AN INSPIRATION TO ALL - PRIMROSE DU PLESSIS

There can be no doubt that Primrose du Plessis is a remarkable woman, who not only in her professional life, but also her personal life has selflessly put the needs of others above all else. Recently having celebrated her 92nd birthday, Primrose continues to serve others tirelessly.

An executive committee member of the Association of the Physically Disabled – Greater Johannesburg, Primrose has been involved with the Association for over 55 years.

Primrose grew up on small mines near Sabie and was educated at Loreta Convent in Lydenberg, which she attended as a boarder until she matriculated. Her strong nurturing tendencies came to the fore following her mother’s death when she was only ten and she took on the role of mother to her family.

After matriculating, Primrose studied domestic science, which she taught for a number of years.

She was a woman ahead of her times, largely through circumstances. Her husband, Jan (known as Jack) served in the Air Force during the Second World War and died as a result of his war experiences in 1946. Left with a young son, John, Primrose had to earn a living to support him.

In 1946 Primrose was employed as a Community Worker with the Johannesburg City Council.

“I mainly worked in Soweto where, among other things, I organised women and youth clubs. I also started a Sheltered Workshop for Disabled People.”

Primrose fondly recalls her days spent at the workshop. “The hand weaving was beautiful. We made all sorts of things. For instance we must have made thousands of aprons for nursery schools. We also made banners for churches and designed and made nets for tennis courts. One year we even made a special net for a major Championship at Ellis Park.”

Primrose was meant to retire at 65 but not surprisingly she kept on working until 74. Her last position at the Council was that of Bursary Secretary.

Her involvement with the Association came about as result of her role at the workshop. Being a Community Worker, she was also ideally placed not only to identify needs but to meet them, thus playing a valuable role to the Association.

“What I remember most about the early days of the Association was the spirit of co-operation and how everyone would get stuck in if something needed to be done.

“We were all volunteers and used to have the most wonderful fundraising events including a Grand Ball, attended by the crème de la crème of Johannesburg society.”

Sadly, she says, times have changed. “Volunteers are very hard to find. This has a lot to do with the economic situation. Unlike then many women did not work and were willing to volunteer their time for a good cause. Furthermore, there are so many worthy organisations out there all competing for volunteers.

However, being a working single mother never stopped Primrose.

Apart from being on the Executive Committee, Primrose also belongs to the Golden Link Support Group and takes disabled people out on a monthly outing.

“My plea is for more people to join us and make a difference to someone’s life”

As if that is not enough, she also belongs to the Jan Smuts Axis of Churches, which covers all churches, of all denominations across Jan Smuts Avenue. They raise funds for food parcels and get together weekly to pack the parcels. She can also be found once a week in the soup kitchen at her local Anglican Church.

When not out doing community work, Primrose relaxes by listening to classical music and she enjoys gardening.

But, how does she do it? “Life would be dull if I had nothing to do. You have to have hobbies and interests in life.”