Our Team

Siphelele Chirwa – CEO

Siphelele has been working in the youth development sector for the last 17 years, with different NGOs Across South Africa and internationally. She designs and facilitates experiential programmes in leadership, life skills and rites of passage for young people and adults from all backgrounds.

Siphelele has always had an interest in human rights and being an activist at the grassroots level. Her passion started in high school as an Environmental activist and working with Youth Issues that are not separate from the broader human rights social ills. She went on to work through Educo Africa as one of the few female black wilderness guides. Guiding Youth in the different mountain ranges in the Western Cape.   

She has a Diploma in Project Management,  TSiBA  Education leading Sustainability organization NQF level 4, NQF level 5 in Community Development, and is a board member of the Learning Trust South Africa.

Siphelele is passionate about reading and loves watching documentaries, especially national geography and cooking.

Her superpower is her ability to make her son think she can do anything. Which she believes she can!

Trinity Netshokotshoko – Executive Assistant

Trinity is passionate about youth setting goals and striving to achieve them daily. She believes this will bring change in our communities and establish young leaders full of integrity and who cannot be shaken.

She has six years of working experience in administration which began in 2015 at CPUT where she was working as an administrator. She then continued to work at Educo Africa as a Project Coordinator where she coordinated a National Skills Fund (NSF) internship placement programme which had over 150 South African youths and opened over 100 permanent employment opportunities for those who participated.

Furthermore, she serves as the Chairperson of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the Western Cape Province in the Students’ Christian Organisation (SCO). She has served in student affairs and as a Chairperson when she was a student in 2015 – 2016 at CPUT District 6 branch.

Her academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Office Management and Technology obtained from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2016 and a higher certificate in Business Administration obtained with distinction from Richfield Institute, in 2012.

A foodie of note, she enjoys exploring with her palate and supplements this with a good workout at the gym and dancing in her spare time, she also enjoys a heartfelt conversation and always insists on bringing laughter to any environment she is in.

Anita Mlanjana – Finance Coordinator

Anita Mlanjana is a certified advanced bookkeeper currently in pursuit of a BCOM in Management degree.

She holds 12 years of experience in different sectors within the Telecommunication industry which include recruitment to serve as an Accounts Payable Administrator to prepare processes, maintain the accounts payable records, and support the company’s operational needs by interfacing with key external partners.

Her career encompasses experience as a sales order and contracts administrator tasked with the role of directing all financial administration and reporting, asset management and procurement processes whilst communicating business value and financial recommendations to support short- and long-term business decisions.

She is passionate about teaching and spending time with young children. Her hobbies are baking and hiking (being surrounded by nature).

Her superpower is calmness and a killer smile.

Patrick Lehana – Operations Coordinator

Patrick has worked in the youth development space for the past 11 years. He was introduced to youth development programmes after he completed his matric through Lovelife, where he joined as a volunteer, focusing on youth development as a Mentor and a facilitator of life skills programmes and climbed the ladder to senior levels.

Patrick also has experience as a project coordinator, highlights of his career were when he served as a Lovelife “Train” manager touring the South African rural areas in nine provinces and enrolling the life skills programmes for the youth, where he spent two years sleeping and eating on the train to deliver the mandate of the youth program.

He has a diploma in Computerised Project Management from Intec College. He also obtained accredited certificates in sports administration and as a fitness instructor.

A 2013 Activator, he is passionate about arts and talents that every young person possesses, and he believes in nurturing those particular skills to come alive.

When not at work you will find him focused on his side hustle, being a Deep House freelance Dj.

His Superpower is being a peacemaker and his belief that aliens exist.

Vuyokazi Fata – Office Assistant, Johannesburg

With her extensive experience in cleaning and upkeep of office space, she possesses sound knowledge of janitorial work and occupational safety standards, always ensuring staff adhere to COVID-19 regulations. She can communicate with staff in a polite tone and deliver exceptional service. She is a team player with good coordination skills. Vuyo also possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills and is known for her excellent verbal communication skills. With additions of honesty, reliability and punctuality she is effective in multitasking, is flexible, adaptable and keen to take initiative.  She can manage and finish all given tasks and adverse work environments, on time.

Her superpower includes leaving everyone and every room better than she found it.

Sarita Adonisis – Office Assistant, Cape Town

Sarita is a talented, enthusiastic and competent cleaner who has experience in the daily cleaning of all areas within both commercial & residential buildings. Helping to make a pleasant environment for both staff & customers. Having a can-do attitude and being able to ensure that all environments are kept clean and tidy to a high standard.

