The Team
Tracy Hackland
Tracy has extensive experience in development work with a particular focus on children and youth made vulnerable as a result of social circumstances. She has a Master’s in Development Studies and a Post-Graduate Degree in Psychology. Tracy joined Columba Leadership on February 01, 2012.
Andrea Anthony
Andrea obtained a B Comm Degree through UNISA in 2017. She gained vast experience in finance working in the hotel, property and media industries. She discovered that she has a passion for the NGO sector and secured a position at Adopt a School Foundation which was part of the Shanduka Foundation. In December 2017 Andrea was appointed Head of Finance at Africa Health Placements an NGO supporting doctors securing placements in rural hospitals in South Africa. Andrea has extensive experience in reporting, compliance, developing and monitoring of annual budgets and annual financials in compliance with IFRS and USAID requirements. She joined Columba Leadership on April 01, 2020.
Donna McCartney
Donna holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management. She specialized in people development and has extensive corporate experience. She entered the Non-Profit Sector in 2008 to focus on the development of youth in South Africa. Donna joined Columba Leadership on April 18, 2018
Melissa Chetty
Melissa is a detail orientated and solutions driven individual who values integrity. She has 15 years’ experience in the NGO sector, with a special focus on Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting. Previously Melissa worked for 6 years in the health and research environment at McCord Hospital. She spent 9 years in the orphaned and vulnerable children sector at Starfish Great Hearts Foundation. Melissa holds a BSc in Biomedical Science (UKZN) and a Post Graduate Diploma in M&E (Stellenbosch). She joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2021.
Michel Joffe
Having completed a Business Science degree at UCT, Michel has worked in both commercial businesses and non-profit organisations – including being an early member of the Columba Leadership team from 2011 to 2015. Michel relishes challenging projects that either establish and grow early-stage organisations, or adapt and sustain more mature organisations. He returned to Columba Leadership during February 2022.
Monique Blignaut
Monique obtained her postgraduate degree in Psychology at the University of the Western Cape. Her experience includes working at a youth substance abuse centre as well as a police trauma centre. She is passionate about people reaching their full potential while thriving in line with their natural strengths. She is committed to youth work and young people living their best lives. She believes in the power of human connection and sees relationship building, with all stakeholders in the education and employment sectors, as a vital part of developing the youth. Monique joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of February 2015.
Surprise Mngomezulu
Surprise has more than 10 years’ experience in management in different sectors, including the male-dominated construction industry where she started her own company. The job demands in the industry assisted her in developing interpersonal skills and challenged her to excel beyond expectations. Surprise joined the training and development sector in 2012, to align with her purpose and desire to change people’s lives. She continues to empower and impact the lives of women and young people within and outside of Columba Leadership. Her areas of experience include business management, operations and marketing management and business development.
Beverly Ndlovu
Beverly keeps the Columba Central Office running smoothly and efficiently. She joined Columba Leadership on July 01, 2013.
Bontlenyana Maseko
Bontlenyana is a Columba Leadership Graduate who matriculated in 2020. She is currently working as Alumni Mobilisation Support for the Alumni Team. She completed a 12-months Work Readiness Internship, where she gained valuable work experience. She developed a passion for videography, photography, and editing successful alumni stories. She wishes to see all young people develop into better people and future leaders. Bontlenyana joined Columba Leadership on June 01, 2022.
Donald Mhlongo
Donald joined Columba in 2013 as a learner from the home team and later transitioned to being an active contributor as an alumnus to the alumni community post high school. He has extensive experience in developing and coordinating youth programmes gained through his volunteer work and is skilled in leadership management, coaching, facilitation, process improvement and production as well as strategic planning. He holds a Skills Certificate in Project Management from Oxbridge Academy and a Risk Management Certificate from the Organisation of Certified Risk Managers (UK). He is currently studying towards a BA in Psychology and Sociology. His role as the Alumni Bridging Coordinator is a continuation of Donald’s commitment to collaborating with Columba Leadership in building successful alumni relations that engage alumni in mutually beneficial partnerships and interventions that are sustainable and leave a lasting impact on the lives of alumni, Columba Leadership, and its contributors. Donald joined Columba Leadership on March 01, 2022.
