Full page photo - USEmbassy.gov · (Civic Leadership) Biographgy Yossi Hasson is a passionate South African entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience starting, building and managing

""(:Ao(" (t1t YouNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE ~-'>oA ~

Beckbessinger Samantha Strategic Director at Quirk Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

I am inspired by the possibilities of technology to improve lives in Africa. Over my five years of working in the digital sector, I have risen to become a prominent thinker, speaker and writer about the intersection between technology and culture, particularly as it applies to education,

economic inclusion and the upliftment of women.

My Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree from the University of Cape Town with a focus on Religious Studies and Creative Writing highlights my love for understanding people and the cultural contexts in which they make meaning_

I am currently the Strategic Director at Quirk, one of the continent's foremost digital agencies, where I support clients in developing digital products and services that meet authentic local needs. I have worked extensively in East Africa, as well as in my own country.

I am a strong leader, communicator and thinker, who is deeply involved in nurturing young talent in the technology sphere.


Beswick Justin Chief Executive Officer at Solergy Cape Town, Western Cape (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Bioqraphqy

Justin studied a BSc in Biotechnology, followed by Honours in Financial Analysis & Portfolio management at the University of Cape Town.

At heart an entrepreneur, Justin completed his studies in parallel to founding and running business ventures.

Through his entrepreneurial endeavours he has gained experience in fundraising (both local and international) , launching and growing the companies through the various business lifecycles and leading interdisciplinary teams to drive these highimpact ventures to the market.

Having been through the various learnings (from failures and successes) as well as gaining insights from both sides of the investor table: as an entrepreneur and running a technology incubator.

Justin continues to follow his undying passion of helping others by sharing these key learnings to assist and enable other entrepreneurs who embark on their own journey.

Beyond Justin's direct business interests, he is actively involved in growing communities that foster entrepreneurial mindsets, skills and idea sharing that lead to action.

He does so by channelling his time and efforts as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, curator of TEDxCapeTown and through the Sandbox-network. When not involved with work related projects you will find Justin immersed in nature or pushing his body to the limits as he trains up for his next endurance race.


Bosman Gillian Project Coordinator: Higher Education at Pearson Cape Town, Western Cape (Public IVanagement)

Biographgy

Gillian Bosman Chairperson and co-director: Youth End Poverty Growing up, Gillian Bosman could never accept a black-and-white version of South Africa.

Inspired by Nelson Mandela and encouraged by his mother to expect more from the world, Bosman aspired to change his country. His belief that the youth have a significant role to play in building a better South Africa has translated into many meaningful contributions that continue to inspire and develop an active "now generation".

Bosman is not only the chairperson and co-director of Youth End Poverty, a youth-led development initiative, but also a Global Changemaker who participated in the 2008 World Econom ic Forum and a South Africa Washington International Programme 2010 alumnus.

Believing that education is key to poverty eradication and equality, Bosman, at 24, currently works in educational publishing and prior to this managed the basic and higher education portfolios for the British Council in South Africa.

We can expect to read much more about Bosman- and the changes he'H be making to illuminate his country's true colours.- source: http://ysa2012.mq.co.zaJqillion-bosman!

YouNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE -~

Cebe Bonolo Youth Liaison Officer at Enke: Make Your Mark Bloemfontein, Free State (Public Management)

Biographgy

Bonolo Cebe has over 5 years of experience working in the youth development and work related to the empowerment of the African Girl Child. She has been involved in various platforms on the continent where she has built a reputation as a youth champion.

Through her work as Youth Liaison Officer at enke: Make Your Mark she has travelled South Africa extensively to support young people in implementing community action projects and collecting stories of resilience and human moments. On the continent she has been an active member of the African Youth Forum and as an alumnus she continues to advocate for meaningful youth participation and skills empowerment, she has been recognized in various publications for her love for humanity and developing young people to rise over their circumstances.

Bonolo is also one of the Founders of Prezidential Girl, a mentorship program that works with high school girls in the Alexandra Community and introduces them to positive role models and young professionals who mentor them and advise them on various issues.

Prezidential Girl seeks to provide a platform where young girls can interact with female parliamentarians, leaders in business and government and engage them on the issues facing young women on the continent and how they can be addressed.

Bonolo holds a BA Degree in International Relations and an Honours Degree in Development Studies from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa.


Cloete Cindy-Lee Conservation Education Director at Nature's Valley Trust Plettenberg Bay, Westem Cape (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

Cindy-Lee Cloete obtained a National Diploma in Nature Conservation from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2008.

Shortly after joining the environmental sector, Cindy-Lee grew an immense passion for Environmental Education within rural communities and to date has 6 years of experience in this sphere.

It is her commitment to bridging the gap between our natural surroundings and everyday lives that encouraged her to enter the Civil Society platform . Cindy-Lee joined the Nature's Valley Trust, an environmental NGO, in 2009 and soon became a proficient educator and excels at teaching people about their specific environmental surroundings as well as conservation principles.

Becoming the Conservation Education Director for the Nature's Valley Trust in 2011 enabled Cindy-Lee to strategically lead and drive change within the Bitou Region of the Garden Route.

Cindy-Lee conceptualised and launched the Bitou Environmental Education Forum to mobilise, educate and inform communities in a genuine attempt to engage as many stakeholders as possible and provide a platform for effective environmental education in the Garden Route.

Through this she has gained project management skills, developed her mentoring skills and became an innovative thinker. Cindy-Lee is also proficient in communication and media related issues, has great organisational abilities and computer skills.

Cindy-Lee's has established an award winning environmental education programme for the Nature's valley Trust and reaches between 5000 - 7000 participants annually.

Working at the grass-roots levels in communities, Cindy-Lee has become a part of an active network of change drivers striving to mobilise their communities to become informed about the social and environmental benefits that accrue to them.


De Water Ryno Deputy Director, Financial Audits at National Treasury Uitenhage, Eastern Cape (Public IVanagement)

Biographgy

Ryno De Water, has 6 (six) years experience in Prosecuting and Investigating Organized Fraud and Corruption primarily within Government Procurement and is currently employed as a Deputy Director: Forensic Audit Services at the Department of National Treasury.

As a manager he has the responsibility of project managing and executing complex forensic investigations as a member of the Anti-Corruption Task Team in all three spheres of government within the procurement processes, in accordance with the Standards of the International Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and other best practices.

His current position has provided him with the opportunity to interact with various stakeholder public and private sector and community members to combat the scourge of fraud and corruption in public procurement.

Ryno holds a LLB Law degree which he obtained with 21 distinctions from the Nelson Mandela 1\Aetropolitan University, a Certificate in Forensic and Investigative Auditing from the University of South Africa, a Certificate in Fraud Examination from the University of Pretoria, a Certificate in Prevention and Detection of Procurement and Contract Fraud from the University of Pretoria.

He also received the following non-formal training; Fraud, Corruption and Related Offences at Justice College, Forensic Report Writing at the Associating of Certified Fraud Examiners (SA Chapter), Anti-Corruption, Corporate Governance and Ethics, National Business Initiative.

He is skilled in Criminal Litigation being an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa and investigator of Organized Commercial Crime. He has good verbal and written communication skills in English and has Windows Office applications computer proficiency


Ditshego Tebaga Director & Station fllanager at Ditshego Media Johannesburg, Gauteng (Ci...;c Leadership)

Biographgy

Tebego Ditshego founded an organization called "Read a Book South Africa" which is the most followed book club in Africa with over 26,800 followers.

