Diverse expertise. Shared passion.

Mrs Nothando Makhetha is an education and youth development professional with extensive experience in programme design, learner support, and school-based interventions. She holds an Honours Degree in Education and a qualification in Management Programmes for NPOs. Her career has focused on creating opportunities that equip young people with the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed academically and beyond the classroom.

Her professional experience includes leading education programmes, developing partnerships with schools, mentoring facilitators, and implementing initiatives focused on leadership development, career guidance, communication skills, and learner wellbeing.

As Chairperson of Kune Afrika, she provides strategic leadership and guidance on education programmes, youth development initiatives, organisational governance, and stakeholder engagement. Her passion lies in helping young people discover their potential, build confidence, and become active contributors to society.

Miss Simangele Sithole is an environmental scientist, ecologist, and researcher with over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, environmental management, and applied ecological research. She served as an Ecosystem Services Ecologist with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and is currently pursuing a PhD at the Wyss Academy for Nature at The University of Bern.

Her research focuses on the ecological and economic feasibility of blue carbon financing mechanisms for marine protected areas in Africa. Her professional work spans ecosystem services assessment, biodiversity planning, environmental economics, invasive alien plant management, ecosystem valuation, climate change adaptation, and conservation policy development.

Within Kune Afrika, she provides technical leadership on environmental sustainability, conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, research, and evidence-based programme development.

Miss Nonhle Ntobeko Mngadi is a socio-ecological practitioner, community development specialist, and project management professional with more than twelve years of experience working at the intersection of conservation, community development, environmental stewardship, and sustainable livelihoods.

She holds a Master's Degree in Rural Resource Management, Extension and Agriculture and has worked extensively with rural communities, government institutions, conservation agencies, and development organisations throughout South Africa. Her specialisms include stakeholder engagement, community profiling, social science research, alternative livelihood development, conservation programme management, fundraising, and enterprise development.

As Treasurer of Kune Afrika, she provides leadership in organisational development, programme strategy, fundraising, financial oversight, partnership development, and community engagement. Her work is driven by a commitment to empowering communities, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening the relationship between people and nature.