OUR TEAM

Meet our team. As you scroll down, you should know that many more names and faces should be listed here – those of the everyday heroes we have met over two-and-a-half decades and those we continue to meet every day. Without you, our short write-ups about our team members mean very little.

Thank you to every fellow South African who is working towards restoration, resilience and growth.

WILLIAM BILA

BOARD MEMBER AND URBAN PLANNER

William is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Pretoria-based town planning consultancy, Akanya Development Solutions. He is also a co-founder of Ranyaka. William is a registered town planner with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) and holds over two decades’ extensive work experience in urban planning and development projects throughout the country. These include land use planning, Integrated Development Plans, Spatial Development Frameworks, precinct plans and strategy formulation for municipalities. He has also served as a member of the Gauteng Development Tribunal. William is in the process of completing his Master’s in Business Administration.

PHINDILE KHULU

BOARD MEMBER (DIRECTOR)

Phindile Khulu is a Finance Project Accountant and an Acting Finance Manager at the Law School of Wits University. Prior to that, she focused mainly on the finances of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), also located at Wits Law School. Phindile has been active in the social justice sector for almost a decade. She is passionate about community well-being. As a result, she is a mentor to many students. She holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) degree from Monash University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised Accountancy (Wits), a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Master of Business Leadership (both from the UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership). Phindile joined the board of Ranyaka in 2023. She is also a board member to other organisations in the public interest sector.

DAVID MANDAHA

BOARD MEMBER (DIRECTOR)

David Mandaha is a strategist and award-winning communicator who has worked in the government, state-owned entity and media sectors for more than 15 years. Mandaha holds a BA degree in Media and Language Studies from the University of Venda, a BA degree in Public Management from the Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from MANCOSA. David is presently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He currently heads up the external communication portfolio for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), one of Africa’s leading scientific and technology development and implementation organisations. He served as a board member of the Capricorn Education Resource Centre, a non-profit organisation tasked with promoting science, technology and innovation in rural Limpopo.

SITHEMBISO MALEVU

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Sithembiso Malevu is a development planning specialist with over a decade of experience in participatory and community-centred development. She holds a Diploma in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Johannesburg and brings expertise in development planning, social facilitation, informal settlement upgrading, policy development and stakeholder engagement. Sithembiso is highly skilled in participatory planning approaches, including the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and Asset-Based Community Development. As Chief Executive Officer, she provides strategic leadership across Ranyaka’s programmes and partnerships, guiding implementation across diverse local contexts.

JOHAN OLIVIER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | URBAN PLANNER & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Johan Olivier is an urban planner and development specialist with extensive experience in integrated spatial planning, community-based economic development and programme facilitation. He holds a degree in Town and Regional Planning from North-West University and has completed business administration studies covering strategic planning, marketing, human resource and financial management. As Executive Director, Johan shapes Ranyaka’s strategic direction, partnerships and implementation models, supporting place-based development approaches that integrate social, economic and spatial considerations across multiple communities.

LESEGO MASETHE

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Lesego Masethe is a marketing and communications professional with a background in sustainable development and science communication. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Pretoria, a Certificate in Science Communication from Stellenbosch University and a BTech in Journalism. Lesego brings experience in communications strategy, content development, media liaison and stakeholder engagement. As Marketing Director, she leads marketing strategy and implementation across Ranyaka’s programmes, supporting clear, accessible storytelling that reflects impact, partnerships and place-based development work.

SONYA OLIVIER

IDEATION & BRAND MANAGER

Sonya Olivier has over 32 years of experience across marketing, communications, media and social impact sectors. She holds an Honours degree in Business Communication from North-West University and a Diploma in Public Relations Practice from the Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA). Sonya served as Ranyaka’s Marketing Director until mid-2025 and now leads Ideation and Brand, shaping narrative direction and brand coherence across the organisation. Her career spans corporate marketing, government, publishing and the non-profit sector, including editorial leadership, photography, campaign conceptualisation and roll-out, and event management.

KGAUTSANG MOLELEKENG

NATIONAL PROGRAMME MANAGER

Kgautsang Molelekeng is a programme management professional with a background in development studies and youth development. She holds a BA in Development Studies and is completing an Honours degree in the same field. Kgautsang brings experience in programme coordination, facilitation, event planning, stakeholder engagement and reporting. As Programme Manager, she oversees planning and delivery across programmes, working closely with local teams and partners to support effective implementation, learning and accountability.