The organization encourages young South Africans to read one book per month by making reading popular using various social media and community outreach platforms.

Tebogo also works with the eReader library which is funded by Vodacom. The eReader libraries consist of round tables with Kindles attached where members of the public have access to read ebooks free of charge.


efforts of the business.

Galatis Paul Director at Yuppiechef.com Cape Town, Western Cape (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

Paul Galatis is an entrepreneur who has, along with his two partners, spent the past six years building Yuppiechef.com, South Africa's leading e-com merce store. Paul joined the two-man Yuppiechef team as a partner and director in 2008 to lead the design, branding and marketing

The trio has since grown the business to a team of more than eighty employees, winning 'Best E-Commerce Site' at the South African E-Commerce Awards in 2010, 2011 , 2012 & 2013. In 2010 Paul led negotiations with US hedge fund Tiger Global who purchased a minority equity stake in Yuppiechef, helping fuel its growth, and has since traveled to the US to attend Tiger Global's annual Internet conference.

In addition to marketing and branding skills , Paul has extensive experience in customer service and public relations, and has headed up both these divisions at Yuppiechef. Having recruited the vast majority of Yuppiechefs employees, he is skilled at building teams and believes deeply in the importance and impact of culture on employee happiness and business performance.

He has spent many an hour debating and exploring organizational structure, leadership styles, remuneration structure and what it is that inspires people to do great work. Paul is an accomplished speaker and is regularly asked to tell the Yuppiechef story at conferences, business breakfasts and universities.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town, was one of fifteen young South Africans to be selected for the DA's Young Leaders' Political Education Program in 2010 and was recently a finalist in the 2013 EY World Entrepreneur Awards.

In his past he project managed the launch of 20-0ver cricket in South Africa; won a South African M.Jsic Award for best album design; and in 2011 the !Vail & Guardian newspaper listed him as one the Top 200 Young South Africans to take to lunch.

Before joining Yuppiechef he spent his time between South Africa and the UK working as an independent design and brand consultant.


Hasson Yossi Chief Executive Officer at SYNAQ Johannesburg , Gauteng (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Yossi Hasson is a passionate South African entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience starting, building and managing technology based businesses.

At the age of 17 while in High School, Yossi started his first company, Matric2000.co.za, a social-networking site for pupils in Grade 12. The site enabled students to share photos with one another, communally revise for exams, as well as learn relevant life skills , such as job application processes, sexual health and preparation for the driver's license examination.

Within 6 months the site grew to over 3,000 members and Yossi received offers to acquire the business.

By the age of 21 , Yossi Co-Founded and is the CEO of SYNAQ, an open source cloud security and email management company.

Today, SYNAQ is the largest provider of Cloud Email Services in Sub-Saharan Africa servicing over 450,000 users.

In 2011 SYNAQ was acquired by Dimension Data and has received an award from Forbes Magazine for being in the Top 20 Tech Start-up businesses in Africa.

In 2013, the Mail and Guardian newspaper nominated Yossi as one of the Top 200 Young South Africans. Yossi is extremely passionate about Entrepreneurship in South Africa and is actively involved in the entrepreneurship and start-up community as a mentor to a number of institutions (Branson Center of Entrepreneurship, The Seed Engine and Founder Institute).

He is also the President of Entrepreneurs Organisation South Africa, a member of Endeavor Global and part time lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science to MBA students, lecturing on Advanced Entrepreneurship.

Yossi holds an rvBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science where he graduated in 2009 Cum Laude.


Africa.

Dewald Warren Human Rights ktivist at LGBTI King William's Town, Eastem Cape (Ci...;c Leadership)

Biographgy

Warren Johannes holds a Bachelor of Laws from Fort Hare University, South Africa. He also recently completed a Masters in Conflict Security and Development studies from King's College London. He is presently completing an MA in Human Rights law from Fort Hare University, South

Warren is a fellow at the African Leadership Centre and the Conflict, Security and Development Research Group. He has been an activist for gender and human rights issues. Warren has facilitated several projects, including an advocacy project for commercial sex workers. To this end, he found the Eastern Cape HIVIAIDS support network where is presently an active member.

He has been a project coordinator/manager for several UNAIDS, USAID and EU funded projects for the last ten years. Warren recently completed a six month lectureship at Makerere University where he taught international law, humanitarian law and diplomacy. His research interests are peace and security, human rights and gender studies.


Koji Percy Operations Manager at Democratic Alliance Taung , North-West (Public Management)

Biography

I am a 30-year old South African who is passionate about my country, its people and its future.

I was born and raised in the small town of Taung in the North West Province and completed my high school education in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

This province has since become home although I still have very strong ties to the place of my birth. I graduated with a Tourism Diploma in 2005 and worked in the industry for more than six years. I was privileged enough to be awarded a scholarship by the European Union to complete a diploma in Intercultural Communications, Gender & Globalization at Fulda University in Germany where I graduated in 2012.

I am passionate about serving the community and in particular tackling South Africa's terrible education crisis.

It is important for me to give back those within my own space and so I have set out to build a community library in Taung, my birthplace.

I truly believe that education is the key for people to escape poverty and I hope to raise more funds to complete this project soon.

Young people are crucial to South African's future and prosperity; therefore I have tried to involve myself in projects in which I believe I can make the right contribution.

I am the Current Chairperson of the Youth Council in Johannesburg (the First Youth Council to be established by the US Consulate in Johannesburg) and current ward Committee Member with the City of Johannesburg.

I form part of the Economics and Finance Portfolio on the committee where we link the residents to city officials, assist residents with various matters and work closely with the Councillor appointed to the area.

I know our country has a long way to go but I am inspired everyday by the strength of my fellow South African's.

I believe that every person has the ability to contribute in some way or other to the future of this great nation.

Together I know we can overcome our challenges and ensure that all people are given an opportunity to live a great and successful life.


Kondile Kwezi Management Consultant at Accenture Butterworth, Eastern Cape (Public Management)

Biography

Khwezi has 2 years' experience as a management consultant and has worked in strategic projects with clients in the mining, financial services, public sector and telecommunications space.

He has also participated on foreign policy negotiations at a global level as part of the South African delegation to the G8 and G20 Youth Summits, Washington DC, June 2012, where he contributed to negotiations in the Economics Committee.

He is skilled in institutional development and expansion and is passionate about economic development in Ahica. ~part of the executive management of a youth think tank called Youth Lab, he developed the Special Projects portfolio as an implementation conduit for its projects.

He currently serves as a director at lnkuluFreeHeid and co-founded the inaugural South Africa National Youth Engagement, which set a platform for youth-led civil society organisations to contribute to the advancement of the National Development Plan of South Africa (NDP), vision 2030 by committing projects that address the implementation of the plan.

At lnkuluFreeHeid he is working with the National Planning Commission at the Ministry in the Presidency to generate mass youth engagement on the plan.

Khwezi is part of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers community, a One Young World Ambassador and was elected for the Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans for 2013.

He holds a BSc in Construction Economics and a BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and is currently reading for the MPhil Development Finance at the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

His long term goal is to be active in politics and advocate for a deeper freedom for all South Africans and Africans concerned.


Mabaso Buhle Media Intern at SAfAIDS Soweto, Gauteng (Ci>Ac Leadership)

Biography

Buhle Mabaso is a Communications consultant with over four years journalism experience. She has articles published in major South African newspaper and magazines and is

currently working as a freelance researcher and writer.