Innocent Muyanga
Innocent has over ten years’ experience working with communities and young people in South Africa. He has studied HIV/AIDS Intervention Strategies as well as Monitoring and Evaluation Methods at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in the United States. Innocent joined Columba Leadership on July 12, 2010.
Katleho Malinga
Katleho believes that everyone has greatness within them and that, given the right support, the world can once again discover that the solutions to our problems lie within each of us. He has been working extensively with young people from his community, schools and universities since 2010. He is currently studying Behavioural Psychology.
Kerry Maake
Kerry has over 9 years’ experience in office administration and support. She takes great joy in seeing young people develop into well rounded individuals who can stand up for themselves. In 2011, she founded a Saturday School at which she tutors Grade 10 and 11 learners.
Laura Carvalho
Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Humanities from the University of Cape Town. She has 15 years’ experience working in the NPO Sector and has been involved in a variety of programmes and projects that focus on gender-based violence, urban settlement issues and the youth. Laura joined the Columba Leadership Fund Development Team at the beginning of June 2022.
Lebo Moloi
Lebo is a graduate of the Columba Leadership Programme. He has studied as a Service Technician and a Network Administrator at PC Training and Business College. Lebo is currently studying Security Analytics Specialist at Boston City Campus. During his spare time he performs at theatres. Lebo joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of May 2017.
Michelle Durwin-Smith
Michelle is a Columba Leadership Graduate, currently working as Alumni Mobilisation Support to the Alumni Team. Michelle has developed a passion for media and capturing the success stories of young people all over South Africa. She is inspired to see young people recognise their inner-potential and achieve levels of greatness. She joined Columba Leadership on March 01, 2022.
Nomathemba Mnguni
Nomathemba has a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and Economics from the University of the Free State. She has extensive human resources experience in the Hospitality, Gaming and Entertainment Sector. She is passionate about youth and people development. Nomathemba joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of October 2022.
Themba Nkutha
Themba was exposed to youth work in 1999 through life skills programmes. He has a heart and passion for young people especially for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. He strongly believes in developing youth potential and is a competent facilitator. Themba joined Columba Leadership on March 03, 2014.
Thembelihle Ndlovu
Thembelihle graduated from Rosebank College in 2012 with a Diploma in Programming. She has experience in data capturing and administrative work. She is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the data at Columba, which is the backbone of M&E. Thembelihle joined Columba Leadership on March 01, 2015.
Thokozile Sikhosana
Thokozile Sikhosana is a Columba Leadership Graduate. She matriculated in 2020 and completed a learnership through Columba Leadership for facilitating Social Emotional Learning in Schools. This learning opportunity taught Thokozile to teach and engage with young people, and in turn has manifested her passion for helping and educating young people on the importance of mental health. Thokozile joined Columba Leadership on June 01, 2022 and currently works with the Programmes Team as Programme Support.
Tiyani Maringa
Tiyani has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Tourism Management from the University of Venda. She has worked in both the Public and NGO Sectors. She has extensive finance administrative and payroll experience. Tiyani joined Columba Leadership during June 2018.
Lungiswa Mtiywa
Lungiswa is a Social Worker by profession, having obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Johannesburg. She is passionate about working with children and young people and particularly those with disabilities. She believes that all children and young people should equally have opportunities to participate in the country’s economy. Lungiswa joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of October 2022.
Mankae Lesenyeho
Mankae holds a BA Degree in Behavioural Sciences as well as a BA Honours in Medical Sociology. She has 9 years’ experience working with young people in various high schools as a Mentor, a Coach and a Counsellor. She is passionate about helping young people to reach their dreams in order to bring change to different communities. Mankae joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2022.
Nhlalala Mathebula
Nhlalala is passionate about children and the youth of South Africa. This is reflected in her intention to pursue a career in child psychology. Nhlalala joined Columba Leadership during August 2016.
Nkosinathi Manana
Nkosinathi has over seven years’ experience as a Facilitator and a Schools Progress Manager. His passion is youth development, through skills development. Nkosinathi joined Columba Leadership on July 01, 2016.
