The Rural Education Access Programme
About Us
Our Vision
To reduce rural poverty in South Africa by developing skilled, self-sustaining, ethically responsible youth.
Our Mission
To offer motivated young South Africans from disadvantaged rural households the support and guidance they need to participate & succeed in post-school education & training, sustain themselves and become ethically responsible & caring citizens.
Our History
The Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) was registered as a Non Profit Organisation in 2001. REAP is also an associate body of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference. REAP evolved from a previous entity – the Catholic Education Assistance Programme (CEAP), established during the apartheid years.
REAP’s constitution provides that:
The Rural Education Access Programme shall embrace the call for the community serving humanity. It shall strive to meet the educational needs of those marginalised by poverty, geographical location, gender and disability.
Principles and policy shall be informed by values that redress inequality and heal the land. Peace, justice, service, freedom and the dignity of the individual, interfaith access and education for employment, will reflect the Catholic ethos governing the organisation.
Since 2001 REAP has worked in close partnership with state funding entities (notably NSFAS and National Skills Fund) as well as a variety of South African and international donors to enable thousands of young South Africans from low income households in rural areas to access and succeed in post school education and training (PSET).
Key Objectives.
1. To guide, prepare, recruit and select academically able young people from rural schools and come from low income households
2. To offer support for our students in a range of post-school education & training (PSET) opportunities which optimise the possibility of success – both in terms of graduation and, ultimately, employment.
3. To accompany them throughout their courses of study, promoting their development into autonomous adulthood and academic success through providing sustained individual psycho-social support as well as development opportunities.
4. To promote values and behaviours among students and staff of integrity, justice and a spirit of community serving humanity, in line with the Catholic values on which REAP is founded.
5. To promote their employability through the development of suitable skills.
6. To contribute to the sector more broadly, through sharing good practice and advocating on issues affecting both our students in particular and tertiary students in general.
Strategic Priorities.
- Further develop our Location Specific Intervention Model, working in partnership with communities and relevant local stakeholders – as a potential template for securing additional long terms funding, particularly in the rural BBBEE space.
- Develop, strengthen and actively review our Post School Readiness Programme (PSRP) in schools.
- Develop and strengthen our student support and development programme in TVET colleges, embracing NCV. NATED and WPL students. In particular the development of our Work Placed Learning requires special focus.
- Actively explore the viability of extending support to PSET options beyond University and TVET colleges. This may include private colleges, education & training colleges. To then act on this.
- Offer support – and therefore only recruit – for courses at which there is a reasonable likelihood of success;
- Continue to explore the provision of targeted academic and subject support, in close consultation and collaboration with carefully selected faculties;
- Commission some more intensive research to develop a more coherent policy on course choices.
- Actively develop a blended student support and development model, utilising a mixture of virtual and face to face interventions.
- Actively review the impact and effectiveness of our employability initiatives;
- More proactively model, emphasise and inculcate REAP values with our students;
- Enhance our research and advocacy presence on issues affecting both our students and those from similar situations facing similar issues, with a view to make a constructive contribution to improving the potential success of impoverished rural students at PSET.
Our Staff
HEAD OFFICE
Russell Davies
Director
Russell is originally from Melbourne, Australia but has lived in Cape Town since January 2006 following 6 years in London, UK. He holds undergraduate degrees in Law, Commerce and Theology, a Masters in Social Policy and a post-graduate…
diploma in Development Management. Following four years practising as an attorney, Russell has spent most of his professional life in senior roles with international NGO’s in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. For 8 years prior to joining REAP in September 2010, he was Director of HOPEHIV, a UK based children’s charity with project partners all over East & Southern Africa. In addition to his role at REAP, Russell chairs the National Bursary Support Providers Forum (www.nationalbursaryforum.org.za).
Evodia Mohoanyane
Deputy Director
Evodia Mohoanyane is the Deputy Director at the Rural Education Access Programme (REAP), where she works at the intersection of access, student success, and economic mobility to unlock opportunity for young people from rural communities.