Buhle has been working directly with Siyakhula a local non profit organization as a motivational speaker and peer helper. She is passionate about sustainable development paying a particular attention on Gender and the Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights of girls and women.

Upon completing university she worked as a Content Producer for Johannesburg based publishing house Esencia Media honing her cross cultural communication and media skills. In 2013 Buhle joined human rights organization AMSHeR as a researcher.

During this time she co-produced a documentary alongside American Based director Timothy Daniels on the lives of the LGBTI community in Africa.

The Voices of Africa was screened at the 2013 International Conference on HIV and STI's in Africa. Later in the year she joined SAfAIDS as a Communications and Media Intern for their South African and Zimbabwe offices.

Buhle also runs a forum Asakhe lkhayalethu aimed at creating dialogues and sharing knowledge around Gender Based Violence and Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights.

The platform was established in response to South Africa's escalating numbers of rape and gender based violence.


Madlongolwana fv'lllanganisi Connection Hives & Station Manager at Activate Change Drivers Upington, Northern Cape (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

fv'lllanganisi is an ardent believer in the need for young people to organize themselves in order to start occupying meaningful spaces in the South African Nation Building process.

Through his work with Activate Change Drivers, he is able to formally coordinate, organize and empower 1000 young people in a network that has access to resources & materials that stimulate innovative thinking in the work of developing their communities.

He has thus overseen the establishment of five countrywide connection Hives that speak specifically to the challenges of Education, Youth Unemployment, Business & Youth Entrepreneurship, Environmental Awareness and Early Childhood Development.

These dashboards speak specifically to the creation of capacity of young people to deal with these challenges. This vision and direction is informed by the years he spent in student activism at the University of the Free State wllilst pursuing his B.Com (Law).

The 3 years in the NGO sector has also taught him that there is a need to couple "charity work" with the empowerment of the people you work with. Mhlanganisi has embarked on the journey of developing of new business models that speak to the African context and their sustainability through workshops with startup entrepreneurs and helping them redesign their business models by identifying the core value of their work. fv'lllanaganisi has established a start-up company- Speak Afrika (PTY) L TO - that seeks to empower young entrepreneurs through the creation of new business models that not only make profit, but create value for the communities within which they operate.

This has also led him to pursuing basic web design capabilities and is currently building a mock dashboard in his spare time.


Mafumo Murendeni Scientist at Water South Africa Thohoyandou, Limpopo (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

M.Jrendeni Stewart Mafumo is a social entrepreneur who has 5 years experience working in water environmental conservation laboratories in South Africa, who after starting Oditron (PTY) Ltd and GreenSolns Holdings (PTY) Ltd in 2012 both technology companies focussing on the

design, installation and maintenance of marine, cold and warm water fish tanks, aquariums, ponds, water purification systems while also consulting to start up water and environmental management companies.

It was in the running of these companies, going all over South Africa and in rural Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provinces that a consciousness awoke to the plight and poor state of the African child, in education, lack of information, support, poverty and hunger in the villages of these rural areas.

At the time South Africa was ranked second last in the world when it comes to Mathematics and Science, witnessing this and speaking to area leaders he realised something had to be done and as a graduate of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Chemistry and someone from a very poor area of south Africa in Venda he started lkhwezi foundation, an NGO which focuses on rural area early child development, high school learners mentorship, development and career guidance, post-matric assistance and food security.

fls the foundation was being established him and two statistics graduates started work on a mathematics study guide, a unique guide based on a model which is written in plain simple english that is easy to read and understand to a rural area kid, this is a first of its kind guide and since it was fully funded by his company Oditron all the guides are given to rural school kids for free.

He has given over 1000 of these guides to learners and teachers alike in both print and digital form and is working on winter schools and Saturday programme to tutor learners in maths and science and mobilising locals to be tutors in the areas.

Since then he has been volunteer in chief of the foundation with over 12 other volunteers he manages. He has recently started an under 13, 15 and 23 football team in Soweto Johannesburg to address the issue of drug and alcohol abuse by youth that are not going to school while developing them.

The foundation and company which he runs have 6 staff, all part time except for one who runs company and services regular clients. He is skilled in Information Technology, project management after receiving a certificate( cum-laude) from the reputable Varsity College in project management, he is also skilled in social networking, financial management, public speaking and has acted in many leadership roles in his university days in various organisations he served like the Student Ytv1CA where he was in the board of committees for two years , he also has a conscious for all things environmentally friendly and his company leads the way in conversing our most scares of natural resources like our water and regularly prepares papers and presentations to national forums and small companies on ways to minimize environmental impact of their products and services.


Magubane Khanyisile TV Producer at South Africa Broadcast Channel Benoni, Gauteng (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

Khanyisile Magubane has 14 years working media experience as a Filmmaker, Radio Broadcaster and Journalist. Armed with a passion for media, she has worked across all platforms including Radio, TV and Film Production, Print and Online media.

Currently Magubane works full time as a documentary filmmaker, having w ritten and produced 6 films which were part of a series, "Why Are We So Angry?" that examined the social consciousness of South Africans and the anger that many still harbour post-1994.

She's also just had her big break as a director, having directed two documentaries in a four-part series entitled, "Shereos in media", which paid tribute to four powerful women in the media. She started her career as a hard-news journalist in 2000, she has worked for radio stations such as Talk Radio 702, YFM and SAfm. She is a trained Journalist with a BA (Hans) Journalism degree and a BA (Communications) Degree, both from RAU (now known as University of Johannesburg).

Magubane is a natural leader. In 2013 she was recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in the field of Media and Film. In 2010, she was also part of a group of mentors that mentored young township learners on their careers and school studies as part of the "Career Build" mentors hip programme.

P>s an active member of the arts ministry at her church, Magubane has been involved in a number of creative productions with young people that had taken part in creative projects to keep them off the streets. She currently hosts a an inspirational gospel and spirituality radio show on SAfm, which touches the lives of many young people because of its positive focus, inspirational guests and words of courage.

She is proficient in Mcrosoft Office programs such as MS Word, Power point, Excel and Outlook. She is skilled in interpersonal communication, group management, internet research, broadcasting and media strategy drafting.


Makuya Lalumbe Director at Naledi Foundation Polokwane, Limpopo (Civic Leadership)

Biography

Lalumbe Makuya is currently working as a Founder and Director at an NGO called Naledi Foundation since January 2011.

She has been part time since the inception of the organisation nevertheless became full time after her resignation from the construction industry in June 2013.

Lalumbe works with rural high schools students, to give them a different outlook on life and motivate them to strive beyond their current circumstance.

Though the project keeps her occupied, she is a part-owner of a restaurant called African Taste, which is based in Tembisa, Gauteng.

She worked as a Quantity Surveyor at Power Construction since January 2008, a year after completing her matric. Upon realizing the importance of education, Lalumbe decided to resign from the construction industry in June 2013 to focus on her Business Administration degree part time while working on Naledi Foundation.

Lalumbe also serves as a youth leader at a church called Bethesda Intercession Church based in Tembisa.


Malatji Peter Post-Doctoral Fellow at University of Cape Town Hammaskraal, Mpumalanga (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Peter Malatji has over five years of experience volunteering in science outreach and awareness projects for high school leaners. I have initiated a science awareness project which has been running for three years hosted at my old high school.

The project encourages and assists learners to excel in science, I source funds to purchase experimental materials and help learners to perform experiments. My creative career awareness also helps them w ith mini-projects for the annual science competition.

