Dereleen Elana James is a powerful voice in South African politics and social activism. At 49 years old (born on 9 July 1976), she serves as a Member of Parliament (MP) for ActionSA and is well known for her tireless fight against drugs, gang violence, and social ills in her community. Her story is one of transformation—from a mother confronting her own family’s struggles to a national leader pushing for change in Parliament.
In this article, we will explore her life: from her early activism, her role in the anti-drug movement, to her political journey, family, and qualifications.
Early Life & Background
Dereleen Elana James was born on 9 July 1976, making her 49 years old as of now. While there is limited publicly available information on her early childhood and family background, she emerged in public life primarily through community activism. Her deep roots in Eldorado Park—an area significantly affected by gang violence and substance abuse—shaped much of her advocacy work.
Rise as a Community Activist
Long before becoming a politician, Dereleen made her mark as a community leader. She stepped into the spotlight not by seeking power, but by sharing her personal pain. Dereleen has said that her journey into activism began when she confronted the devastating impact of addiction in her own home.
Founding the Yellow Ribbon Foundation
One of her most significant achievements is founding the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, a non-profit community initiative committed to educating, supporting, and empowering people in the fight against substance abuse. Through this foundation, she has mobilized grassroots efforts, faith-based programs, and educational projects to help families and young people resist the scourge of drug addiction
Personal Struggles: Her Son’s Addiction
Dereleen’s activism is deeply personal. She is a mother of two teenagers. Her son’s struggle with drug addiction became a defining moment of her life. In a raw and moving letter, she documented her pain and the challenges she faced as a mother trying to help him. She later admitted that she had to place him in a rehabilitation center to help him recover. Over time, her son managed to get clean. According to public sources, he completed his matric, and their relationship was restored.
Key Moment: The Letter to the President
In 2013, Dereleen wrote a deeply emotional and public letter addressed to then-President Jacob Zuma. The letter went viral, capturing national attention as it exposed how drugs were devastating families in Eldorado Park. In it, she urged the government to take stronger action, calling for rehabilitation centers, compulsory drug tests at schools, and community engagement. Her call was met with a response — President Zuma and other government officials visited Eldorado Park shortly afterward.
Transition into Politics
Dereleen’s activism naturally evolved into political engagement. She joined ActionSA, the South African political party founded by Herman Mashaba, taking on a key role in what the party sometimes calls “Team Fix South Africa,” focused on combating crime, drugs, and social decay. In the 2024 national elections, she appeared on ActionSA’s national candidate list, officially launching her into a parliamentary career.
Role in ActionSA & Parliamentary Work
In Parliament, Dereleen Elana James serves as a Member of the National Assembly for ActionSA. She is the Deputy Chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus and serves on several key committees, including the Portfolio Committees on Police, Social Development, and Correctional Services. Her background in community activism brings a very real-world perspective to her political work, especially when it comes to tackling crime, substance abuse, and social welfare.
Major Political Interventions
Dereleen James is not shy about challenging powerful institutions. In recent parliamentary hearings, she has grilled senior figures in law enforcement. For example, in October 2025, she strongly questioned the National Police Commissioner over perceived lapses in accountability and “criminal networks” within SAPS.
Another high-profile moment was when she exposed alleged inaction or poor leadership in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), particularly critiquing its former head Shamila Batohi during an Ad Hoc Committee session.
Positions & Board Memberships
Apart from her legislative role, Dereleen holds various board-level and advisory roles:
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Central Drug Authority: She serves as the Communications & Marketing Chairperson and Spokesperson.
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South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport: She was appointed by the Minister of Sports for her expertise in anti-substance abuse work.
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SAPS National Anti-Drug and Gangsterism Priority Forum: She is an active member.
These appointments reflect her credibility and deep commitment to fighting drug abuse at both grassroots and national levels.
Qualifications & Education
While not everything about her education is widely publicized, some reliable details emerge:
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According to a 2017 DSJ (Deutsche Stiftung für Jugend und Gemeinwesen) document, she studied at the College of Education at Wits (University of the Witwatersrand).