She holds undergraduate degrees in Statistics and Business Management, as well as a Masters in Development Studies, and brings an interesting blend of entrepreneurial leadership, data-driven strategy, and powerful storytelling, using numbers to guide decisions and stories to mobilise belief, collaboration, and action. Known for building and scaling innovative programmes and partnerships, Evodia is passionate about translating impact into sustainable growth and long-term social return. She spent most of her career working at her alma mater University of Free State, where she has held various leadership roles. She also mentors emerging leaders, serves on multiple boards, and believes deeply in education as one of the most powerful levers for social and economic change.
Hulisani Matodzi
Head of Finance & Business Support
Hulisani was born in Limpopo, Tshifulanani village. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management…
Accounting and another one in Taxation, both from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is also a qualified Tax Practitioner registered with the South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT). Hulisani has held senior finance roles at Prescient Management Company (Pty) Ltd, Maitland Group, State Street Southern Africa, Allan Gray (Pty) Ltd, Equal Education and Titan Cargo . He is also a REAP alumnus and was the first to serve on the REAP Board as Treasurer. He joined the staff as Head of Finance & Business Support in March 2025
Fabian Goodwin
Data Manager
Fabian Goodwin is originally from Cape Town and serves as the Data Manager at the Rural Education Access Programme (REAP), where he builds the data foundations and analytics engines that enable the organisation to measure impact, optimise processes, and drive strategic growth.
With over a decade of experience in the South African NGO sector, he specialises in transforming complex programmatic and operational data into clear, actionable insights using CRM systems, business intelligence tools and AI.
Fabian studied Office Management and Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and began his working career in the capital markets research sector, where he held several senior roles. He transitioned to the NGO space in 2014 as an Operations Coordinator at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and joined REAP in the summer of 2016.
Tammy Abrahams
Senior Data Quality and Student Finance Officer
Tammy Abrahams studied Office Management & Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. After graduation, she started her career in the corporate sector at Absa Bank for 7 years, and then moved into the NGO space at REAP for 9 years as a Bursary Coordinator.
Whilst at REAP she completed her certificate in the NPO Management Programme at Stellenbosch Business school.
For the past 3 years she worked at Stellenbosch University as a Scholarship Coordinator in the postgraduate environment before returning to REAP in 2024. Tammy is passionate about playing a part in changing young people’s lives.
Funeka Tyatyeka
Bookkeeper
- Cape Town
Funeka is originally from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the Tertiary School of Business Administration. Whilst studying, she worked…
as a replenisher and later served as acting signatory for Siyaphambili Orphan Village, having completed an internship with the organisation. She has worked in various capacities at REAP since 2012 and currently provides admin support to both the Finance and TVET teams and is currently serving in the Finance team as Bookkeeper
Willem Schaap
Bursary, Logistics & Resources Officer part-time
Willem graduated with bachelor and honours degrees in Industrial Psychology (Labour Relations) and a Master of Commerce degree in business management from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Whilst working as Operations Manager in the Executive…
Education unit of the GSB – UCT, he completed an Associate in Management as well as several management programmes. Willem’s career spans over 20 years in the field of academic administration in the Higher Education sector. He previously worked in the distance education section at UJ and the Executive Education unit of the Graduate School of Business – UCT.
Business Support Team
Student Support team
Xoliswa Phaku
Team Lead – Student Support
- Bloemfontein
Xoliswa was born and raised in Aliwal North, a very small town on the border of the Free State and the Eastern Cape. She completed her B Social Science Degree with distinction at the University…
of the Free State in 2015 and obtained her Honours Degree in the same field in 2016. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society which recognises academic excellence, leadership development and community service. Before joining REAP in 2018, Xoliswa worked as a Community Development Practitioner at the Department of Social Development in her home town (Aliwal North). Xoliswa is the founder of a women-led Non-Profit Organisation that aims to empower young women to find their voice. She currently leads the Student Support team and herself supports students at UFS and CUT.
Nicholus Mohale
Senior Student Development Advisor
- Johannesburg
Nicholus is originally from Mpumalanga in a rural area called Schoemansdal. He holds a BA in Applied Psychology for Professional Context majoring in Counselling and Industrial Psychology…
from the University of South Africa. He worked for 2 years as a Lay Counsellor at Thembalethu Home base Care, 3 years at the University of South Africa as an Assistant Student Counsellor and 1 year at Rhema Service Foundation as a Project Assistant Manager and Acting Project Manager. He is a Founder of Hlela, which is a Mobile Career Development Programme. Nicholus joined REAP in May 2015 and has supported students mainly in the Gauteng region. He is now also overseeing REAPs new school project in Limpopo.