Physically fit and able to perform demanding duties such as lifting, pushing and pulling objects, bending and kneeling down.

Working as part of a team and responsible for various cleaning duties to ensure the cleanliness of the building. Complying with all proper safety policies and procedures when using cleaning chemicals. Making sure that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to.

When not at the office she enjoys time with her loved ones.

Zamayirha Peter – Communications Manager

Zamayirha has cultivated an eight-year multimedia journalism and communications career. Passionate about using development communications to empower youth and influence global dialogues, she began in traditional media at age 16 with a reflective piece on feminism. With contributions to numerous publications such as Huffington Post, City Press, and Malawi National Paper, her work has been recognised by institutions like the United Nations (UNDP) and (WIPO), Generation G Global, and leading South African universities including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch and NMMU.

Her broadcasting experience spans contributions to news outlets with the South African Broadcasting Corporation television and radio stations, and her roles as a producer and on-air personality for television shows and documentaries. As a Digital Communications Officer, Zamayirha has worked in six countries, including Angola, Malawi, and South Africa. 

Her academic accomplishments include a Bachelor’s and Honours Degree in Media and Journalism from the University of the Witwatersrand, alongside a Corporate Communications certificate. Beyond academia, she’s been a panel moderator for significant events and holds board positions with the African Youth Development Fund and Youth for Women Foundation.

The highlights of her career encompass interviews with prominent figures like South Africa’s Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke and filmmaker Tyler Perry, coverage of high-profile events including Oprah Winfrey’s Nelson Mandela’s centenary address , and opportunities with major media outlets like The Daily Maverick and BBC Africa. Her multifaceted career testifies to a commitment to development, empowerment, and journalistic integrity.

Her superpowers are found in the kitchen, a great admirer of British chef, Marco Pierre White.

Rammolotsi Sothoane – Strategic Partnerships & Special Projects Manager

Rammolotsi is an experienced and credible project coordinator and facilitator with over 10 years of experience in community and youth development.  He has previously worked as a project coordinator for the National Youth Resilience Initiative, community facilitator for Health Systems Trust’s “Better off Knowing” Campaign as well as a camp facilitator at the National Youth Camp which is an initiative of the Department of Sports and Recreation.

His experience at ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is multifaceted having served in various capacities including as an event coordinator, a project coordinator as well as a monitoring and evaluation support officer.

He is an International Relations and Philosophy graduate from the University of the Free State with extensive experience in project coordination, facilitation, programme development, monitoring and evaluation and youth development. Rammolotsi is also an accredited facilitator with the ETDP SETA.

He is passionate about creating enabling platforms for young people and communities, in general, to actively and meaningfully contribute towards influencing social change.

Rammolotsi or Kgotso as he is commonly known is an avid reader and a jazz enthusiast.

Lebohang Zimba – Network Lead

Lebohang Stephina Zimba is a dynamic and dedicated professional with a rich background in project management, programme and strategy development, facilitation, and stakeholder management.

Her strong educational foundation in Project Management for Community Development, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Adult Basic Education & Training, Facilitation and NPO Management.

Her diverse work experience in youth development and community service organizations highlights her commitment to fostering positive change and empowerment within communities.

Her multifaceted expertise and passion for making a difference make her an invaluable asset to any organization dedicated to community service and development. 

Lebohang’s superpower is her unwavering commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Her ability to inspire and lead diverse teams, coupled with her strategic vision and facilitation skills, enables her to drive impactful change and foster a positive environment for growth and learning.

Nathacia Olivier – Coordinator

Nathacia Olivier has nine years of experience in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, business & marketing management. She describes herself as a humanitarian who works a lot in youth development.

She is a creative and teachable person who is hardworking. She possesses internationally recognised qualifications in Marketing and Business Management. She interned for one of South Africa’s well-known and recognised direct marketing company known as – IDMASA in 2011.

Throughout her journey in social entrepreneurship, she served as the Deputy Chairperson for the Global Business Roundtable within the Future Leaders division from 2011 – 2013. She also served in the Gauteng Youth Chamber of Commerce & Industries from 2012 – 2014. Some of her milestones include being featured in various television youth talk shows on SABC 1 like 100% Youth, TOMZ & iTelliLab TV, and being invited to speak on various local & community-based radio stations. She also graduated from the SEED Academy British Council Arts programme in November 2019

Winning the SAB KickStart Ignite Competition in 2015 plus the 2016 GATE/GAP INNOVATION HUB competition coming 1st place. Being selected as one of the top 20 finalists within the Biosciences sector to attend the FEMBIZBIO programme by NEPAD in 2017 and travelling to Germany in 2018 for the Peace or War Youth Festival.

