21/08/2026
♀️Women’s Month Spotlight: Meet, Nicolene van der Merwe
Nicolene van der Merwe, Director of Social Services at Tutela, a woman whose journey is a beautiful reminder that it is never too late to pursue a dream.
From a young age, Nicolene dreamed of becoming a social worker. Life took her on a different path, and she spent more than two decades serving at the Department of Justice. Yet the dream never left her heart. Later in life, she returned to her studies, qualified as a social worker, and today she has the privilege of leading Tutela’s Social Services.
Her passion lies in Early Intervention and Prevention , strengthening families, supporting children and helping communities become more resilient before they reach crisis point. For Nicolene, social work is more than a career; it is a calling rooted in compassion, dignity, faith and purpose.
But beyond the title of Director is a woman who treasures her family, her husband, children and three grandchildren. She is a devoted Yorkie lover, enjoys playing her guitar, tending to her vegetable garden and, whenever possible, escaping to the Kruger National Park with her caravan.
It is in the quiet beauty of nature, beneath the African sky, that Nicolene finds peace and feels especially close to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Her journey reminds us that our dreams may sometimes take longer than expected, but a delay does not mean the dream has died.
Her message to women of all ages is simple:
"Keep going. Keep learning. Keep believing.
If God has placed something on your heart, do not be afraid if the journey takes longer than you imagined. Sometimes, what feels like a delay is actually preparation for the right time."
