Ivan has worked in the social impact space for nearly a decade and specialises in strategy, organisational culture and building collaborative teams. Before his involvement in Valcare, he worked as a management consultant in the petro-chemical, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Ivan holds an MBA, an honours degree in Industrial Psychology and a BA in Communications from the North-West University. He enjoys long-distance running, any form of chocolate and spending time with his beautiful wife and son.

Brendan has over 20 years of experience in the social sector. He is a former British Army officer specialising in humanitarian aid. He has worked with several international organisations, including NATO and the United Nations, in over 40 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Brendan holds a Master’s Degree from Tabor College, Australia, and a BComm (Hons) from UKZN. He also has several professional post-graduate degrees and qualifications from Cambridge University. He loves the outdoors, scuba diving, hiking, his family, and ice cream.

Anniza has more than ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including working in the UK for multiple nonprofit organisations. She is passionate about the professionalisation of monitoring and evaluation to empower nonprofits to elevate their evaluation practices, bringing life, meaning and value to evaluations. She has a BA in Social Dynamics and a PGD in Monitoring and Evaluation from Stellenbosch University. Anniza loves to bake. She bakes intricate cakes, cupcakes, and treats for her dog Bo and his friends.

Esté has ten years of experience in journalism and communications. Prior to joining Valcare, she worked at various publications, academic institutes, and nonprofit organisations and has a track record of designing communications for impact. She has a BA in International Studies and a BPhil in Journalism from Stellenbosch University. Esté is passionate about language, crossword puzzles, and winning at trivia games.

Thandi’s background includes work in the government and education sectors and various online and print publications. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a passion for telling positive and impactful stories. She loves leg days at the gym, getting lost in nature, and her favourite meal is brunch.

Tlatsetso is passionate about social impact and resource mobilisation within the nonprofit sector. She has worked in the industry for over nine years, including in Botswana and Lesotho. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Theory and Politics and a postgraduate diploma in International Studies from Rhodes University. Tlatsetso believes in the power of community and ubuntu to foster real change. She also loves karaoke and singing her heart out.

Jolanda has been with Valcare for almost 20 years and has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is passionate about building and retaining strong and meaningful relationships and empowering nonprofits to build and expand their networks. She has been involved with academic institutes for the past ten years, sharing her experience and knowledge with students. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stellenbosch University. Jolanda believes a good day is filled with laughter; she loves spending time with her family and pets.

Courtney has over ten years of experience in interpersonal relations and five years of experience specialising in Community Development and implementing community-based projects. Before joining Valcare, she worked for the Local Government and the Department of Health. Courtney holds a BA in Psychology and an Honours Degree in Social Development, focusing on Development Management and Community Development. She loves to laugh, eats good food, and is a sports fan.

Nicole has 12 years of experience in people management and learning and development. Before joining Valcare, she worked at various organisations providing leadership, mentorship, management and staff training, and development for local and international clientele in the business process outsourcing sector. Nicole has a track record of developing impactful training content and motivating positive change. She enjoys fishing, two café lattes a day, and quality time with her family.

Oupa has six years of experience in results-based monitoring and evaluation. Prior to joining Valcare, he worked in both the public and private sectors in the field of research, project management, monitoring, and evaluation. He has an Honours degree in Development Studies and a postgraduate certificate in Project and Programme Monitoring and Evaluation. Although he appears shy and reserved, nothing gets him out of his shell like a good game of cricket or football.

Ronlyn has been with Valcare since 2018 when she interned as a Social Auxiliary Worker. In 2019, she took on the role of administrative assistant and is currently the Data and Systems Officer. She has a qualification in Social Auxiliary Work from Hugenote College and a qualification in Community Health Work from Glen Lilly Training College. She enjoys walking her dogs, spending time with her family and eating everything that contains sugar.

Liezl joined Valcare in 2006 and is currently working as the Office Manager. She manages the Vuka Co-working Space, which Valcare shares with three other organisations. Her focus is on ensuring operations flow smoothly through systems practices and efficiency. She has a qualification in Secretarial Public Relations from Boland College Stellenbosch. Liezl loves reading fiction and binge-watching series. She often wishes to escape to the 80s—the decade with the best music ever!

Siphesihle started her career at Valcare as an administrative intern, and now she works as our front-of-house receptionist. She is passionate about working with people and has a qualification in management assistance. She enjoys unleashing her creative side by experimenting with different make-up styles.