She is very passionate about young people and entrepreneurship. In 2013 she joined the Activate! Change Drivers programme to bring social change within her community.

Tebogo Motlana – Training Team Leader

Tebogo Motlana is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for community development and entrepreneurship. Born in Tsakane, Tebogo has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and empowering individuals through education and training. He qualified in Environmental Health at the University of Johannesburg in 2007, where he co-founded the Students Institute for Health and Environment (SIHE), demonstrating his early commitment to leadership and advocacy. With extensive experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, Tebogo has been instrumental in various capacities, including his role as a Community Service Environmental Health Practitioner at Matlala District Hospital.

Tebogo’s dedication to economic development is evident through various initiatives he including the one he has established, the Township Entrepreneurs Network (TEN), a platform that empowered local entrepreneurs through learning and networking opportunities. He has also been actively involved with the Global Business Roundtable (GBR) and the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC), showcasing his ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and drive strategic initiatives. Currently serving as the Public Relations Officer for the Greater Brakpan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GBCCI), Tebogo continues to champion economic development.

His commitment to education and training is further reflected in his previous role as a Training Facilitator for the Activate! Change Drivers program, where he is currently the training Team Leader and contributed in training thousands of youth in innovation, leadership and project planning etc. in engaging and interactive workshops that inspire critical thinking and creativity.

Tebogo Motlana’s mission is to impart knowledge and skills that enable individuals to become self-sufficient and improve their livelihoods. His extensive experience, leadership, and passion for community empowerment make him a valuable asset in any initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development and social innovation.

Shoki Chuene – ACD In-Community Administrative Support Officer

Shoki Abigale Chuene is a 2019 Activator, 2023 ACD In-Community Amplifier, and Community Leader. With a solid track record of seven years in the youth development sector, with project coordinator and Stakeholder Engagement experience. Shoki is an influential figure at Innovation of Excellence (IE) serving as a communications and operations manager, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system.

The organization’s mission is to bridge the educational divide between government and private schools, operating on the profound belief that every child is a genius. Currently serving as the Lead at the Outreach Foundation Youth Hub, Shoki has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to youth empowerment.

Her role as an ACD In-Community Amplifier for the 2023 Activate cohort further underscores her commitment to fostering opportunities for young people to thrive. Shoki is an advocate for youth development, recognizing the immense potential that young individuals possess to drive meaningful change.

At the Outreach Foundation Youth Hub, she is committed to providing comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to youth from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Shoki’s academic journey includes studying paralegal studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She holds an ECD certificate and an Accredited Facilitator certificate. Shoki graduated from City Year South Africa in 2018 and interned at Sci-Bono Career Centre as an administrator and facilitator. Additionally, she has served as a facilitator for GogogoGo, an NPO dedicated to equipping grandmothers with the skills to navigate tablets, thereby empowering them to assist their grandchildren with homework.

Beyond her professional commitments, Shoki is renowned for her compassion, empathy, and steadfast dedication to improving the lives of individuals from all walks of life. Through her relentless advocacy, outreach efforts, and community engagement, she continues to champion a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Shoki has boy mom superpowers: The ability to love fiercely, Laugh loudly, and never back down from a challenge.

Nonhlanhla Dube – Coordinator

Nonhlanhla Dube is a social entrepreneur with over 7 years in the business. She studied Small Business Management at the University of Johannesburg. 

Her passion for community development was cultivated when she joined the local newspaper; Tembisa News. Covering local news in different parts of Tembisa and Ekurhuleni, opened her eyes to the amount of work that still needs to be done to bring effective change in our communities.

Nonhlanhla joined ACTIVATE! In 2016 which empowered her to start a literacy programme in 2017, hosting holiday book clubs and after-school programmes. In 2021, she joined the Butterfly Art Project and was certified as a community art facilitator. She was incubated into the Project Cocoon internship programme which gave her skills of working with art as a medium for mental wellness and the skills to open and run her own art center.

In 2022, Nonhlanhla started Imibala Learning Academy, in which she ran early childhood support programmes where she collaborated with local ECD centers offering literacy and art programmes to the learners.  It is in this year where she received the ACTIVATE! Active Citizen Award.

With support and backing from organizations like Smart Start SA and The Buttery Art Project, Nonhlanhla went on to open her own early childhood center, in Vusimuzi informal settlements, in Tembisa.

She is passionate about bringing ideas that influence change to life.

Her superpower is to get things done!