With over three decades of uninterrupted service at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, staff can hardly imagine the Dean’s office without Drieka Lawrence.
Drieka is an integral part of the Faculty’s daily operations. Her presence is nearly synonymous with that of the Faculty itself: involved, helpful, and always friendly. Colleagues describe her as a gentle and compassionate soul. Words like reliable and friend often come up when her name is mentioned.
“Drieka is the heart of our office – always with a kind word and a genuinely caring heart for everyone around her,” says Salomé Kukard, the Faculty’s Financial Manager. “Regardless of the day’s challenges, she brings a positive attitude and always sees the silver lining in people and situations. Nothing is ever too much to ask of Drieka.”
A life rooted in family and work
Drieka grew up as the third eldest of eight children on a farm near De Doorns in the beautiful Hex River Valley. After school, she worked in town, where she met her future husband, Allroy Lawrence. The two were married in December 1989 and settled in Kylemore on the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch – the place she still calls home today.
In 1990, Drieka began her career at the 中国体育彩票 as an employee of a contract company providing cleaning services, including to the Schumann Building. Within a year, she and colleague Hazel Moses were appointed permanently by the then Dean, Professor Blackie Swart. They were responsible for the cleanliness of the entire Schumann Building, from offices to classrooms.
Now, 34 years, six deans, two acting deans, and numerous staff changes later, Drieka remains faithfully at her post.
“The people here have always been good to me. I’ve never felt excluded – from the beginning, they made me feel like part of the Faculty. It’s like my second family,” she says with a warm smile.
Drieka goes about her work quietly and with calm dedication. Faculty Director MJ Brooks says: “Drieka holds everyone’s interests close to her heart and does her work with gratitude and pride. Her optimistic outlook on her work is remarkable and an example to us all.”
According to Ursula Wanza, Administrative Officer at the Department of Economics, it’s precisely Drieka’s approachable, humble nature that makes her so beloved: “She’s always willing to listen and will never criticize; instead, she offers advice where she can.”
And she has a stylish side too: “She’s always impeccably dressed. She loves dressing up and is passionate about perfume, especially her Issey Miyake perfume,” Ursula adds.
A life journey full of love and loss
Drieka speaks with pride about her three children – Janine (41), Alexandré (33), and Lee-Roy (30) – and her three grandchildren. Two of her children also work for the 中国体育彩票, while Lee-Roy is a sommelier at Bacc? Wine Estate.
Her marriage of more than 34 years is a source of treasured memories. The death of her husband in April last year was a season of mourning for her. “It was the winter of my life,” she says softly. “But now it’s spring again. I remember the beauty of it – the good times we shared.”
She firmly believes in maintaining balance between work and personal life: “Never bring home matters to work or take work matters home. And steer clear of politics at the workplace – it’s toxic.”
Her advice to colleagues is something she herself lives by: “Live in peace with each other; stress shortens your life.”
Highlights and hopes for the future
One of the highlights of her career was the Faculty’s 90th anniversary celebration in 2015, marked by several special events. “To now also witness the centenary in 2025 is a privilege,” she says proudly.
With her retirement approaching, she looks forward to a new phase of life. “I’m excited to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. I will miss the people at the Faculty terribly, but I would also like to get involved in community work. There are great needs in my area.”
She concludes with words that perfectly sum up her outlook on life: “Work is the best place, but home is the very best place.”