/ls a professional scientist, I contribute with my knowledge and work tirelessly to promote access to science resources, teaching and understanding of physical science subject, especially for rural based learners. I am a cofounder and chairperson of the Non Profit Organisation namely, Magaeng Developers for Science and Engineering (116 227 NPO), which aims to create an enabling environment for rural based learners to excel in mathematics and science subjects thereby allowing them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

So far the organisation has reached five schools in ~umalanga Province and two schools in Kwa Zulu Natal Province. My skills include project management, science communication and fundraising.

I hold a doctoral degree in chemistry from The University of Cape Town and a certificate on the fundamentals of project management from the University of South Africa.


Mangope Nomzano Presenter ateTVand YFM Nelspruit, Mpumalanga (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

Faith Mangope a young professional with an intellectual climate to back up her captivating sixyear broadcasting skills.

She is currently the insert producer, current affairs analyst, field reporter and presenter on e.tv's Breakfast show, Sunrise. She also has her own Talk Radio show on South Africa's only youth broadcasting station YFM. Faith Mangope is the founder of the New G in Business Forums.

These are bi-monthly empowerment forums which are aimed at educating young professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs on the different sectors of industry in South Africa.

In 201 1 she began contributing as a columnist for the New Age Newspaper, the column titled "The New G" which is published every Friday.

In 2012 she assumed the role of 1\Jloderator for the Steve Biko Foundation Frank Talk Radio Dialogues. She has recently been profiled by the BBC World News show titled "A Day In" as a youth leader and career woman, "which aired in August". She is a Wits University graduate, majoring in International Relations and Industrial Psychology.


Manuel Danielle Deputy Director, Infrastructure Policies and Strategies at Western Cape Provincial Government Cape Town, Western Cape (Public Management)

Biographgy

I have four ( 4) years' experience of working in the public sector and approximately fifteen ( 15) years of working within civil society.

I am currently employed by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport part of a team responsible for Infrastructure Policies and Strategies.

My work experience has led me to interact at varying levels with the civil, private and public sector and to realize the importance of social capital formation as a catalyst to community and economic empowerment.

I have project managed multi million rand projects which involved various stakeholders including the three (3) spheres of government, federations, NGO's , local communities and international donors.

I have also occupied key strategic post within Provincial Government which have allowed for innovation and creativity, followed by actual improved service delivery.

My academic background is multi-disciplinary- including psychology, development, commerce and management studies.

My strong academic base, coupled with my broad experience, has assisted me in developing my broad knowledge and understanding of both the public sector and civil society in South Africa.


.. '

- \ I . ,·~ ·-1 ·

.I ·~- . " '

Mashaba Tsakani Head of Corporate Communications at Africa Business News Elim, Limpopo (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

Nola Mashaba joined ABN group (the parent company of CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa) as a Marketing Manager in 2011 and then a group head of marketing 2012.

She became group head of communications and stakeholder relations after a year spent in marketing by mid-2012.

Her focus is to make sure the industry has a better understanding of what and why the company exist. With the aim to position the corporate brand to key stakeholders including government, big business and media.

Since she joined the company, she has been responsible for the ABN's Corporate Social Investment portfolio and ABN Education Trust. Driving communications to support a movement for community development both internally and externally and ensure accurate reporting on our targets and implementation of continental trust foundation projects.

Mashaba serves as a committee member of the Thuthuzela Aid Community Centre where she spearheads funding from donor communities in support of orphaned children and child-headed families of the Alexandra township of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Prior to this, Mashaba has worked for multinationals such as BAT, OGILVY & MIG respectively responsible for CRM, Branding, Marketing and PR at senior management levels.

Mashaba has over 10 years of experience as communications professional with a strong corporate, private and entrepreneurial business mind set.

Mashaba is passionate about the national building with keen interest in the enterprise economic development from a business point of view and gMng back to those less fortunate.

Mashaba is skilled as network entrepreneur, excellent communication, hardworking, creative aptitude & problem solving and with a good sense of business judgement. She is currently completing her MBA program with Regenesys Business School.

Mashaba holds a B.SocSci degree from the University of Cape Town, as well as an Honours degree from the University of South Africa, majoring in Organisational and Consumer Psychology .


Mayimele Amukelani Managing Director at Za)fah Welkom, Free State (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

South African youth activist, peace-builder and philanthropist. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Zayrah Afriika (www.zayrah.org)- a youth led Development Agency that focuses on development of fragile states and youth empowerment.

She recognizes international organizations, government, private sector and young people as key partners in development. Through her initiatives she finds the connection and provides a space for the different stakeholders to collaborate on policy implementation.

She has since a young age showed great leadership capabilities and was honored as a Gold Graduate by the Student Village Women Leadership Conference in 2008.

In July 2012 she co-facilitated a youth dialogue alongside UNDP on democratic processes in Fiji. She delivered her first lecture on Democracy to Ambassadors, Government Official, young people and Citizens of Fij i Island at the University of South Pacific in Suva.

On her return from Fiji she channeled her focus to Africa. Which she calls her "First Love". She has since then addressed young people in youth platforms and other discussion about the role of youth in the development of Africa. She has also participated in key policy discussions around the continent where she raises the voice on youth and emphasized their involvement in policy making.

Peace Talks still forms part of her conversation and line of duty. She facilitated and conducted talks and workshops as part of peace building initiatives building up to the March 2013 Kenyan Elections. She is the initiator of the African Youth Charter Summit and the African Symposium on innovative economics.

Both which are continental youth events that em power young people and entrepreneurs from around Africa. In 2013 she was given an opportunity to address a group of policy makers and economists at the African Economic Conference 2013, where she spoke about "Democratization of knowledge to Assert Africa's view".

She is known to be an outstanding person with an Accounting Degree but speaks on Peace, does work on Development and often invited to advice on Policy Matters. She loves finding solutions and is fascinated by big problems.

She is passionate about Africa and constantly collaborates with young people in projects that work towards the development of the continent. She is enthusiastic about building Post-Conflict societies.

Some of her daily work involves advising on strategy to social entrepreneurs and change agents in these fragile states.

In 2013 Sunday Times and Johnnie Walker recognized 28 South Africans as the "Nation's Greatest" and she was one of them.

You mostly find her in different African countries where she spend time studying the different cultures, histories and way of life of Africans so she can best represent them in policy making discussion and also just to preserve some of the heritage that can get lost in development.


IVkhize Sbonelo Tribal Chief at AbaMbo Traditonal Council Hlathikhulu, KwaZulu-Natal (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Sbonelo Mkhize is a young man who was thrust into leading a traditional community after the subsequent death of his uncle in 2008.

The hereditary position of being a Chief is one that he has taken quite seriously in the Province of KwaZUiu-Natal, with close to 5.5 million people in the province living under that type of structure.

Currently the Chairman of the uThukela Local House of Traditional Leaders as well as the Convener of the Economic Development Portfolio Committee within the KwaZUiu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, his leadership qualities have brought about new ideas and transformation into the institution.

Although been at the job for just under 5 years, he has been invited and advised to travel abroad to represent not only the KwaZUiu-Natal government, but also Traditional Leaders, to see how economic programmes work in such countries as the UAE, Ghana, India, and most recently, Benin, where he accompanied His rvlajesty King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, King of the ZUlu Nation, to a NEPAD Rural Futures Summit.

Currently reading for a rvlaster of Commerce specialising in l ocal Economic Development at the University of KwaZUiuNatal, Sbonelo hopes that this degree will assist him in ensuring that his civic duties become more technical, and provide a bigger yield.