Sithembile Mthuli
Student Development Advisor
- Kimberley
Sithembile is originally from Harrismith but moved at an early age to a small village called Kwanzimakwe tribal, in southern KZN. She first completed a Business Management Certificate from Esayidi…
TVET college and then obtained her Bachelor of Psychology (Registered Counsellor) from WSU. She joined WSU as a Financial Aid officer before moving to King Sabata Dalityebo (KSD) TVET college as a Career Guidance Intern, and then joining Higher Health as a Campus Health and Wellness Coordinator for the same college. She worked for a short time at Vukuzithathe community health and welfare development organisation as a Supervisor/ Sub District Coordinator in their Orphan Vulnerable Children (OVC) program at Harry Gwala District, before joining REAP in July 2023.
Thato Mangoejane
Student development Advisor
– Bloemfontein
Thato was born and raised in Botshabelo, 50km outside of Bloemfontein. He completed a degree in Bachelor of Social Sciences (majored in Psychology and Sociology) and an Honours degree in Psychology at the University of the Free State. Subsequent to that,…
he worked as a Research Assistant and a tutor/facilitator for the UFS Psychology department. He also worked at the Department of Employment and Labour as an Employment Counselling Intern. Thato joined REAP in 2022 as a casual worker, responsible for facilitating the Post-School Readiness Programme and providing Post-School Planning Advising. He is currently supporting students at Motheo TVET, SPU and VUT.
Mandisa Nene
Student Development Advisor –
Johannesburg
Mandisa Nene was born and bred in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal but completed her high school education in Mkhambathini closer to Camperdown.
Thereafter she obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology at the university of KwaZulu-Natal and later on an honours degree from UNISA. Her career started in Durban at NICRO as a volunteer where her passion for working with young people was ignited. Consequently she has worked for organisations such as Khulisa , Black Lawyers Association and joined REAP in 2014 where she worked as a Student Development Advisor for six years . After her departure she joined Jesuit Refugee Service where she was responsible for the implementation of the education project in Johannesburg that supported refugee and migrant children attending primary, secondary schools and children with special needs . She is currently supporting students at Wits, UJ and UKZN.
Vatiswa Mangxola
Student Development Advisor
- Cape Town
Vatiswa is originally fom Mdantsane, East London and holds a BA Honours degree in Psychology and Community Development from the University of the Western Cape. She currently supports university students in the Western and Eastern Capes.
With nine years’ experience in the NGO sector, she has provided psychosocial support, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, and coaching to high school and tertiary students from disadvantaged communities. She is deeply passionate about education, youth development, and community development, with a particular focus on young people from under-resourced areas. She plans to pursue postgraduate studies in Monitoring and Evaluation to one day design systems that assess programme effectiveness, track throughput and dropout rates, and inform developmental programmes that strengthen South Africa’s education system. Known for her charismatic approach and profound commitment to young people, she regards her work as a calling to serve a greater purpose.
Mathlogedi Legodi
Programme Administrator
- Bloemfontein
Mathlogedi Legodi was born in the Seshego township (Polokwane) within the Limpopo Province. She then moved to Pretoria and later on to Carletonville. She completed her BA Honours in Psychology at UNISA.
She has held various roles at UNISA (Polokwane Campus) including as Assistant Student Counsellor and then Intern Career Guidance Practitioner. She also provided career guidance to learners and administrative support at REAP on a casual basis before joining full time in July 2023.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Schools team
Robyn Pritchard
PSRP Team Lead (FS & NC) and Skills Development Facilitator
Robyn graduated from the University of the Western Cape with a B. Psych degree in 2007. She is currently completing her Masters degree. For a year thereafter she worked as a Personal Assistant to a Discovery Insurance…
broker and in March 2009 she was employed as a Student Support Officer at the College of Cape Town where she worked at a few of their campuses including Athlone, Thornton and the City. Robyn started with REAP as a Student Development Advisor in July 2011, and since then has assumed increased responsibility, filling a variety of roles.