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There, she qualified as an educator in Business Studies, Accounting, English, and Religious Studies.
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After her studies, she taught English in Taiwan for a year before returning to South Africa.
Her background as a teacher and her exposure to the world undoubtedly helped inform her community-focused activism.
Contact Details & Public Exposure
Although the prompt you gave says “contact details — not disclosed,” some public information is available via her parliamentary role:
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According to the Parliament of South Africa, Dereleen James’s office number is 021 403 2911, and her official parliamentary email is djames@parliament.gov.za.
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As a public figure and MP, she is very visible in the media and in her community work.
However, like many public servants, she does not widely publicize private contact details, which is normal and appropriate for her role.
Legacy & Impact
Dereleen James’s legacy is already significant. She has:
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Brought national attention to the human toll of substance abuse in marginalized communities.
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Catalyzed grassroots activism through her foundation.
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Influenced policy and held high-level officials to account.
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Inspired other parents and community members to speak out and demand change.
Her journey reflects how a personal story can drive public transformation.
Challenges & Controversies
With high-profile activism comes pushback:
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She has faced threats from gangs, especially given her outspoken fight against gangsterism in Eldorado Park.
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In Parliament, her confrontations with senior law-enforcement and prosecutorial leadership are not without tension.
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Managing the emotional weight of her son’s addiction while engaging in public life is a deep and ongoing personal challenge that she has bravely shared.
Recognition & Awards
Though there is no exhaustive list of awards, Dereleen has been recognized for her leadership in several ways:
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Her activism was acknowledged when she was selected by the U.S. Embassy to take part in an international leadership programme under President Obama’s administration (according to local sources).
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Her board appointments (Central Drug Authority, Drug-Free Sport, etc.) also reflect institutional recognition of her expertise and passion.
Future Vision
Dereleen James is not just looking back — she is pushing forward. Her vision includes:
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A safer, more supportive society with effective drug rehabilitation infrastructure.
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Stronger partnerships between communities, police, and social services.
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Legislative reforms to tackle crime, addiction, and inequality more effectively.
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Empowering parents and families to be a force for change.
Her mission remains deeply rooted in her lived experience—and she approaches it with a combination of compassion, conviction, and accountability.
Conclusion
In many ways, Dereleen Elana James is a bridge: between personal pain and public action, between community struggles and national policy, between grassroots activism and parliamentary power. At 49, she has transformed her family’s story into a force for social justice. Through her role in ActionSA, her foundation work, and her public interventions, she continues to fight for a South Africa where drug abuse, gangsterism, and crime don’t define her community’s future.
Her journey shows us that leadership does not always come from the privileged—it often comes from those who have known suffering, spoken their truth, and decided that silence is not an option.
FAQs
1. Who is Dereleen James?
Dereleen James (full name Dereleen Elana James) is a South African activist and ActionSA Member of Parliament. She is known for her anti-drug advocacy and her work fighting gangsterism in her community.
2. How old is Dereleen James?
She was born on 9 July 1976, which makes her 49 years old.
3. Does Dereleen James have children?
Yes—she is a mother of two teenagers. One of her children battled with drug addiction, which became a pivotal part of her activism.
4. What are her qualifications?
Dereleen studied at the College of Education at Wits, where she qualified to teach Business Studies, Accounting, English, and Religious Studies.
5. How can you contact her?
As an MP, publicly listed contact details include her parliamentary phone: 021 403 2911, and her email: djames@parliament.gov.za.
Hello Ms James
You will forever remain rock solid and stable. I 1st knew you in the Adhoc committee and rest assured you have a bright future for this country. I was really impressed and you have earned my trust. What a woman of substance you are? With CAT, you showed your true colours beyond reproach and I liked your approach even more. Keep it up Madam. May the God of Abraham continue to guide, bless and protect you. Not by any stretch of imagination, rest assured, you have my following and support.