NOMCEBO MGAGA

PROGRAMME DATA & SYSTEMS COORDINATOR

Nomcebo Mgaga is Ranyaka’s Programme Data and Systems Coordinator, development practitioner and social impact facilitator. She holds a BSc in Quantity Surveying Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, with additional training in project management, UX design and impact facilitation. Nomcebo supports programme coordination, data management and systems development across Ranyaka’s initiatives. She is an alumna of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, YALI Southern Africa, and a former Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum’s Tshwane Hub.

DIANE PRITCHARD

FINANCE MANAGER

Diane Pritchard oversees financial management, systems and compliance across Ranyaka’s multi-site operations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science from Stellenbosch University and has completed a Foundation of Business course through the Louis Group Business Academy. Diane manages multiple project budgets and bank accounts across numerous towns, supporting financial control, reporting and governance. Her role contributes to organisational sustainability, accountability and effective programme delivery.

HELEEN PIENAAR

MARKETING OPERATIONS & REPORTING LEAD

Heleen Pienaar leads marketing operations and reporting at Ranyaka and holds a BCom Honours in Marketing Management. She supports campaign coordination, planning and performance reporting, and brings a strong understanding of print production, brand collateral, packaging and marketing materials. Heleen combines a highly structured, systems-driven approach with a strong creative flair, playing a key role in conceptualising campaigns and coordinating their execution, and translating ideas into clear, user-friendly marketing material for internal and external audiences.

SUSAN YALLOP

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Susan Yallop is a senior project manager with over 40 years of professional experience, with the bulk of her career spent in IT systems analysis and large-scale systems implementation. She is responsible for project management across the Western and Southern Cape, including the conceptualisation, rollout and execution of place-based development initiatives. Susan builds and stewards key strategic relationships with stakeholders across the Western Cape and is the manager of the CoCreate Hub, the economic development hub in Stellenbosch, supporting enterprise development, collaboration and local economic activation.

PURDEY SEPTEMBER

PROJECT LEAD, WESTERN CAPE

Purdey holds 21 years’ experience in office administration and management within the corporate financial sector. She also spent three years in the employ of an NGO, serving as a facilitator to assist children with reading programmes. In addition to general administration, Purdey is closely involved in the management and logistical planning for a variety of Ranyaka workshops and events. Purdey has also emerged as a hands-on driver of Fix Your Space projects in the Western Cape. She is currently working towards completing a degree in Psychology through Unisa and is passionate about community upliftment, building quality relationships and the development of people.

MICHELLE MADILONGA

URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNER

Michelle Madilonga is an Urban and Regional Planner with advanced academic training in spatial planning and geography. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Honours in Spatial Planning with distinction, and BA Honours in Geography with distinction. Her work supports spatial analysis, land use planning and community development processes. Michelle brings a research-informed, people-centred approach to planning, contributing to inclusive, functional and sustainable towns through applied planning and development support.

QHAMANI TSHAZI

HEAD: RESEARCH & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Qhamani Tshazi provides programme support across planning and development initiatives. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Honours in Spatial Planning and a BSc in Environmental Geography. Qhamani supports programme design, research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, contributing analytical and planning expertise to programme coordination and development processes.

RYAN MARSDEN

LOCAL COORDINATOR: MAGALIESBURG | RANYAKA AGRI EXPERT

Ryan Marsden is the Local Coordinator for Magaliesburg and serves as Ranyaka’s Agri Expert. He brings extensive experience in agriculture, community mobilisation and stakeholder coordination, including provincial coordination support to Gauteng Agriculture in response to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. Ryan supports local programme activation, facilities management and community-based projects through practical leadership and operational oversight.

KWANELE DUMA

LOCAL COORDINATOR: UMLAZI

Kwanele Duma is a Local Coordinator in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, with a background in commerce and supply chain management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management, Finance and Economics, along with training in SAP systems and workplace compliance. Kwanele supports resource planning, logistics coordination and administrative processes, contributing to efficient programme implementation and operational support.

ZAMAJOZI SITHOLE

LOCAL COORDINATOR: KWAMASHU

Zamajozi Sithole is a youth development practitioner with a background in psychology and international relations. She holds a BA in Psychology and is completing a BA in International Relations. As Local Area Coordinator for KwaMashu, she supports programme coordination, stakeholder engagement and community mobilisation. Zamajozi is the founder of the Umthombo weMfundo Foundation and is actively involved in child rights advocacy, contributing to inclusive, community-centred development initiatives that support young people and educational pathways.