Katlego Kgaile
School Programme Officer
- Limpopo
Katelego is from one of the dusty rural areas in Thaba Nchu called Modutung. He is a qualified and registered Social Auxiliary worker, facilitator and assessor. In his spare time, Katlego runs a well-known…
football club in Thaba Nchu called Tsiki United and he is also a member of the Thaba Nchu Local Football Association. Katlego has a wealth of community development and facilitator experience, working for various NPOs.
Palesa Pienaar
School Programme Officer
- Free State
Thato Gaolese
Schools Programme Officer
- Northern Cape
Thato was born and raised in Postmasburg and attended Ratang Thuto Senior Secondary School, Matric at Rekgaratlhile High School and then returned to Postmasburg Boichoko. He is passionate about uplifting youthful members of his community and excelling in different meaningful ways. He currently leads the PSRP team at Ratang Thuto High School.
Skylar Fortuin
Schools Programme Officer
– Northern Cape
Skylar leads the REAP PSRP team at Kuilsville High School in Danielskuil, her home town.
She previously worked at Lifeline Northern Cape, a non-governmental organization, where she was passionate about supporting and uplifting her community. She has been part of REAP since 2024 and is currently enrolled and studying towards a Diploma in Grade R teaching.
Gerrit Smith
Schools Programme Officer
– Northern Cape
Gerrit leads the PSRP team at Petrusville High School, commencing with REAP in January 2026. He has always been actively involved in advancing educational opportunities in rural communities.
His previous work experience has focused on supporting outofschool youth and facilitating Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes, aimed at improving access to education and lifelong learning. Through that role, he gained valuable experience in community engagement, programme facilitation, and youth development. Driven by a strong desire to break the cycle of poverty in his rural hometown of Petrusville, Gerrit is committed to becoming a positive role player and a role model for youth in his community. He is passionate about empowering young people through education, skills development, and motivation, and strives to contribute meaningfully to social and economic transformation.
Asisipho Joka
Schools Programme Officer
– Northern Cape
Asisipho leads the PSRP team at Phakamisani High school, in his home town of Hanover, where he attended both Primary and High School.
After Matric he completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree at the University of Free State. After University he got his first Job at the South African Police Service, and from there worked as a Teacher Assistant and a Facilitator for an NGO called ENKE. His future dream is to one day be a registered Counsellor, which means furthering his studies and majoring in Psychology. He joined REAP in January 2026.
Nicholus Mohale
PSRP Team Lead
- Limpopo
Nicholus is originally from Mpumalanga in a rural area called Schoemansdal. He holds a BA in Applied Psychology for Professional Context majoring in Counselling and Industrial Psychology…
from the University of South Africa. He worked for 2 years as a Lay Counsellor at Thembalethu Home base Care, 3 years at the University of South Africa as an Assistant Student Counsellor and 1 year at Rhema Service Foundation as a Project Assistant Manager and Acting Project Manager. He is a Founder of Hlela, which is a Mobile Career Development Programme. Nicholus joined REAP in May 2015 and has supported students mainly in the Gauteng region. He is now also overseeing REAPs new school project in Limpopo.
David Manyaka
Senior Schools Programme Officer
- Limpopo
David Manyaka was born and bred at Ga-Maila Mapitsane in the Sekhukhune District and later relocated to Mafefe “a mountainous village” located in the Capricorn District. David completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Limpopo with five merit awards.
David leads the PSRP team at Gobetse High School. He has experience in coordinating and facilitating school-based programs in his capacity as school social worker for Lighting Tomorrow Ltd. He has also worked in child protection for the Limpopo Department of Social Development. David has also been involved in Gender Based violence training workshops and facilitated Man2man support groups on part-time.
Kamogelo Tleane
Schools Programme Officer
- Limpopo
Kamogelo leads the PSRP team at Sehlaku Technical High School. He was born and raised in Soshanguve a township outside Pretoria. From a young age, Kamogelo has been involved in community projects that assist the youth. His most important highlight from doing community service was when he was the Chairperson of Generation Next Soshanguve (Youth advisory counsel for the U.S embassy) where together with his team they managed to donate over 500 sanitary towels to a local school.
