Legend returns to head Dice operations

Bella Marques returns to lead ZO's charity arm Dice (Do I Care Enough?) as operations manager

June 18, 2026

Conelia Harry 2 minutes read

Passionate community workers - Karen Dalton and Bella Marques

As the Zululand Observer’s charity arm, Dice (Do I Care Enough?), embarks on a new chapter and a changing of the guard, community support remains as important as ever.

Bidding farewell to operations manager, Karen Dalton, who served for seven years; Bella Marques steps into the role as she returns to the organisation 16 years later.

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Bella previously managed Dice for almost 25 years during her tenure at the Zululand Observer, working closely with Dice founder Regina Anthony and helping to establish the organisation as a trusted source of community support.

Over the years, Bella has gained extensive experience in community development projects across South Africa, as well as in Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

This broad exposure has strengthened her belief that while communities may differ in location and culture, their aspirations are remarkably similar.

“People around the world share many of the same goals – providing a safe home, nutritious meals, education and opportunities for their families,” said Bella.

“Yet circumstances often make it incredibly difficult for many people to meet even their most basic needs. The demand for food parcels, clothing and shoes remains significant.”

While emergency assistance will always form an important part of community development, Bella believes long-term change lies in creating opportunities for people to become self-sufficient.

“By introducing sustainable projects that provide practical skills, knowledge and access to education, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities.

“Lasting change happens when people are empowered to create better futures for themselves and their families.”

Bella emphasises that meaningful community engagement is essential to the success of any development initiative.

“We need to listen to our communities and understand their needs before implementing projects.

“When communities are actively involved in identifying solutions, development moves beyond short-term assistance and becomes truly sustainable.”

Changing lives

Meanwhile, Karen recalls how an invitation from the legendary Mrs Regina Anthony to help out on a 6-month temporary assignment at Dice ended up being a 7-year ‘life lesson’ for her.

“The organisation exposed me to all that is hard, sad and heart-breaking from the most vulnerable in our community to the joy and gratitude of those on the receiving end of those caring enough.

“What a privilege to learn a love and passion for the most vulnerable in our community from a lady of Mrs Anthony’s calibre.

“Mrs Anthony’s involvement in the day-to-day activities were missed terribly post the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Dice journey continued with the support of the committee who were present, active, committed and the backbone of the work achieved.

“The board was instrumental in ensuring we upheld the organisation’s mission, were legally and ethically compliant, provided financial oversight and acted as ambassadors for the community and the cause.”

The Zululand Observer offices became the home of Dice and the employees invest readily into the cause.

“Our organisation has soared through the kindness and generosity of sponsors, the hard work of volunteers and the partnerships with the other NPOs in our area.

“As my husband and I retire and our family expands with the arrival of our first grandchild, we will be embarking on a new chapter in our lives,” says Karen.

“God works in mysterious ways and right when Dice needed it, He brought Bella home to pick up the reigns of Dice which she co-founded with Mrs Anthony decades ago.

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