Mlisi rvt>ali Director at .Ark of Hope Malelane, Mpumalanga (Civic Leadership)

Biography

I have 10 years of experience working directly with communities in rural areas of Nkomazi in ~umalanga focusing on gender based violence and sexual reproductive health and rights for women and girls.

As the Founder-Director of Ark of Hope Southern Africa a Non-Profrtable organisation that focuses on women and girls rights, am responsible for supervising staff and volunteers through monthly case supervision, providing strategic planning to the organisation, developing and implementing organizational policy, delegate certain functions to key senior management, fundraising, writing and submitting of proposals, writing organizational report and meeting with stakeholders .

I am also a manager for Tshwane Home of Hope a shelter that offers residential care and education to disadvantaged girls. I am currently representing ~umalanga Province at the People Health fltovement- South Africa (PH~SA) a globally movement on primary health care where am part of the steering committee.

I have facilitation skills on working with various age groups including young people and adults. I have a clear understanding of the reasoning behind collecting standardized data and advocacy and reporting practices.

I have generated innovative methods of advocacy and focus groups and trained 1 500 volunteers across ~umalanga to their benefit and I also provided leadership in advocacy for other community based organizations including 425 home based cares.

I have a Trauma Counseling Certificate from INTEC College, a Community Based Paralegal Studies and Office Administration Certificates from the Centre of Law and Community Development, University of North-West.


l'vbhlahlana Cathy Reporter at eNews Channel Africa Polokwane, Limpopo (Civic Leadership)

Biography

Cathy l'vbhlahlana is an award-winning journalist who works as a television reporter and news anchor for South Africa's biggest 24-hour news channel, eNews Channel Africa.

She's been working in the broadcasting industry for 8 years, having started her career in radio. Cathy travels throughout the country, speaking to various communities and giving voice to those struggling w ith access to basic services through her stories.

She also speaks to the country's leaders in government and greater society, holding them accountable on behalf of the masses.

Cathy is also a co-founder of Graceland Combined School in Polokwane, Limpopo. The independently run English medium school is based in a village where access to good education is limited, the pace of service delivery is very slow and a significant number of those in the community survive on government grants.

The aim of the school, which has over 800 children enrolled for 2014, is to bring much needed hope to the community and also raise a new breed of citizens and leaders who'll be able to break the cycle of poverty in their families .

Cathy is also responsible for organizing annual seminars and conferences, which address many of the challenges facing women- including abuse, violence, identity and the role of women in society and leadership.

Cathy has been studying towards a degree in International Relations and Political Sciences at Wits University. Cathy has several certificates from various training programs including the CNN Fellowship Training and Standard Bank's Financial Journalism.


l'vbkae Ohentse Provincial Youth Coordinator at Democratic Al liance Kimberly, Northern Cape (Public Management)

Biography

I put my application forward as I'm passionate about education and youth development and believe I have acquired the necessary administrative and coordination related skills required for this flagship program.

I hold a Bachelor of Technology degree in Journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa. I obtained the degree in 2013.

I possess good administrative and communication skills gained from my previous employment as a Parliamentary Support Officer as well as a Constituency Support Officer for the Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape. /los a youth activist, I'm currently the Provincial Youth Coordinator for the Democratic Alliance and responsible for coordinating and overseeing political programs for the Youth structures in my home province of the Northern Cape, South Africa.

Throughout my work experience I have developed basic computer literacy especially in the areas of MS OFFICE. I also have a strong language proficiency excelling in English and Setswana my first language, and able to read, write and speak in is iXhosa, Afrikaans and Sesotho. In my years of activism from my high school days I have also acquired skills in leadership, fundraising, community organizing and running successful campaigns especially in areas such education and youth development.

I have also attended and represented my organisations I served in at numerous conferences, seminars and workshops. Recently I was selected as a Young African Leader to represent my organisation (Democratic Alliance-Youth) at the Annual Pan African Youth Dialogue Leadership Summit hosted by the Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

The summit ran from the 03rd to the 07th of September 2013. The summit created a platform to help us as young leaders to negotiate the place of the youth in Africa.

The summit as an intervention of sorts also helped us as youth to become inspired to be changers of souls, to carry the spirit of the African Renaissance and soldier on the African agenda.


l'vbkiti Elizabeth Managing Director at Malhemaniacs Boksburg, Gauteng (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

Mnabatho l'vbkiti is a young mathematician turned impact entrepreneur, she has a passion for education and youth development.

She currently co-owns a for profit Mathematics and Science education company called Mathemaniacs that focuses on tutoring, camps, learner and educator support programs else as developing and implementing sustainable CSI programs for cooperates in the Mathematics and Science education space.

She is also director of the DAD Fund which is a non-profit organization that focuses on youth development, scholarships and mentorship programs, with their most successful program being the Dream Girls International Outreach and Mentorship Program that focuses on young women mentoring young high school girls from disadvantaged schools and communities and its main objective is to ensure that they enroll into an institution of higher learning after high school and eventually graduate.

In between all of this; Batho as she is popularly known; is also completing her second Science degree in Mathematical Statistics. Mmabatho was named one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in 2013, Female Entrepreneur of the Year alongside her business partner by IMBO magazine in 2012.

She is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers. She was also second runner up at the Business Partners, IBM and IFC Business Plan Competition in 2011 and that competition catapulted her business career.

She is also one of the youngest recipients of the Goldman Sachs 10 000 Women Entrepreneurship scholarship. She has been fortunate enough to have been selected to attend various youth leadership programs around the world.

She hopes to enroll into MIT to pursue an MBA in Science and Innovation to further impact her country and continent. Her dream is to start Mathematics and Science Academies in Africa mainly in rural areas.

Batho believes that we need more inventions by Africans by Africans and she wants to use her YALI experience to get closer to her dream. "It takes one person in a poor family to get educated and break the cycle of poverty".


l'vbkwena Gay Director, Youth Development Programs at Department of Higher Education Johannesburg , Gauteng (Public Management)

Biographgy

Lebogang l'vbkwena is a graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and the University of Sussex (Institute of Development Studies) in the United Kingdom, from which she earned an undergraduate degree, w ith distinction, in Political Studies and Law as well as a

Masters degree, w ith university merit, in Poverty and Development Studies respectively.

She has a total of six years professional work experience and has, since 2011 , been working in the national Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the government department that is responsible for post-school skills development.

Initially appointed as a Deputy Director coordinating the activities of the Vocational and Continuing Education and Training (VCET) branch since October 2011 , she has been working as the Director for Youth Development Programmes, a post which entails overseeing the development and implementation of Student Support Services at each of the fifty public Further Education and Training Colleges.

Being one among the ten youngest senior managers in the entire organisation and having assumed the senior management responsibilities w ithin six months of entering the civil service attest to the following: superior and strategic financial, human, process and project management skills; innovation and lateral thinking; and an ability to drive policy decisions based on research and empirical inquiry, drawing on both graduate training in research and professional experience in a policy research environment.

Prior to this, l\ls. IV1okwena worked as a researcher at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) where her research areas included issues on the construction of a democratic developmental state, participatory governance at the local government level, and local government responses to climate change.

She is conversant with all~ Office suites and has an excellent command of English, an intermediate ability in least six other indigenous languages, and an intermediate knowledge of German.


l'vbleko Thabang Manager: Property Management at Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Rural Works Umtata, Eastern Cape (Public Management)

Biographgy

Thabang Moleko has 8 years working in the public sector focusing on property management, financial management and project management. He has gained this experience as a management consultant and manager for government sector.

