Iris Naidoo

Iris Naidoo is the partnership manager for the Do More Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by RCL Foods. “I have always been passionate about people and connecting with them,” she reflects. “So it felt natural to pursue public relations and communication science,” she explains. “After my studies, I entered the non-profit sector, which aligned perfectly with my desire to connect with people and make a tangible difference.”

Growing up in a family dedicated to community work, Iris feels her personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. “Community work is part of who I am,” she says. Her early experience placed her at a non-profit where she learned the fundamentals of community development and the challenges faced by impoverished areas. From there, she transitioned into corporate social investment roles, ensuring her focus remained steadfast: making a positive impact wherever she served. “I always believe we should leave a place better than we found it, and that’s been my driving force for over 22 years,” Iris adds.

Iris attributes much of her motivation and inspiration to her faith and family. “My family is my moral compass. My faith teaches me to do good, even when no one’s watching, and that truly drives me forward.” This personal ethos guides her work, where she strives to empower and inspire others to perform small acts of kindness. Iris shares, “I live by the principle of doing good, even when no one is watching.”

Consequently, Iris has spent her career focused on building brighter futures for young children, specifically those aged 0 to 5. “Our goal is to provide these children with the best possible start to life through various initiatives that focus on early childhood development. These programmes are designed to support vulnerable children, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Power of Relationships
For Iris, her greatest professional achievement is not a single project or accolade, but the relationships she has built and sustained over the years. “Forging strong relationships and keeping them is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she notes. “Whether it’s with municipalities, government bodies, or the non-profit sector, relationships are the backbone of any successful initiative.”

Iris added that she believes that the key to success, whether in the corporate or non-profit world, lies in building strong, meaningful connections. “It’s through these relationships that we can deliver the work we aim to do in communities,” she explains. “Maintaining these relationships over time has been essential to making a long-lasting impact.”

However, the challenges of the work can often be overwhelming, especially when faced with the vast needs in the communities she serves. “The need in our country is immense,” Iris admits. “It can be daunting at times, and people often ask how I’ve managed to do this for 22 years. But for me, it’s about knowing that every little bit counts.” She draws strength from the metaphor of the ‘one starfish at a time’ story, reminding herself that even small acts of kindness can make a difference. “Yes, the need is overwhelming, but if we each do our part, even if it’s just one act of kindness, we can make an impact.”

The inequalities in South Africa, particularly the lack of access to quality education, are barriers that Iris is determined to address. “Poverty creates such stark lines of inequality,” she says. “But we persevere, doing what we can, knowing that even the smallest actions count towards a bigger goal.”

Inspiring Others
Looking ahead, Iris remains focused on inspiring others to do good, both in their personal lives and through their organisations. “My goal is to continue motivating people to look within themselves and ask how they can do more— how they can inspire others to do small acts of kindness,” she says. “If each one of us does one small act, this world will be a better place.”

At the Do More Foundation, Iris is especially proud of two flagship programmes that embody her commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. The first is the Township Economy Programme, which supports young women in business from impoverished communities. “This programme helps these women professionalise their businesses, grow, employ more people, and most importantly, realise their own value,” she explains. The initiative not only empowers individual women but also strengthens township economies, which Iris describes as “the lifeblood of our society.”

The second programme, Do More Play, focuses on inclusivity by training disabled youth to make wooden toys for young children’s cognitive development. “This is such an amazing programme,” Iris says with pride. “It provides disabled youth with an income, but more than that, it gives them a skill and a sense of purpose. We’ve heard so often from the participants how much this has changed their lives.”

Balancing Work and Life
Despite her demanding role, Iris ensures she takes time for herself and her family. “When I have time off, I love to cook and spend time with my family,” she shares. “Fun and family are my two big passions.” As a mother of two, family is a constant source of strength and energy for her. “My family fuels me, and cooking is one of the ways I relax and connect with them.”

Iris also offers advice to young women entering the non- profit or corporate sectors. “Let’s not compete with one another,” she urges. “It’s easy to fall into competition, especially when recognition and affirmation are limited in our space. But instead, we should support each other.” She thinks that there is room for everyone to succeed, a belief she sums up with a simple yet powerful motto: “There’s always room for one more at the table.”

Iris’s message is clear: by empowering others, supporting one another, and doing small acts of kindness, we can all contribute to making the world a better place. “That’s what I stand for,” she concludes. “Empowering and inspiring people to do good, no matter how small the act may seem.”