Pakane Lamola
Pakane holds an MBA in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University (USA) and has more than 15 years’ experience in the public education system. Having worked in the private education sector as well as the social sector, Pakane believes in putting in the effort to experience goal success. He is passionate about using education to transform other people’s lives and has published a book called Achieving Academic Excellence which he uses to upskill learners, teachers and parents in helping the learners to experience improved academic success. Pakane joined Columba Leadership on July 01, 2021.
Thabo Ndlovu
Thabo has over six years’ experience serving as a Facilitator and a School Progress Manager. He holds a qualification in Training Facilitation and has a passion for youth and skills development. Thabo joined Columba Leadership on March 01, 2016.
Wanda Mhlongo
Wanda obtained a National Diploma in Child and Youth Development from the Durban University of Technology. She has extensive experience and expertise in youth development. Her passion is the facilitation of youth leadership programmes. Wanda joined Columba Leadership on April 01, 2019.
Asanda Njobe
Asanda has been involved in community work since 2012 working for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University within their Community Development Unit, where she did a B-tech in Public Relations. She is passionate about interacting, at all levels, within the school environment, this includes principals, educators and learners. Asanda joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of May 2015.
Jenni-Lee Flannery
Jenni-Lee is part of the logistics team assisting with admin and logistics and facilitation. She has gained extensive facilitation and administrative experience. She is passionate about working with young people, by mentoring and supporting them. Jenni-Lee joined Columba Leadership on March 02, 2015.
Siphe Mntonintshi
Siphe holds a Postgraduate Degree in Psychology from the Nelson Mandela University. She has 5 years’ experience in the NGO sector where she has facilitated and coordinated programmes specifically working with unemployed youth. Siphe has also worked on gender-based violence prevention programmes. She is passionate about community and youth work and believes in inspiring others to realise their full potential. Siphe joined Columba Leadership on May 03, 2022.
Vuyolwethu Dlepu
Vuyolwethu holds a B.A. Honours in Psychology as well as a certificate in Advanced Education and Life Orientation from the University of Fort Hare. She also holds a Diploma in Higher Education from Unisa. She has 28 years’ experience as an Educator and spent one year as a Student Support Officer at South Cape TVET College. Working with the youth makes Vuyolwethu feel fulfilled and satisfied. Seeing young people realise their capabilities, having a positive impact on others and being successful in life is what drives Vuyolwethu to continue doing her work. She joined Columba Leadership during July 2021.
Moses Xaba
Moses holds a Certificate in Information Communication Technology and Mentorship from the University of Johannesburg. He has experience as an Audit Assistant, a Finance Officer, and a Youth Programme Coordinator. Moses joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of May 2014.
Katleho Kholumo
Katleho holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, majoring in Psychology. She has over two years’ experience working as an Educator. She is passionate about serving others by contributing to their development. Katleho joined Columba Leadership on June 01, 2022.
Lineo Mbatha
Lineo Mbatha holds a Postgraduate Degree in Education from the University of South Africa. She has 10 years’ experience in the NGO sector having started as a Youth Worker mentoring young people. Lineo has also worked as an Assistant Teacher in the private sector. She is passionate about serving the community and helping young people succeed. Lineo has been associated with Columba Leadership for many years having re-joined during May 2022.
Moses Kanengoni
Moses holds a Bachelor of Education Degree as well as an Advanced Diploma in Education. He has extensive experience in the Education Sector. His passion is to inspire learners to unleash their potential, thus impacting those around them. Moses joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2017.
Lucky Mchunu
Lucky completed a Business Management Certificate with the University of KZN. He spent time serving the youth as a care worker and has been involved in psychosocial support, as well as stress and trauma training. Lucky joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of April 2014.
Nomvula Ntenza
Nomvula has over 5 years’ experience in finance and administration. She is currently pursuing her studies in Business Management. Nomvula joined Columba Leadership during April 2018.