Thabang is currently a Manager in the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works in the Property Management Section. He is currently responsible for the implementation of best practices in the region for property management. Thabang is currently a mentor a student for the last 4 years for the Student Support Programme.

This initiative calls for support and mentoring a high school student from a disadvantaged background to finish high school successfully. Thabang has skills in property management, financial management and project management.

Thabang has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Rhodes University, Certifications in Project Management (United Kingdom) and Infrastructure Delivery from University of Pretoria and is currently completing his dissertation for his Master's in Business Administration at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.


rvtJiam ula Xitshenbhiso Manager, Public Entities Oversight at Limpopo Provincial Treasury Polokwane, Limpopo (Public Management)

Biographgy

I have four years experience in the field of Corporate Governance and Administration in both public and non-governmental sector. As a Manager: Public Entities (State Owned Companies) Oversight within Limpopo Provincial Treasury, I am responsible for Public Finance Management

Act (PFI'vtA.), T reasury Regulations, Companies Act compliance and advising Public Entities (State Owned Companies) on implementations of King Ill and other relevant policies and prescripts.

In addition I am also responsible for advising Public Entities in implementing Auditor General findings, coordinating the compilations of transversal financial policies as well as conducting Analysis on Financial Management Capability Maturity l'vbdel.

My work allows me to intact at top management level where I play an advisory role to government departments and state owned companies on PFI'vtA., Treasury Regulations, Companies Act and King Ill. Through identification of gaps on Corporate Governance with my work environment, I initiated a plan to hold the 1st Limpopo Corporate Governance Workshop, which is aiming at discussion governance challenges.

Mnister of Finance in the province endorsed the workshop, with the Premier & the Speaker of Legislature as main speakers. Over the years I have been involve in project management coordination for several youth and students events such as National Graduate Alive Campaign, World Youth and Students Festival & six national congress of South African Students Congress.

I currently seat in the communications sub-committee of the African National Congress Youth League in Limpopo Province (ANCYL), where I monitor and handle print media and social networks.

I have managed to accumulate computer skills through self-learning initiatives. I am also a Professional Post-Graduate Qualification Student (Board Exams) in Company Secretariat and Governance Practice.


Naicker Creesen Director at Vis ion RSM Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Creesen Naicker has 12 years of experience in entrepreneurship and youth development work, managing to balance his commitment to his country and continent between the private sector and the non-profit sector.

Currently an executive director of a successful research, strategy and management consultancy, as well as fulfilling nonexecutive roles in various non-profits, Creesen has consistently shown a commitment to apply his skills to the development of other people, from national program delivery and advocacy, to one-on-one mentoring and coaching.

He has a dedication to life-long learning and has often chosen to move out of a comfort zone in order to grow his projects and business, and explore exciting, yet untested, opportunities. Creesen is a FIFA rv1asters Alumni (International rv1aster in Sport Management, Law and Humanities) having studied through the International Centre for Sport Studies.

He also studied a rv1asters degree in Organisational Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and completed a Postgraduate certificate in Result- Based rv1anagement at the University of Witwatersrand's Graduate School of Public and Development Management.


Ndakisa Bongiwe Managing Director at Kwenzikile Community Development Centre Tsolo, Eastern Cape (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Bongiwe Ndakisa has over three years of experience working directly with communities focusing youth empowerment and community development after founding the Kwenzekile Community Development Centre.

She also works as an rT Administrator for the Global Network Africa and Global Network South Africa. She attended an Eco Design Education training in Cape Town in 2012 and then facilitated in an ECO Design Education Training foor women by Women in ~umalanga Province in 2013.

She also attended A Global Eco Network Conference in Kenya where she was appointed rT Administrator for GEN Africa and GEN South Africa. P-s the rvlanaging Director for Kwenzekile Community Development Centre Bongiwe travels between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth fundraising for the organization.

Bongiwe holds a Diploma in Office Administration from Damelin Business College, A Certificate in Computer Literacy from Computer Training Institute, a Certificate in Graphic Designing from NextGen College and a certificate in P-sset Based Community Development from lkhala Trust.


Ndindwa Kolisile Director at iKapa Dance Theatre Cape Town, Western Cape (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Ndindwa has 7 years experience in civic engagement and entrepreneurship and 15 years experience with in the professional arts field. Founder & Executive Director of iKapa Dance Theatre, Arts Township International and OnPointe Dance Ndindwa, a skilled artist with

extensive national and international experience, returned to South Africa in 2005 after refining his technical and choreographic skills in the United Kingdom with the aim of contributing to the transformation of his sector and country.

Having grown up in the historically disadvantaged community of Gugulethu and being afforded a successful career through dance, Thea's personal experience motivates his desire to give back to disadvantaged communities and contribute positively to the social environment of his homeland.

Thea Ndwinda's versatile dance influences, vast social exposure, management training, mentoring and professional experience gained all over Europe and Africa have resulted in distinctly powerful organizations and direction and proudly represent and serve the cultural and historical society of the Country. Following his training with Dance for All Outreach Program and the University of Cape Town Ballet School.

Thea trained with the acclaimed Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Central School of Ballet, both in London, and toured the UK with Ballet Central. He later worked professionally with the Ensemble Group (Scotland) at the Edinburgh Festival, with Ballet Soul, Dance Nomad, Tavaziva Dance Company and w ith acclaimed choreographers from around the world. In 2004 Thea joined the Phoenix Dance Theatre.

Upon his return to Cape Town. Thea assisted Dance for All Outreach Program in establishing a professional company, which was launched in November 2005. During this time, he choreographed and performed for a range of events, commercials and film houses throughout South Africa. He has worked with the Cape Town City Ballet and Free Flight as a dancer and choreographer. He founded iKapa Dance Theatre with co-Director Tanya Arshamian in November 2007 and has formed an illustrious Board of Directors and has garnered national and local grants from the National Arts Council and the National Lottery.

Thea has completed various leadership and Arts Management courses throughout South Africa and graduated from Common Purpose1 in 2010. In his role as Executive Director of iKapa, Thea leads the organization from the front, nurturing professional partnerships that support the growth of the organization.

Throughout his work Thea focuses on social transformation, youth empowerment and the development, protection, preservation and promotion of arts, culture and heritage from, within and outside South Africa. Thea utilizes artistic excellence in dance as a mechanism to create socially relevant, publicly engaging, audience centered performance's that utilize social trends around current issues, in ways that are entertaining, inspiring and installs appreciation for innovative artistic creations and performances.


Ngamlana Lukholo Community liaison Officer at Pr01Ancial Department of Health Kha}elitsha, Western Cape (Civic Leadership)

Biography

Lukholo Ngamlana was raised by a single mother of 4 children in Khayelitsha. He started doing part time jobs at the age of 12 in 1994 in order to support his family financially. Some of these jobs included construction work as well as a stint at a local tavern.

Now a married 32 year old and working as a Community Liaison Officer for Global Fund in Western Cape Department of Health. He has since 1993 been very active in the community and subsequently joined Olwethu community based children's group at Site C, Khayelitsha Cape Town.

The group focused on activities such as debates on issues affecting children, environmental awareness, cultural activities etc. The group was registered under the organization called Children's MJvement/Children's Resource Centre (CM'CRC).

His passion for community development continued growing, as a result he became a group leader in 1995, became one of the children's broadcasters during 1995 early 1996.

He did children's programmes at Eyabantwana Children's Radio Station.

