She may be married to one of SA’s most successful pop stars, but living a peaceful, private life away from the limelight is what Dunay Darren is all about.
She’s warm. Not in slightest bit aloof. Has no airs and graces. In short, Dunay Darren is remarkably likeable.
In fact, she’s a little reserved and not a fan of being the centre of attention … despite the fact that she has quite an impressive list of achievements under her belt.
‘Years ago, I had the opportunity to represent our country in Malta and Hungary as Miss Bikini SA, I was a model on M-Net’s Deal or No Deal, and I did numerous print and television adverts … my first advert when I was just six years-old. I also did a Sun International advert with Charlize Theron, which was quite a highlight. But my biggest accomplishments are without doubt getting my master’s degree in psychology and becoming a wife and the mother of two gorgeous kids.’
With her knowledge of psychology and desire to always help others, it’s no surprise that Dunay’s name keeps popping up whenever there’s need for assistance in the community. She has bucket-loads of patience, an understanding heart (both of which, she says, she gets from her mother) and a calm demeanour.
‘My passion lies in helping others and, particularly in the times we find ourselves in these days, I’d love to get more involved with voluntary counselling and make it more accessible. I volunteered at SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) and what an unforgettable, enriching experience it was,’ she says.
Now Dunay’s focus is on something else very close to her heart – animal shelters.
‘I was raised as an only child on a smallholding with many animals … chickens, sheep, geese, horses and 10 dogs – which is where my love for animals started. I’m instantly drawn to people who show affection for animals and I’ve always assumed that compassion for animals is interlinked with compassion for humans.
‘So many people have dropped off their pets at shelters since the beginning of lockdown, believing they are carriers of Covid-19 – which is, in fact, not true – or because they’re no longer able to look after them. This, along with the loss of volunteers and the sharp decrease in financial contributions, has put shelters under severe pressure. For this reason, I started a project to teach our kids about compassion. We’re making and selling kids’ shields with animal faces under the name Kiddi Shields. I’m in discussions with an animal shelter to donate a percentage of the profits towards their needs.’
Lockdown has presented us with many challenges, but it’s also brought opportunities to assess what’s important to our lives and our well-being. Dunay doesn’t think twice when asked what lockdown has taught her.
‘Family and health are everything! I’m thankful for our kids, Kyrah and Kade, because having children is not a gift bestowed on everyone. I have endometriosis and had to patiently wait three years for my firstborn. They’ve taught us a renewed appreciation for the small things in life that we don’t ‘see’ any more … to live and have fun without caring about being judged. I don’t mind how ridiculous I might look but I’ll gladly be a child with them and jump on the trampoline, run through foam or be transformed into an animal character. Most importantly, I’ve come to realise that these days, we cannot take anything for granted.
‘Admittedly, the current pandemic sometimes scares me, but not for long. Good is likely to come from it. I once heard our good friend and radio presenter, Darren Scott, saying there are two types of people in the morning or afternoon traffic. There are those who are late for work or a meeting, blowing the vehicle’s hooter, throwing up their arms, irritable and stressed. Then there are those who are also late for work or a meeting, but who realise they can’t change anything, accept the situation, phone ahead and apologise, irrespective of the response and are content with the fact that they’re doing all they’re able to at that moment. This was life-changing for me … maybe others need to hear it too!’
You simply cannot fault Dunay on her public image. Apart from always looking red carpet-ready, she treats people with respect, regardless of any differences, and never makes anyone feel inferior.
But behind all the glamour – and having an award-winning singer for a husband – at home Dunay is a doting wife and mother … and loving every moment of it.
‘I have the utmost respect for Kurt’s complete passion and dedication for his work – he’s living his dream. He has a great work ethic and is constantly striving towards doing more and being more. I’m very happy in my role as supporting wife, seeing him shine in a role he was destined for!’
Some fun facts:
• Dunay would love to own and run a Big 5 game lodge.
• At a gathering with friends or family, she’s the one making friends with the dog.
• The Darrens have three dogs – Kiara, a dachshund and two Jack Russells, Elvis and Nikita. She admits they’d have loads more if it were allowed.
• She doesn’t eat onions.
• ‘Que sera sera, whatever will be will be’ is her motto in life.
• A bush breakaway with family is her idea of absolute indulgence.
• Her mother is her best friend.
• She’s experienced the thrill of white water rafting with Kurt on the Zambezi River, paragliding over the Alps, scuba diving in Mozambique and skiing in Austria.
Photographer: STEPHEN SEGAL.