Kamogelo holds a degree in Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Political Sciences and International Relations and an Honours degree in Social sciences from the North West University. Kamogelo explored many leadership roles in his Alma mater, the biggest one being in the CSRC as an Arts and Culture officer for the term 2019/20. Kamogelo initially joined REAP as a casual school Facilitator in 2021, before being appointed as a Schools Programme Officer in January 2024.
Lesedi Maesala
Schools Programme Officer
– Limpopo
Lesedi Maesela is an education professional currently serving as Schools Programme Officer at Gobetse High School.
She matriculated from Fetakgomo Secondary School in the Sekhukhune District—an experience that continues to shape her commitment to rural education development and youth empowerment. Lesedi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa. With experience in teaching and strong involvement in community-based education support, she has worked closely with learners on career guidance, university applications, and bursary access. Passionate about education as a tool for social mobility, Lesedi is particularly driven to empower young people from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, and aspires to contribute meaningfully to equitable and inclusive education systems in South Africa.
Kamogelo Mathaila
Schools Programme Administrator
– Limpopo
Kamogelo Mathaila was born and bred in Limpopo province, Sekhukhune District at Ga-Malekane Village (Ngwaabe).
He completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree at University of Limpopo with two merit awards in recognition for his academic excellence. He started his journey with REAP, 2021 at Gobetse Secondary School as a REAP learner, to REAP student, until joining REAP in January 2026 as Programme Administrator based at Sehlaku Technical High School.
As part of his professional training, he completed months of practical fieldwork at Department of Social Development at Limpopo Ngwaabe Clinic and Turfloop DSD Offices, serving as a student social worker. During that period, he gained hands-on experience in community-based social work and working closely with individuals and families while developing strong skills in assessment, support and intervention. He is passionate about community development and committed to improving the wellbeing of young people and vulnerable communities through ethical and compassionate social work practices.
Petunia Ralebona
Senior Office Administrator Bloemfontein / Programme Administrator Schools team
Born and raised in Ha-Mamphagi village under St. Scholastica parish in Limpopo Province, Petunia obtained a National Diploma in Office Management and Technology from TUT. Before joining REAP in 2013 she worked for Stats SA…
as District Trainer and for Career Wise Bursary Scheme as MQA Work experience and Internship Admin Assistant. Petunia both oversees the Bloemfontein office and provides administrative support to the schools team.
Patricia Serothwane
School Programme Administrator
– Limpopo
Patricia was born and raised in Malekane near a small town called Steelpoort in Limpopo Province.
Prior to completing her matric, she moved to Johannesburg where she completed her Marketing Management Certificate at CJC Parktown. Patricia’s interests have always been about uplifting the youth in terms of social awareness grasping opportunities where education is involved. She joined REAP in September 2024 and have since been enjoying working closely with the youth at Gobetse High School.
Schools Team
Post School Opportunities Team
Sithembiso Ngwenya
Team Lead – Post School Opportunities and Work Placed Learning
- Bloemfontein
Sithembiso Ngwenya is a young professional from Embabane -Dannhauser Area in KwaZulu Natal. He joined Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) in 2022 as a Student Development Advisor, bringing extensive experience in higher education and student support services, particularly within the TVET sector.
Prior to joining REAP, Sithembiso built a strong professional foundation across several institutions. He served as a Student Support Officer at Majuba TVET College and Thekwini TVET College, where he supported student wellbeing, retention, and academic success. He later worked at Durban University of Technology as a Careers Resource Officer within the Student Support and Development Department, providing career guidance and employability support. He subsequently served as an Academic Facilitator in the General Education Department, further strengthening his experience in teaching, academic development, and student success initiatives.
Academically, Sithembiso holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sport Science from University of Zululand, an Honours degree in Psychology, and a master’s degree in psychology from University of South Africa. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Nelson Mandela University, with a research focus on student mental health in TVET colleges.
Mulalo Sadiki
Post School Opportunities Co-Ordinator
– Limpopo
Born and raised in Polokwane – Limpopo, Mulalo Sadiki is a qualified researcher and registered Psychometrist (HPCSA) with an interdisciplinary academic background in psychology and sociology.