Through Children's MJvement he participated in various children programmes with Radio Zibonele and Bush Radio resulting in an opportunity in 1997 to represent the Western Cape at the children's broadcasting forum in Ghana.

He played several leadership roles within the CM'CRC, he became the nation Children's MJvement Chairperson, then a nation youth vice chairperson.

At high school established youth centre, played several roles in the Student Council. He established several children and youth groups across the South Africa, played several leadership roles in the community like P .R.O for CODESA soccer club, Ward Development Forum youth leader, street committee etc.

Through his passion for children, youth and community he travelled abroad to countries like Germany where he was led the Anti-Bullying Campaign in Sweden.

He visited the donors and attended a seminar on children living under difficult c ircumstances. In Zambia he was one of Children's Right Centre facilitator who facilitated children's right and other children related issues to children coming from 5 countries.

2013 he was selected to part take in a 3 years Activate programme in Leadership for Public Innovation. He has mentored several community organizations to register as NPO's, assisting with organizing of community events such as youth talent shows, cultural events and debates between the community and community leaders, organizing gifts and Christmas events for disadvantaged children and youth.

His involvement did not stop him from following his African culture and religion; he is now a registered and qualified

Traditional Healer (Sangoma) who also has several novices.

He is a very focused and goal oriented young person whose dream is to have his own National Children and Youth MJvement to focus on children and youth issues.

The goal is to working on children and youth talents, educating them about their rights and responsibilities, usage of available resources within their communities, how to advocate for other resources, teaching them about their local leaders and protocol in dealing with their leaders. "I can, you can, together we can make a difference".


Ngcobo Zamafuze Leadership Fellow at l\o1cKinsey& Co. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

Zamafuze Ngcobo is a Mandela Rhodes scholar who holds a graduate degree in Strategic Communication.

She has worked on several key projects in media and the social development arena. One of which was a regional health intervention on abuse amongst children with the help of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and child and genderspecific NGOs.

In 2011 she represented the African delegation and delivered a speech on global health resolutions in Switzerland at the One Young World Leadership Summit. She was placed on the Dean's list at the University of Johannesburg for her academic merits, is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and was selected as part of the top 10 of her class to be mentored by US digital communications agency, Waggener Edstrom for a year. Zamafuze's work experience spans from starting a promotions business while at university to pay for her school fees to entering the media industry on internships and later as a Media Analyst in consumer analytics.

She currently works at M::Kinsey and Company Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as a fellow in their flagship leadership programme for professionals exhibiting exceptional leadership potential.

During her time at M::Kinsey SSA, she has worked closely with the SSA Organisational Hub leader in developing leaders and tailoring global leadership development programmes for clients in Africa.

She continues to gain consulting experience, leadership coaching, problem solving and business foundational skills across sectors at the firm.


Nkuna Linky Coordinator Community Tour Manager atThe Good Work Foundation Londolozi Game Reserve Justicia, Mpumalanga (Civic Leadership)

Biographgy

Linky Nkuna grew up in one of South Africa's most remote villages, completing her secondary education at Madlala High School. After spending a number of years honing ller skills at the world-renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve (and beginning her career in housekeeping),

Linky went on to become one of Londolozi's first locally-born female Hospitality Managers.

After many long discussions around the campfire with educators and philanthropists from around tile world, Linky made the decision to return home to Madlala where she set up the Madlala Digital Learning Centre in collaboration with Good Work Foundation. Good Work Foundation was one of tile first organizations to bring tablet computing and learning apps to rural Africa, and today, it is the only sub-Saharan site working with Stanford University on cloud-based learning models.

/ls well as equipping adult and school-aged learners with internationally-recognized computer qualifications, Linky is passionate about developing a new generation of aspiring young South Africans. Using technology, she exposes the young adults of Madlala to English-based learning apps, sexual health workshops and career-guidance seminars.

"The world 'speaks' computer and English. At Madlala we are bridging the gap by bringing English literacy, computer literacy and career training to rural South Africa. We're going a step further and empowering our students with the tools that they need for a 'healthy future'. That's a mission that I am proud to be part of."


Ntuli Mbali Provincial Youth Chairwoman at Democratic Alliance Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Public Management)

Biography

rviJali Ntuli has eight years of experience working with communities focusing on youth empowerment.

Ntuli former Head Girl of Wykeham Collegiate in Pietermaritzburg holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Rhodes University in Politics, Economics Sociology and Psychology.

During her final year Ntuli was chosen to participate in the DA Young Leaders programme, and graduated as part of the 2008 stream.

Ntuli is the founder of the Rhodes chapter of Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (DASO) and during her term led it to electoral success in student elections.

Mer graduating, Ntuli returned to Kwalulu-Natal, where she was elected provincial DA Youth Provincial Chairperson. In that position, she helped her party build up their political presence in townships such as KwaMashu and Ntuzuma.

2011 saw Ntuli elected as one of the youngest counicllors in the country as well as serving as deputy whip on the council's Finance and Procurement committee.

As the leader of her organisation's Youth section Ntuli is directly responsible for sourcing fundraising. As the national leader her responsibilities entail everything that is related to the internal functioning of our youth structures.

Her job requires extensive travel to both rural and emerging communities engaging with stakeholders primarily around issues of education and skills training.

She has pioneered innovative election methodology that has been used to organize and formalize youth structures across the country at a grass roots leveL Ntuli also sits on the board of CROW, a wildlife rehabilitation centre as a Trustee.

She is also a businesswomen with a successful transport company. As of January 24 Ntuli has been announced as a candidate elect for Parliament.


Ntuli Sibusisiwe Director at Innate lnvestement Solutions Durban KwaZulu-Natal (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

Lynette Ntuli is a founding Director and Chief Executive at the property, asset and infrastructure development and solutions firm ; Innate Investment Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Lynette has previously held positions at Deloitte and Touche, IVotseng Marriott Corporate Property, IVotseng Property Services and the Durban Business Enhancement Initiative in various senior leadership roles in the commercial and retail property sector and in the business development and investment promotion arena.

Lynette is also actively involved at an executive and member level within various organisations in South Africa, a nationally and internationally recognised professional business speaker and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and Founding Curator of a South African hub. ca, which gave me skills on running and growing a small business.


Potgieter Candice Chief Executive Officer at KwaZulu-Natal Science Centre Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

As the Chief Executive Officer of the KZN Science Centre, Candice Potgieter has played an integral role in the redevelopment and reorganization of The KZN Science Centre. Her strong creative and insight into the inner workings of the organization has steered the extraordinary

growth of the organization from a beneficiary base of approximately 40 000 to now boasting a beneficiary base of over 160 000 each year, of which over eighty percent of all visitors are sponsored and from previously disadvantaged and rural backgrounds.

From establishing an Outreach Element to the rural schools of KwaZulu Natal to an Early Childhood Development Centre, to researching, creating and implementing highly successful school programmes, Candice has dedicated herself to improving the quality of education in KwaZulu Natal. Candice's expertise covers many components including scientific research, business development, financial management, marketing, communication, and government relations and fundraising activities.

Academically, she holds a postgraduate degree in Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics from the University of KwaZulu Natal as well as having been a part of The National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme at The University of Cape Town.

Candice has also completed a multitude of business and science communication courses both locally and abroad. Candice was also named as one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans you should meet in 2013 for the work that she has done in Science & Technology Awareness.

She has also gone on to win the Future Leaders Award for Science & Innovation as well as The KZN Young Achievers Award in Science & Technology for 2013. Candice was also named one of Cosmopolitan Magazine's rvbst Awesome Women of2013.