NGCEBO THEMBELA

LOCAL COORDINATOR: UMLAZI

Ngcebo Siyanda Lwazi Thembela is the Local Area Coordinator for Umlazi, with a background in commerce, education and business management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management and Economics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and is completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management. Ngcebo brings experience from the financial, retail and education sectors and focuses on youth empowerment, community engagement and entrepreneurship support within local development initiatives.

KHOLOFELO MAMARIBE

LOCAL COORDINATOR: POLOKWANE

Kholofelo Mamaribe is the Local Coordinator for Polokwane, with training in servant leadership and community health advocacy. She holds certificates in Servant of Servants and Health Champion programmes through Activate. Kholofelo supports youth leadership, programme facilitation and peer mobilisation, contributing to community engagement, event coordination and administrative support within local development initiatives.

ITUMELENG MASETHE

LOCAL COORDINATOR: MAMELODI

Itumeleng Masethe is an entrepreneur and community-focused leader serving as Local Coordinator in Mamelodi. He is involved in ventures spanning recycling and scrap metal, renewable energy marketing, eco-friendly products, catering and sales management. His work is driven by a strong commitment to sustainability, efficiency and community upliftment. Itumeleng is passionate about developing practical solutions that balance business growth with social impact, contributing to long-term economic resilience and local development.

KHUMBULANI KHUMALO

LOCAL COORDINATOR: MBOMBELA

Khumbulani Alletah Khumalo is the Local Coordinator for Mbombela, with experience in administration, community-facing roles and operational support. She holds a National Senior Certificate, a Certificate in Basic Computer Skills and a Certificate in Agriculture specialising in animal and mixed farming. Khumbulani has worked in educational and retail environments and supports local coordination through strong organisational skills, effective communication and attention to detail.

RELEBOHILE LIPALI

LOCAL COORDINATOR: MANGAUNG

Relebohile Lipali is the Local Coordinator for Mangaung, with a multidisciplinary background spanning communication, logistics and spatial planning. She holds a BA in Communication with a specialisation in Marketing, an Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management, Honours in Spatial Planning and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. Relebohile supports project coordination, stakeholder engagement and implementation processes that contribute to responsive, place-based community development initiatives.

NONZUKISO MANQOLA

LOCAL COORDINATOR: PHILIPPI

Nonzukiso Manqola is the Local Coordinator for Philippi, supporting community development and local leadership through people-centred engagement. She is a certified coach and has completed Gender Equity and Reconciliation International training, as well as the YeBo Academy’s Future Mentor Training Programme. Nonzukiso brings strong skills in facilitation, mentorship and community listening, and works closely with individuals and local stakeholders to strengthen participation, confidence and collaboration in place-based development initiatives.

SIM GQOMFA

LOCAL COORDINATOR: GQEBERHA

Sim Gqomfa is the Local Coordinator for Gqeberha, with a background in small business management and labour relations. He holds a National Diploma in Small Business Management and a National Certificate in Practical Labour Law. Sim brings experience in strategic planning, community liaison, mentoring and conflict resolution, supporting stakeholder engagement and leadership development within community-based initiatives.

ILSE OLIVIER

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Ilse Olivier provides part-time office and administrative support at Ranyaka’s head office, working closely with the Finance Manager on general administration and day-to-day office operations. She also supports logistics and administrative coordination for Stellenbosch-based projects. Ilse is Ranyaka’s in-house photographer and has previously worked as a freelance photographer. An exceptional listener, she loves to see people thrive and plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in creating a welcoming, supportive office environment.

TSHIDI MABE

MANAGER: MIDVAAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Tshidi Mabe manages the Midvaal Skills Development Centre, overseeing the coordination and delivery of skills development initiatives that expand access to training and economic opportunity. Her professional background spans youth development, education, community engagement and human rights advocacy within the NGO sector. Tshidi brings experience in programme coordination, facilitation and stakeholder engagement, supporting partnerships and initiatives that strengthen socio-economic development outcomes and community-centred skills development.

ABONGILE DAVANI

SHARE: BUSINESS & ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Abongile Davani is a social development professional with over seven years of experience in enterprise development and local economic growth. They hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, are completing an Honours degree in Development Studies, and have additional training in project management and entrepreneurship. At SHARE, Abongile supports business and account development, partnership building and stakeholder engagement, working closely with entrepreneurs, communities and partners to strengthen sustainable enterprise development and local economic participation.