Meet the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Team

Anthony Farr - Chief Executive Officer

Anthony's belief in the power of education and his zeal for the upliftment of others inspires him in his CEO responsibilities to drive the mandate of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and deliver on its objectives. Anthony, a co-founder of the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, has a Bachelor of Business Science (Finance) and has completed the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification.

Sue Marx - Executive Assistant

Sue's attention to detail and caretaker disposition lead her to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, where she assists Anthony Farr and Margie Worthington-Smith. Sue, a former winner of the Secretary of the Year Competition, has worked in the secretarial field for 23 years, and has a B.A. degree in Modern Languages.

Julian Hewitt - Programme Director: Allan Gray Fellowship

Julian is passionate about being at the tipping point of change in South Africa. His role as Fellowship Director gives him the privilege of interacting with exceptional individuals on a daily basis. Julian has a Bachelor of Commerce (Management Accounting) from Stellenbosch University. Beyond his involvement as a founder of Brightest Young Minds and Twenty30, he is a Clinton Democracy Fellow and Chinese Government Scholarship recipient. Speaking fluent conversational Mandarin, Julian is also passionate about international travel and has visited over 43 countries.

Zimkhitha Peter - Selection Manager

Zimkhitha's role as Selection Manager is to ensure that the Foundation is best equipped to correctly select Allan Gray Fellows. Over the last decade, she has found herself in leadership positions, particularly in working with the youth. She has attended many courses around personal leadership, teamwork, HIV/Aids and leading, including attendance at the acclaimed Global Leadership Summit in Chicago, USA.

Rebecca Pillay - Selection Coordinator

Rebecca's role as Selection Coordinator is to ensure that all Fellow Selection activities are planned and executed efficiently. She prides herself on embedding excellence in the relationships she builds both with service providers and beneficiaries. Rebecca is extremely passionate and committed to the Foundation's mission and the part she will play in equipping future generations for success.

Immanuel Commarmond - Regional Programme Manager: Cape

Immanuel's role as the Regional Programme Manager: Cape allows him to follow one of his passions which is developing people and seeing them realise their full potential. He has years of experience in the marketing process for a tertiary institution and various charity initiatives. Immanuel thrives on seeing young people play a role in the upliftment of their communities and building a brighter future for Southern Africa.

Phumlani Nkontwana - Programme Officer

Phumlani is the founder and chairman of the PNF, a member of the CATALYSTS group and a founder of the UCT's ZHS Student Mentorship Programme. The latter project has since grown to accommodate the Natal-wide UCT students. He also founded the UCT/Thandokhulu Tutorial Programme and was the 2007 JD Baqwa Leadership Award recipient. He is currently pursuing his postgraduate studies in Economics and obtaining development experience through the Foundation's pioneering work in the areas of Education and Entrepreneurship. Phumlani's plan is to use this extensive experience to effect change in the Public Sector in the near future.

Kenalemang Nkoma - Selections Specialist: Schools

In her role as Selections Specialist for schools, Kenalemang heads up the team that travels across South Africa visiting schools in order to create awareness about the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation fellowship and carries out the recruitment and selection of scholarship applicants in Grade 12. She has worked in human resources for a number of years and has a Bachelor of Science degree (WITS) and BCom Honours (Industrial Psychology) from UJ.

Mashudu wa ha Madzhie - Programme Officer

Mashudu's role as Programme Officer in the Cape Region is to ensure the continued relationship between the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and its Fellows. He has been involved in numerous entrepreneurial exploits including launching a commercial internet content portal aimed at youth and tertiary students which in 2001 was rated as one of South Africa's top websites by the Financial Mail.

Celeste Abrahams - Programme Coordinator

Celeste's responsibility as Programme Coordinator in the Cape Region is to ensure that the various programme initiatives are executed in a timely fashion. She ensures that people and things are exactly where they need to be at the right time. She is passionate about entrepreneurial development and enjoys the opportunities she gets at the Foundation to be involved in various activities at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.