Mulalo holds a Bachelor of Social Science, Honours degrees in Psychology and Sociology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychometry, and a Master’s degree in Research Psychology from the University of Cape Town. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at the University of the Free State.
Having worked at UCT, UFS, NMU, and ACEF, his professional experience includes academic research, psychometric assessment, teaching and academic support, and civic education, with a focus on gender justice, masculinities, GBVF mitigation, social development and capacity building. Subsequent to primarily working within academia, Mulalo joined the REAP Team in February 2026.
Lefera Khahliso
Post School Opportunities Co-Ordinator
– Free State
Lefera is a results-driven and passionate leader from Dealesville, holding an Advanced Diploma in Public Management.
With a strong background in health-related matters and developmental programs, Lefera has delivered academic and extracurricular excellence in various leadership roles, focusing on organizational tasks and volunteer efforts. Skilled in fostering teamwork and communication, Lefera is dedicated to driving results and inspiring others through a proactive approach and unwavering work ethic. With experience as a Peer Educator, Peer Mentor, and Curriculum Assistant, he has developed a blend of soft and hard skills, making a positive impact in his community.
Katleho Mokoena
Post School Opportunities Co-Ordinator
– Free State
Katleho Mokoena is a young professional born in Bethlehem in the Free State. He is a qualified Senior and FET Phase teacher specializing in History and FET and is officially registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
Katleho has been actively involved in community development as a volunteer through an organisation called Scouts South Africa for the past 13 years. Through this journey, he has participated in international and regional conferences, where he was exposed to leadership development and mentorship opportunities. During this time, he also held various leadership roles that contributed to his growth as a leader.
During his studies at the University of the Free State, Katleho was involved in several initiatives under Student Affairs, including serving as a Peer Educator and Peer Mentor. Through these programmes, he developed important skills in mentoring and supporting fellow students.
He is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Curriculum Studies. In addition to his academic journey, Katleho is also developing his entrepreneurial skills as the founder of Mahadi Winery VI, SA. Through both his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, he continues to grow his professional profile and leadership capacity.
Mahlatse Mphahlele
Post-School Opportunities Intern
- Limpopo
Originally from Ga Mphahlele Seleteng in Limpopo Province, Mahlatse Mphahlele is an education and career development professional dedicated to bridging the gap between rural learners and sustainable opportunities.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Science from North West University and a BA Honours in Psychology from UNISA. Her professional journey includes serving as a Trainee Career Guidance Practitioner at UNISA and a Deployment Counsellor within the Department of Labour, where she specialized in connecting work seekers with the labour market and facilitating job readiness workshops.
In April 2026, she joined the REAP team as a Post School Opportunities Programme Intern at Gobetse Secondary School. She is motivated by practical commitment to youth empowerment, focusing on providing under resourced communities with the specific information and tools they need to better themselves. By equipping individuals with the resources to improve their own circumstances, she aims to make long lasting impact on social mobility and community growth.
Our Board
Celeste Bennett
CHAIRPERSON
Celestine (Celeste) Bennett, graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelors Degree in Social Science in 1987. She has since gained HR experience in several industry sectors including motor,…
fast moving consumer goods and parastatal sectors. Celeste’s HR experience spans more than twenty-five years. She is currently employed in the Oil and Gas sector in a senior leadership role. Celeste is an accomplished HR professional with demonstrated ability to deliver mission-critical results. She is decisive, strategic and bold with an acutely developed interpersonal competency. Celeste is a performance and service driven leader with robust negotiation skills.
Kanyisa Diamond
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Kanyisa originates from the rural Eastern Cape, and completed her undergraduate studies at Rhodes University and qualified in a Bachelor of Social Science. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business…
Administration through the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She started her career in the financial sector with Sanlam and later moved to the NGO sector and worked with the Rural Education Access Programme for nine years, as a Student Development Advisor, a Regional Manager and for the last 3 years as Head of Programme. She left REAP to take up a new role as Senior Project Manager of an Education Flagship Project for the Old Mutual Foundation. She is currently a senior manager responsible for education futures and change management with the National Education Collaboration Trust.
Jeanne Pienaar
Treasurer
Jeanne Pienaar is a Financial Accountant in private practice. She holds a B.Comm Degree from the University of Stellenbosch, a Higher Diploma in Education as well as Diplomas in Tax Law and Estate Law respectively.