Following on from the extensive work that Candice that has accomplished within the province of KZN, Candice was appointed to serve and is serving as an executive member on the Advisory Committee to the MEC of Education in KwaZulu Natal for Career Support and Guidance.

Of more recent Candice has been appointed as a non-executive director on the board of The Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centers (SAASTEC), which serves as a body for the network of science centers across the Southern Africa. Candice is dedicated to enriching the lives of children in South Africa through education and lives by the words of President Nelson Mandela that "Education is the most important tool that can be used to change the world."


Shelver Amy-Louise Senior Consultant at Meropa Communications Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape (Business & Entrepreneurship)

Biography

Amy Shelver is a multi-media and socio-economic development specialist. She has a degree in journalism (TV), anthropology and psychology and an honours degree in Anthropology- all with distinction- from Rhodes University.

Amy completed her Masters in Development Studies, with distinction in 2012, at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) with a focus on international aid and community development.

She integrates her skills across three multidisciplinary fields . She is a strategic thinker and project manager working across disciplines in PR & Communications for over five years, academic research (six years) and creative industries development (three years).

Amy is intimate with words, has completed work on two books and often contributes to academic discourse in her field, development. Her main research interests are development and development policy, industrial development, heritage and cultural capital, film and media, history, sports, arts and culture.

Her trans- and multi-disciplinary approach to her career means she plays in a dynamic space that encompasses media, creativity and research - and always for the benefit of others, broadly and locally. She recently wrote and produced a short film, Facebrick, which is being circulated to international film festivals.

She currently consults for Meropa Communications as senior consultant to Coega Development Corporation and is the head of its Nelson Mandela Bay office.

Amy is also a director at Numb City Productions and volunteer at the n_mb city project, a social entrepreneurship initiative, which aims to develop a thriving creative industries cluster in the Nelson Mandela Bay inner city that supports and grows the creative economy and retains young talent in the city. Numb City manages the Athenaeum Gallery and Little Theatre with a view to transforming it into the city's creative home.

Amy's achievements and dedication where recently recognised in her selection onto the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's youth leadership programme managed by, Top 40 Under 40. Difficult to box and a formidably hard worker, Amy is foremost a creative thinker and an academic, committed to action and realisation of theory


Shezi Ntuthuko Chief Executive Officer at Scratch rvlobile Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

In December 2006 l resigned from my work in l'vlanagement Consulting and decided to start my own business.

The primary motivation in starting the type of business l started was my view that economic transformation in South Africa needs to be centered around young, skilled people w riting invoices on a daily basis to different types of customers and not rely on solely on government business.

I now employ 28 people at my company Scratch 1\ibbile where we conduct auto body repairs on vehicles for individuals, fleets, government and companies.

The company is growing and aims to have a national presence and more over 12 mobile units by 2015.

/ls CEO, I am responsible for the overall direction of the company, with emphasis on Sales and l'vlarketing and Performance Management.

I lead a team of sales people, auto body technicians and administrators to ensure that our workshop works at optimal capacity and that the business is profitable. I am a qualified Electro-fvlechanical Engineer from the University of Cape Town.


Sipuka Olwethu Skills Development Manager at South African Disability Development Trust East London, Eastern Cape (Civic Leadership)

Biography

Olwethu Sipuka has extensive experience in policy development, higher education and programme management. /ls student activist he emphasized the need for students to be granted access to education regardless of their financial status.

He worked has for Disabled People South Africa where he was responsible for the Community Based Rehabilitation program and later provided research and strategic support to the Secretary General.

In 2006, he was appointed by former President Thabo Mbeki to serve as a National Youth Commissioner responsible for advising the President and government on youth development. Central to his mandate as Commissioner was international relations and cooperation's management, local governance and the National Youth Service.

He is currently managing the skills development unit of the South African Disability Development Trust. In 2011 , he was appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Minister Blade Nzimande to the board of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Given his commitment to the disability sector, Olwethu serves on the board of Down Syndrome South Africa (OSSA) and is the current Spokesperson of Disabled People South Africa.

His areas of specialization include policy, stakeholder management, communication, research, skills development, strategic planning, and programme management. He holds a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Cape Town.


Tabane Kgomotso Brand Manager at Coca-Cola South em Africa Pretoria, Gauteng (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

I am a Senior Brand Manager with 7 years of experience in two multinational consumer good companies- L'Oreal and Coca-Cola.

I have a Bachelor of Business Science degree majoring in marketing. I have expertise in brand management; brand communication campaigns; new product development and launches; portfolio management and strategic management.

I sit on the board of a non-profit organization in my community. I am known for my creative approach to identifying growth opportunities for my brands and business.

I am also known as an advocate for cross sector/functional collaboration to deliver results and innovative work

go .. . Prison ...


Titus Romy Director at Babies Behind Bars Johannesburg, Gauteng (Civic Leadership)

Biography

Romy Titus runs between the mic and barreled prison doors. She juggles hats, the one see's her beaming live into millions of homes and recognized as one of the leading sports journalists in the world by the Laureus World Sports Foundation and the other takes her to where many fear to

Romy started her career in hard news and was so moved when she reported on children in prison that she turned her experience into a charity called "Babies Behind Bars" to make a difference in the lives of these children, who live incarcerated with their mothers until the age of 2 in South Africa.

These children are born in prison and therefore be taken care of their mothers for no more than 730 days. The charity not only looks after children born in Correctional Centers in the country, but reaches out as far as Swaziland and Namibia.

"It's my dream to one day touch every prison born baby on the African continent, to ensure that while they there with their mothers, they're properly cared for" says the founder who altogether has about 20 prisons on her list.

Romy believes that children are the future and recently read up on statistics from abroad which revealed that "80% of children who are born or exposed to prison between the ages of 0-5 years, come back as adults" and through her work with 'Babies Behind Bars' she hopes to be the change.

The late Nelson Mandela, who Romy had the privilege of interviewing while he was the President of South Africa, once quoted, "It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside it's jails.

A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it's lowest ones."

Romy continues her mission to bring about change for children in prisons on the continent and by being a recipient of the Washington Fellowship she now knows that she holds the key to 'Unlocking Hope'.


Tshabalala Lerato Editor at l'v1edia 24fTru Love tv'agazine Johannesburg , Gauteng (Bus iness & Entrepreneurship)

Biographgy

With15 years experience in the South African publishing sector, Lerato Tshabalala started working at the young age of 19 and has moved between newspapers and magazines in the country (including Oprah (SA) and l'v1arie Claire (SA) as a senior writer).

Her first management position was at the age of 22 as a women's editor at South African weekly publication, Drum magazine.

Since then she has moved up the management ranks at different companies, including at South Africa's largest Sunday paper, Sunday Times, where she managed eight people.

Currently, as the editor of South African English women's title, True Love magazine, she has a staff complement of 18.

/ls editor of this title, Lerato has found herself mentoring aspiring writers and editors as well as speaking to students at Colleges and Universities in Johannesburg about her career.

She has a diploma in journalism from Allenby College in Johannesburg and has worked on Apple/l'v1ac programs since 2006 (she's also competent in Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint and Word).

While Zulu is her mother tongue, her preferred language to converse and work in is English (all the titles she's worked for are written in English).

In 2013 she was voted by the Mail & Guardian newspaper in South Africa as one of the 200 Young People to watch in the Media category.

Full page photo - USEmbassy.gov · (Civic Leadership) Biographgy Yossi Hasson is a passionate South African entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience starting, building and managing

Documents