Olga Nardy - Programme Officer

Olga's role as Programme Officer in the Cape Region allows her the opportunity to follow her passion of helping people pursue their passions and achieve their true potential. She is also passionate about the importance of a quality education system and ensuring that teachers are equipped with the appropriate skills to ensure that our country's scholars/future leaders are sufficiently prepared - she also has a firm belief that a healthy socialization process during childhood is vital to ensure emotionally well-rounded and competent human beings.

Jonathan Dickson - Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer

Jon believes that most people are capable of so much more than we expect. He has a passion for the stock market and property investing which, combined with a yearning to develop young minds, led him to his role at the Foundation as an Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer.

His B.Com (finance and economics) and CIMA Adv.Dip training contributed to his interests, but it was the practice of reading many business-related books that unlocked the door to his love for uncovering value. He has a student accommodation business, as well as other investments, all of which fuel his entrepreneurial fire.

Sara Bux - Regional Programme Manager: Johannesburg

Sara's role as the Regional Programme Manager: Johannesburg allows her to pursue her passion for the development of the country by specific focus on the enablement of young people to successfully contribute to the country's growth and development through either their pursuit of tertiary education, acquisition of skills and knowledge to assume meaningful employment or the pursuit of entrepreneurial activity. She is a firm believer that South Africa's real resources and capabilities to take its place as an emerging economy, is invested in the country's young people. Being associated with the Foundation, allows Sara to combine her passion with her work.

Sara holds a Masters Degree in South African Literature and is currently in her second year of the Masters in Business Administration degree.

Zoelfah Hardien - Programme Officer: Johannesburg

As a programme officer Zoelfah is afforded the opportunities to not only interact with extraordinary Fellows but also to aid their development both academically and personally - something she is extremely passionate about. Her experience expands both locally and internationally in human and organisational development. Zoelfah has completed her post graduate degree in Psychology, Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing a post graduate degree in Industrial Psychology.

Deon Newkirk - Programme Director: Allan Gray Scholarship

Deon's responsibility as Director for the Allan Gray Scholarship Programme, includes being part of a team responsible for recruiting and selecting applicants from primary school for their high school careers. Deon has a Diploma in Higher Education and has 13 years of experience in the education sector.

Letitia Wilson - Scholars Events Coordinator

Letitia's role as Scholars Events Coordinator is to ensure that all the scholars' activities are well planned and executed efficiently. She is driven to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and aligns her personal values to those of the Foundation. She has over 7 years experience in the mechanics of NGOs from which she has gained invaluable insights.

Viola Mbanga - Scholars Development Officer

Viola's role as Scholars Development Officer is to provide support to the Allan Gray Scholars. She has a background in Information Technology and Public relations. Viola is passionate about information management and youth development, which extends to her personal passion of the education of village children.

Ricardo Johnson - Scholars Development Officer

In his role as Scholars Development Officer, Ricardo is responsible for assisting the Allan Gray Scholars with managing their individual development journeys. Ricardo sees his role as one which nurtures and adds value to the Scholars experience with the Foundation and he finds fulfilment in assisting them to define the Purpose to which each of them has been called. For Ricardo, William James aptly brings voice to how he feels about his own journey alongside the Scholars, "The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it."

Susan Trickey - Scholars Development Officer

Susan's involvement in the Non-Profit sector over the last 7 years has connected her with many entrepreneurs and social change pioneers. This inspiration lead her to joining the Foundation on its journey of discovering, nurturing and investing into the lives of young talent and the households they represent. Susan believes that through the promotion of divergent, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, we can develop a future generation of passionate, risk-taking visionaries that will be creative problem-solvers and become initiators of change, so needed in all spheres of South African society.

Molefe Mohlamonyane - Scholars Development Officer

Molefe views his immense passion for empowering young minds through education coupled with the drive to help them unleash their fullest potential in both innate and acquired skills as sufficient motivation to serve in the role of Scholar Development Officer. He shares in Andre Gide's assertion that, 'man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore'. This is one of the most valuable assets possessed by the Allan Gray Scholars.