Having taught Accounting at Selborne College in East London and at Hottentots Holland High School, she left the profession in 1992 to join Fairheads Trust Company (an international investment company) as an internal auditor where she developed her skills in financial accounting, trust administration and eventually exclusively tax consulting. Following the birth of her daughters, Jeanne continued to work part time for clients of Fairheads Trust as a financial accountant and tax consultant/administrator. Over the ensuing years her incidental practice grew by word of mouth to over 250 clients. Jeanne is a registered accountant and a member of the Institute of Accountants in Commerce. Jeanne also serves on the board of Metro Kids Africa and as the accounting officer for WISEUP (Women in Sports Education Upliftment Programme), both of which are NPO’s.
Dr Wongiwe Ludidi
Board Executive Committee
Dr. Wongiwe Ludidi is a seasoned Executive with over 20 years’ experience in various industries such as Higher Education, Energy, Petro-Chemicals, Manufacturing, Construction and Supply Chain.
She spent 4 years as Head of Learning and Transformation for Lafarge South Africa and is currentyly Head of Transformation for CHEP SA, a part of the Australian-owned Brambles Group. As a part-time consultant, Dr. Ludidi focuses on facilitation, coaching, career journeys, personal development and building effective teams. Dr. Ludidi also runs Ignow Mentoring Circles – which is a platform for young professional women to accelerate in their chosen professions, and is a Director of the LAMP Foundation, an organisation that focuses on empowering Grade 9 to 12 learners to make informed decisions about the future. Wongiwe has a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) obtained from Rhodes University, a Master of Arts (cum laude) in Industrial Sociology from North-West University and a DLitt et. Phil in Sociology from the University of Johannesburg. She also completed the Human Resources Executive Development Programme through the University of Stellenbosch Business School and a BBB-EE Management Development Programme from Wits University.
Brother Michael de Klerk
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Michael was born in Cape Town and educated by the Holy Cross Sisters and the Christian Brothers. He completed his Novitiate formation for the Christian Brothers as well…
as his teacher training in Melbourne, Australia. He has taught in Cape Town, Bulawayo and Johannesburg. Over a period of 14 years, Michael served as Principal at both CBC Springs and Immaculata High School in Soweto. He is the current President of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life of South Africa (LCCL) and the Chairperson of both the Catholic Schools Proprietors’ Association (CaSPA) and the Catholic Schools Board (CSB) in Gauteng. Michael is also a Director of the Christian Brothers Association, the Edmund Rice Bicentennial Trust (UK), Girls and Boys Town South Africa, Northern Free State Institute of Community Development and the Catholic Education Trust. He served for 8 years as Chair of the REAP Board and now continues as a member of the Executive Committee.
Janice Seland
Finance sub-committee
Janice Seland has been a REAP Board member and Treasurer since its inception in 2001. She holds a B. Com degree majoring in Financial Accounting and has been Finance Director and a Board member at the Catholic Institute…
of Education since 1991, before taking over as Executive Director in 2015. She is also a member of the Finance Committees of both CATHCA (Catholic Health) and SACBC and a Board member of Sophiatown Community Psychological Services. Prior to joining CIE, she held IT related positions at Premier Foods and InfoGold. Janice is also a qualified Lifeline counsellor.
Siwaphiwe Mpondonkulu
Finance sub-committee
Siwaphiwe is a REAP alumna, originally from the rural Eastern Cape. She obtained her B.Comm from NMU and is also Qualified Chartered Management Accountant, with over six years work experience in financial services industry.
Currently, she works as a Business Analyst supporting Executive Management functions such as Risk Management, Performance Measurement and Strategy Planning.
Nicholus Mohale
Staff Representative
Nicholus is originally from Mpumalanga in a rural area called Schoemansdal. He holds a BA in Applied Psychology for Professional Context majoring in Counselling and Industrial Psychology…
from the University of South Africa. He worked for 2 years as a Lay Counsellor at Thembalethu Home base Care, 3 years at the University of South Africa as an Assistant Student Counsellor and 1 year at Rhema Service Foundation as a Project Assistant Manager and Acting Project Manager. He is a Founder of Hlela, which is a Mobile Career Development Programme. Nicholus joined REAP in May 2015 and has supported students mainly in the Gauteng region. He is now also overseeing REAPs new school project in Limpopo.
