies. This exposure motivated her to make a conscious decision to delay having children until she had a better understanding of herself and had experienced more of life. Her brother's struggles with a disability and limited access to services further solidified her commitment to studying social work. Maker-Diedericks holds a BSocSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a MComm Health from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
As the Secretary-general of the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance, Maker-Diedericks' typical day is filled with a mix of routine and unexpected challenges. She begins her day by checking and responding to WhatsApp messages and emails, followed by making a list of priorities before 9 am. Her role involves planning, training, and processing project deliverables, as well as engaging with stakeholders and attending meetings. Despite the demands of her position, Maker-Diedericks remains passionate about her work, valuing the opportunity to create platforms for people to discuss their experiences and drive change.
Maker-Diedericks' approach to change is centered around empowering individuals and communities. She believes in engaging people in the change process, rather than imposing it upon them. Her experience with the Soul Buddyz project, which aimed to support and empower children, has had a lasting impact on her perspective. The project humbled her by demonstrating the agency and resilience of children, even in the face of adversity. Maker-Diedericks emphasizes the importance of adults listening to children, guiding them, and creating space for them to grow into their best selves.
Maker-Diedericks' commitment to social justice extends beyond her professional life. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her sons. She also cooks once a month for distribution to those in need and supports a few communities in small ways with her family. Her love for her family is evident, particularly her 86-year-old aunt and 82-year-old father, whom she regularly visits and takes on outings.
According to Maker-Diedericks, the key to making a meaningful impact is being flexible and open to others, finding joy in one's work without expectation of reward, and recognizing the significance of every life touched. Her approach to life and work has earned her a reputation as a champion of change in South Africa. Through her work with the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance, Maker-Diedericks continues to drive progress and promote social justice.
As Maker-Diedericks looks to the future, she remains committed to her core values of empathy, compassion, and social justice. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of personal experience and determination in driving positive change. With her leadership and dedication, Maker-Diedericks is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in South Africa for years to come.
Key points
- Aadielah Maker-Diedericks is the Secretary-general of the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance.
- Maker-Diedericks' personal experiences have shaped her career in social work and commitment to social justice.
- She believes in empowering individuals and communities to drive change, rather than imposing it upon them.
