The Khululeka Team and Board

Caroline Newbert is the current Chairperson of Khululeka’s Board. She has previously served as Chair since joining the Board in 2009. Caroline is a social worker and has a Master’s degree in Public Health (UCT). She is a senior manager at NACOSA – an NGO focusing on strengthening the HIV, AIDS and TB response across southern Africa. She is passionate about the protection of vulnerable children, adolescents and young women, and works to ensure they have access to support structures that will help build their resilience and find joy and fulfillment in the different aspects of their life.

Zayne Nabbee joined the board of Khululeka as Treasurer in March 2020. He is a chartered management accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). He has a wealth of experience in Finance, in both the public and private sector, across large corporations and SMME’s across a multitude of sectors. Zayne has a passion for making a difference in this world ensuring that we leave it better than we found it. He is involved in business strategy, finance and operations for many organisations and holds roles on several boards and committees in various capacities.

Kgahliso Mangoale joined the Khululeka board in 2021. Qualified as a social worker, she is currently completing a Master’s in Public Health at UCT. Kgahliso has gained experience in sub-grants management, programme development, management, capacity building, monitoring and evaluations and proposal writing. Her current portfolio also includes social media and branding programming. Kgahliso identifies as a Public Health Specialist, mostly passionate about women’s health, mental health and wellbeing, young people, advocacy on social determinants of disease and systems strengthening in NGOs.

Zeenat Sonday joined Khululeka Board in 2024. Working in Supply Chain Excellence at Engen, she has over 20 years of experience in strategic management and excellence, programme management, sales operations and human resources. Within these areas she has led projects that have required big picture thinking while having an appreciation for detail, and a synergistic and systematic approach. Her track record reflects high levels of integrity and compassion. Through her work and personal projects Zeenat values making a positive impact in areas of sustainability and transformation. This focus is inspired by nature, her family and closest connections where her personal interests lie in discovery and exploration. Zeenat brings a meaningful contribution through working with higher purpose and care.

Nwabisa Matyumza joined the Board in June 2024. With over 15 years of experience in the media industry, she has helped launch channels and drive strategic growth across the continent. Nwabisa also serves on the board of the Gauteng Media Development Project (919FM) and was named one of the UN MIPAD Global 100 Under 40 for her contributions to the sector. She holds a BA in Media and Political Science (UCT), a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (Henley), a certificate in Negotiation (GIBS), and is currently completing her MBA. She is passionate about the development of young people and advocating for greater mental health support for children.

Sibusiso Mtatase joined the Khululeka board in June 2024. He is Head of Ethics and Compliance at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and holds both LLB and LLM degrees. A Certified Ethics Officer and active member of the Compliance Institute Southern Africa, The Ethics Institute, and the Institute of Directors South Africa, Sibusiso brings deep expertise in ethical leadership, compliance, and governance. He is currently advancing his training through director development programmes with the IoDSA.

Wendy Lessing was appointed as Director in August 2021 prior to which she consulted as a Fundraiser and Project Manager. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology and has completed the course work towards an MPhil in Public Policy. Wendy has had extensive experience in the development field, particularly within the academic sector fulfilling a variety of roles at the University of Cape Town. Her experience includes representing a bilateral donor, the directorship of Abbeyfield SA as well as short stints at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Anglo-American Chairman’s Fund.