Dr Mbalenhle Gwacela
BOARD MEMBER
Dr Mbalenhle Gwacela is based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and is a lecturer and researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
She is a REAP alumna and holds undergraduate training in Geography and Environmental Science, an Honours degree in Policy and Development Studies, a Master’s degree in Food Security, and a PhD focusing on household food security and multidimensional poverty in rural South Africa.
Her academic and professional work centres on food systems, rural livelihoods, and household wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on community-based interventions such as home gardens. She brings a research-informed, people-centred perspective to her work with REAP, with a particular interest in supporting young people from under-resourced communities to thrive through education.
Fr Hugh O'Connor
SACBC representative
Father Hugh O’Connor is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cape Town. He has worked in Parishes across the Archdiocese, mostly as a formator and lecturer at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Athlone.
He has been a member of both School Governing Bodies and Boards of Governors. He served as Vicar for education as well as Chair of both the Catholic Board of Education Western Cape and the Catholic Schools’ Trust Western Cape. He is currently a member of the National Catholic Board of Education as well as Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference.
Bishop Sylvester David
SACBC Liaison Bishop
Bishop Sylvester David was born in Durban. He took first vows as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate in January 1985 and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Hurley in February 1991.
He holds a PhD in Biblical Theology and has worked both in Parish and Formation ministry, as well as the Education and training programme of the Catholic Church. He was President of St Joseph’s Theological Institute in Cedara from 2007 – 2015, and in 2019 was appointed President elect of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas but was called back to South Africa after six months; having been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Cape Town. He has been the SACBC designated liaison Bishop for REAP since January 2022.
Dr Seamus Needham
BOARD MEMBER
Seamus Needham is the Director of the Institute for Post-School Studies (IPSS) in the Faculty of Education at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town, South Africa.
Phumla Hobe-Yabo
BOARD MEMBER
Phumla Hobe-Yabo served as Head of Programmes and Operations at Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation for nearly six years from its establishment in 2017 to 2023.
Phumla Hobe-Yabo served as Head of Programmes and Operations at Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation for nePrior to that she served as a Student development Advisor and regional manager at REAP. In 2020, she was appointed to serve as the first black Trustee of the Epoch and Optima Trusts. She holds an Honours degree in Education Management Law and Policy from University of Pretoria and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Development and Management with a special focus on Corporate Social Responsibility at the North West University (Potchefstroom).
Martin Mulcahy
Board member
Martin is a retired teacher who taught with the Christian Brothers in Boksburg, Bloemfontein, Welkom, as well as Athlone. He is a founding member of several institutions and organisations in South Africa …
including Mmabatho High School, LEAF College of Commerce and Engineering (post school access to University), Community College Association of South Africa, National Access Consortium Western Cape, Centre for Extended Learning (CEL) and Further Education and Training Institute (FETI). He served for fifteen years as a Ministerial Advisor at National Government level (to the Minister of Education; the Minister of Science and Technology; and most recently Minister of Higher Education and Training). This has enabled him to develop a systemic understanding of the interconnected areas of policy, legislation, financial planning, implementation, strategy and reporting as these relate to the various tiers of government and institutions. Martin holds a Master’s Degree in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard, a Higher Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Education from UCT, a BSc (Chemistry and Mathematics) from UFS as well as completing various courses in Theology, Scripture, Ethics and Education at Christian Brothers
Russell Davies
Director
Russell is originally from Melbourne, Australia but has lived in Cape Town since January 2006 following 6 years in London, UK. He holds undergraduate degrees in Law, Commerce and Theology, a Masters in Social Policy and a post-graduate…
diploma in Development Management. Following four years practising as an attorney, Russell has spent most of his professional life in senior roles with international NGO’s in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. For 8 years prior to joining REAP in September 2010, he was Director of HOPEHIV, a UK based children’s charity with project partners all over East & Southern Africa. In addition to his role at REAP, Russell chairs the National Bursary Support Providers Forum (www.nationalbursaryforum.org.za).
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