Siboniso Ntombela
Siboniso is a passionate Youth Development Practitioner with over ten years’ experience in working with young people. He is passionate about making a positive impact on young people’s lives. Siboniso is driven by a set of values and ethics derived from his upbringing and experience as a young person. He is a great believer in human potential and the power of meaningful person-to-person development. His values are: People, Purpose and Courage. Siboniso was previously employed by Columba Leadership and re-joined in April 2022.
Zuri Mkhwanazi
Zuri has a passion to mentor, coach, teach and grow youth. He has worked in facilitation for many years and understands the need to create environments and platforms to actively engage young people. Zuri joined Columba Leadership in November 2016.
Natalie Daniels
Natalie has a drive to engage with young people. She has a passion for empowering young people mainly through personal life encounters. She has more than 15 years’ youth development experience. Natalie joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2016.
Claire Daniels
Claire obtained her BA Honours Degree in Social Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape. She also obtained an NPO Certificate from the University of Stellenbosch - Business School, as well as a Principals of Programmes Evaluation Certificate. Claire’s passion is engaging Principals, Educators and learners focussing on youth development. She joined Columba Leadership during January 2019.
Chloe Jonkers
Chloe Jonkers is a Columba Leadership graduate who matriculated at the end of 2020. She has taken part in numerous social action activities at both her school and her church group. She loves spending time with young people and is passionate about making a difference in their lives. Chloe says: "When I see the impact I have on young people, it assists with my personal growth and development as an adolescent myself." Chloe participated in the 12-month Work Readiness Programme and worked as an Alumni Tracker for Columba Leadership. She was appointed Admin and Logistics on May 01, 2022.
Deon Pietersen
Deon has more than 8 years’ experience in the NGO sector working with youth development. He holds a Business Management Certificate from the University of Stellenbosch - Business School. He is passionate about seeing young people reach their full potential. Deon joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2017.
Duduzile Jula
Duduzile holds an Honours Degree in Psychology and has significant experience working in the educational and psychological services space. She is passionate about community development and positively impacting the youth. Duduzile joined Columba Leadership during July 2022.
Kamohelo Ramaipato
Kamohelo holds a BA Degree from the University of the Western Cape. He has more than 6 years’ facilitation and training experience in the NGO sector. Kamohelo is totally committed to young people realising their potential. He joined Columba Leadership at the beginning of January 2019.
Tracy Hackland (CEO)
Tracy has extensive experience in development work with a particular focus on children and youth made vulnerable as a result of social circumstances. She has a Master’s in Development Studies and a Post-Graduate Degree in Psychology.
Jennisha Gappoo
Jennisha has extensive private and social sector experience, and is currently leading operations at the Solidarity Fund. Her private sector experience spans over 20 years and was largely focused on complex programme management, target operating model design and strategy in financial services. Jennisha’s last corporate role was to lead the platform build of Discovery Bank, with previous work at RMB, Nedbank and Unilever. Jennisha has also actively participated in the social sector and was a founding trustee of the non-profit SALICT, and spent recent years volunteering her services at schools in Alexandra and assisting with fundraising activities. Jennisha holds a BSC Chemical Engineering Degree from UKZN and an MBA from Wits Business School.
Sarah Rennie
Sarah is an expert in philanthropy and corporate social investment with a special interest in education. She is the Chair of the Independent Philanthropy Association South Africa(IPASA), Chair of the Grindrod Family Centenary Trust, non-executive director of theStandard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation, trustee of Liberty Community Trust and theAnglo American Namibia Foundation. Having practiced law in London for many years, on her return to South Africa, Sarah worked at Tshikululu Social Investments as COO. She now lives in Johannesburg with her husband and young twins.
Ntombizamasala Hlophe
Ntombizamasala is the Strategy Director for Yellowwood Future Architects with extensive brand management experience. She has 12 years’ experience in marketing and has worked across Africa in some of the most formidable FMCG companies; Unilever, SAB and Yum Restaurants. Zama is a graduate from Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town; with qualifications in B.A Journalism and English; and PGDip Project Management respectively.Prior to joining Yellowwood, her focus was on driving KFC’s business development and, more recently, managing Castle Lager’s marketing and communication across Africa. Zama enjoys working within developing markets, industries and categories and is an ardent believer in the power of purposeful action in bringing to life growth strategies for brands and businesses.
