Women of Parys: Sandra Uys – Building Community, One Act of Kindness at a Time

Behind every thriving community are people who quietly dedicate themselves to making a difference. In Parys, one of those people is Sandra Uys. Entrepreneur, community leader, Rotarian, mother, grandmother and passionate advocate for local development, Sandra has spent more than two decades investing not only in her own business, but also in the people and organisations that help Parys thrive.

As part of Women’s Month, Parys Info & Tourism celebrates women whose leadership, compassion and determination continue to shape the future of our town. Sandra’s story is one of resilience, service and an unwavering belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they work together.

A Heart for Family and Community
Before anything else, Sandra describes herself as a mother and a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren.

“They keep me young,” she says with a smile.

For the past 21 years, she has also been a business owner, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with an active role in community development. Her involvement extends far beyond the walls of her business. She serves through the Rotary Club of Parys, Parys Info & Tourism and Save Ngwathe, always looking for practical ways to strengthen the community she calls home.

Family and friends describe her as hardworking, positive, loyal and always willing to lend a helping hand. Those qualities have become the foundation of both her business and her community involvement.

When asked what inspires her every day, her answer is refreshingly simple.

“My people,” she says.

Whether it’s a member of her team, a customer, a car guard or one of her children, Sandra believes every person can inspire others.

Creating More Than a Restaurant
Many visitors know Sandra as the owner of Plum Tree, one of Parys’ best-loved restaurants.

Established more than two decades ago, Plum Tree has become known for its vintage charm, hearty home-style meals and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant combines nostalgic décor with warm hospitality, creating a space where visitors feel less like customers and more like family.

Sandra says Plum Tree was born from a desire to build something meaningful.

She wanted to create a business that not only served quality food but also built genuine relationships with the people who walked through its doors.

That personal approach continues to define the restaurant today.

Like many entrepreneurs, Sandra has faced her share of challenges. Economic uncertainty and constant change have required resilience and adaptability, but every obstacle has strengthened her belief that persistence and a positive attitude can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

One of the aspects she enjoys most about entrepreneurship is that no two days are ever the same.

“I enjoy the creativity, the problem solving and the opportunity to keep growing,” she explains.

Service Above Self
Sandra’s commitment to Parys extends well beyond her business.

When the Rotary Club of Parys needed new members, she saw an opportunity to become part of an organisation built on service above self.

For Sandra, community service is about giving without expecting anything in return.

She believes that even the smallest contribution can change someone’s life and that strong communities are built when local businesses choose to invest in the towns they serve.

“When businesses invest in their community, everyone grows together,” she says.

Her dedication to service has been recognised with one of Rotary’s highest honours, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, an achievement she regards as one of her proudest accomplishments.

Among the many Rotary projects she has supported, one remains especially close to her heart: the annual Cancer Walk with Candles.

The event brings together cancer patients, survivors and their families, creating a space where people find hope, encouragement and the reassurance that they are not alone.

Running Towards a Bigger Purpose
Sandra has also played an important role in one of Parys’ fastest-growing sporting events, the Parys Crater Street Mile.

What began as a Rotary fundraising initiative has quickly become one of South Africa’s premier street mile races.

For Sandra, the event has always been about far more than athletics.

“It’s about bringing people, businesses and the community together to build something special.”

Every participant receives a personalised race number and a medal, reinforcing the belief that taking part is an achievement in itself.

The event also creates opportunities for athletes to compete at a high level while introducing visitors to everything Parys has to offer.

Beyond race day, the Street Mile generates valuable tourism, supports local businesses and showcases the town to visitors from across South Africa.

This year’s event promises another professionally organised race, exciting competition and the warm hospitality for which Parys has become known.

Sandra encourages everyone to experience it, whether as a runner, spectator, volunteer or supporter.

“You don’t have to be an athlete to be part of the excitement.”

Leading with Compassion

As a woman in business and community leadership, Sandra believes true leadership is rooted in integrity.

“It means supporting others and showing that hard work and compassion go hand in hand.”

Rather than pointing to one specific role model, she finds inspiration in the women she meets every day. Women who quietly serve their families, businesses and communities with courage, humility and perseverance.

She believes women bring something unique to every workplace and every community.

“Empathy, faith, hope and love.”

Balancing business, community involvement and family life isn’t always easy.

“There isn’t a perfect balance,” she admits.

“Some days the business comes first. Some days the community comes first.”

She credits her dedicated Plum Tree team, supportive family and loyal friends for making everything possible.

Without them, she says, the journey would be impossible.

Looking Ahead
Sandra’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful.

“Start where you are. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Keep learning, work hard and believe in yourself.”

As Parys celebrates Women’s Month, her message to other women is equally encouraging.

“Never underestimate your own potential. Every woman has the ability to make a difference, no matter how small the first step may seem.”

Her hope for Parys is that it continues to grow as a town where people work together, support one another and remain proud of what they can achieve collectively.

Sandra hopes people leave her story with one important reminder:

Ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they lead with passion, integrity and perseverance.

It is a philosophy that has shaped her business, strengthened her community and continues to inspire those around her. As Parys celebrates the women who make a difference every day, Sandra Uys stands as a reminder that leadership is not measured only by personal success, but by the positive impact we leave on others.