Jason Paul Van Der Poel (Chairman)
Jason is a partner at Webber Wentzel, a leading African law firm. He has expertise in all aspects of project finance. He has advised lenders, sponsors and contractors on limited recourse project financings (including energy, oil and gas, resources and infrastructure transactions), public-private partnerships (PPPs), government support, partnerships and joint ventures, construction and operations contracts, power purchase agreements, procurement, syndicated and term loans, bond issues (including municipal debt) and securitisation(domestic and cross-border). Prior to re-joining Webber Wentzel in 2019, Jason spent fouryears as a partner at Allen & Overy specialising in Africa projects. He also previously worked at Allen & Overy in Amsterdam. He has been recognised byChambers Global,Legal500,IFLR100andWho's Who Legal.
Chris van Melle Kamp
Chris van Melle Kamp is the founder and CEO of Future Purpose, a company which he established after having worked in the leadership and talent space for more than 20 years. His focus today is on working with CEOs and their top teams, in developing deep insights into strategic talent alignment, strategic capability, career development and succession planning, collaboration and culture alignment. His experience covers a wide range of industries and functional leadership roles having placed hundreds of executives in multiple markets. His interest in all aspects of leadership, strategic negotiations and executive decision making was developed during his diplomatic career which lasted 18 years (1980 – 1998) and during which time he represented South Africa in numerous capacities which included five years in New York at the SA Mission to the United Nations, four years working on developing relations with Central Europe and Russia and five years in Paris where he was Counsellor and then Deputy Ambassador to France. He is Chairman of the Natures Valley Trust which is an NGO dedicated to conservation and conservation education for local communities, marine science, and biodiversity research in the Tsitsikamma National Park and the adjacent coastal region of the Western Cape.
Graham Lurie
Graham is a financial generalist and analyst with extensive experience at board level and financial management, risk management, management accounting, and in leading and directing IT and MIS functions. He has experience in the manufacturing, distribution and financial services sectors, having had full responsibility for their entire financial functions. He has lived and worked in the UK, and sub-Sahara countries
Tinyiko Bvuma
Tinyiko Bvuma is a deputy Principal at Ahmed Timol Secondary School in Gauteng. Ms Bvuma is a passionate educator who specializes in Life Science and has earned the title of Chief Marker for Life Sciences paper 1 in the Gauteng Province. Through this position she is able to influence the young educators in the Province by nurturing, supporting and grooming them to become even better professionals in the near future. She is passionate about helping people in need and thus often runs fund raising events to help the less fortunate in her community. Ms Bvuma is able to identify true leaders at their tender professional stage and creates a strategic plan to execute growth and maturity. She is currently working on the I Africa School project which exposes learners to the 4th Industrial Revolution and brings solutions and opportunities to the school.
She is also, successfully, spearheading the Columba Leadership programme at her school.
Dr Bongi Matiwaza
Bongi is a Biological Scientist turned Financial Services/Corporate Executive turned Entrepreneur. She’s a published author of science papers and book chapters, having worked in the field of immunology, both locally (University of Cape Town- UCT) and in the UK (Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and University of Oxford). She has extensive experience in Banking, working in roles such as Programme Management (implementing Business Turnaround Programmes, New Product Launches, and IT projects/programmes) and Executive Management (Private Banking and Business Banking Client Value Management).
Her passion is in seeing SA Inc., and the greater African continent succeed, and to this end, has founded Zinnate Consulting, which assists public, health, and non-profit sector organisations to achieve their strategic goals, and uses the proprietary SDQAT (Service Delivery Quality Assessment Tool) to guide local government municipalities on management best practices required to ensure comprehensive and quality service delivery. She is the founder of Zinnate Biomedicals which utilises innate/inborn mechanisms to develop biomedical solutions - one of which is the AquaLoc4cee product range. Bongi holds a PhD in Microbial Genetics from UCT and an MBA from Henley Business School (University of Reading).