Dadirayi Agnes Sibanda - Programme Director - Association of Allan Gray Fellows

Agnes' role as Programme Director - Association of Allan Gray Fellows allows her the opportunity to invest time into two of her passions: people and ideas. The Association is designed to catalyse the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership developed in Fellows during their Undergraduate studies. These passions often result in her third passion, exciting growth in and start-up of new businesses and / or social change organizations and in the development of Africa's leaders. She has 14 years work experience across various sectors and has also launched her own businesses. She is a founding member of net2work (a project teaching IT skills to poor communities worldwide) which now operates in nine countries. Agnes holds a B.Com (IS) from Rhodes University and is currently studying towards an MPhil (Futures Studies) with the University of Stellenbosch.

Ingrid Kalie-Moses - Business Support Manager

Ingrid's responsibility as Business Support Manager for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation includes the management and implementation of all its operational systems and providing logistical support to the entire Foundation. Ingrid's leadership accountability extends to the management and development of the operational team.

Tougeeda Ismail - Facilities and Office Manager

As Facilities and Office Manager in the Cape region, Tougeeda is responsible for the efficient running of the Foundation's home, affectionately dubbed "The Hof". Providing facilities management of the property as well as ensuring that the operational requirements at "The Hof" are provided for on a daily basis. She has more than five years of administrative experience and displays enthusiasm and keen organisational ability.

Dianne Tembe - Data Center Manager

In her role as Data Centre Manager, Dianne's responsibility is to manage this area in order to ensure the efficient support of both the scholarship and fellowship beneficiaries. Dianne enriches the Foundation with her conscientious approach, integrity and passion, which drives her to achieve first rate results.

Zintle Mabuya - Frontline Support

Zintle's role as Frontline Support means that she is the first point of contact for those who call or visit the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. She prides herself in this position and enjoys having the opportunity to be part of something that provides opportunities to the youth of Southern Africa.

Jan Mokoala - Finance Manager

Jan is responsible for the financial and reporting elements of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation activities. In his responsibility as Financial Officer, Jan will, among other things, keep the financial records of the Foundation and prepare the financial statements. He has worked as an Internal Audit Manager and has a particular interest in education for persons with special needs.

Temba Nkohla - Finance Assistant

Themba's role as Finance Assistant at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is to assist the Financial Officer in recording and reporting all financial matters. Themba is a former Trustee of the Uitenhage Small Farmers Trust and holds a B Comm from UNISA with majors in Financial Accounting and Economics as well as a National Certificate in Labour Relations. He is currently busy with his Higher Certificate in Taxation through UNISA.

Margie Worthington-Smith - Organisation Design Manager

Margie has worked for 25 years in education and economic development. She has specifically managed creative teams to produce systems, processes, materials and projects in entrepreneurship. A founder of the Triple Trust Organisation in 1988 and the South African Institute for Entrepreneurship in 1996, she is now a non-executive director of both. She is also on the board of Micklefield School and is a Senior Enterprise Fellow at the University of Essex, UK. Margie is married with two young girls who provide her with wonderful opportunities to follow some of her other passions namely family life, outdoor activities and music.

Angela Coetzee - Strategy Communications and Multimedia Specialist

Angela is of the firm belief that storytelling has the ability to give insight, reveal truth and build bridges, all of which is necessary in the Southern African context. In her role she aims to use storytelling and effective communication methods to enrol stakeholders in the Foundation's vision. Angela holds a Bachelors in Applied Value & Policy studies from Stellenbosch University and a Diploma in Computer Science. Her areas of interest is in education, entrepreneurial development and youth empowerment.

Dr Nontobeko Mabizela - Business Intelligence Officer

Nontobeko's role at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is to ensure the continued research, monitoring and evaluation of all Foundation initiatives. She has studied at various South African institutions where she gained her entrepreneurial skills from her Business Management Diploma. She has won awards/scholarships and was also a part of the community out-reach projects at UCT.

Melody Arendse - Marketing Officer

Melody joined the Foundation in May 2008 and is responsible for coordinating the marketing and public relations activities of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. She has previous work experience in marketing, events management and financial services. Melody is keenly interested in communication, unlocking potential and the inherent ability of people to rise above their circumstances.

Rejoice Ngcongo - Talent Development Specialist

Rejoice's role as Talent Development Specialist allows her to contribute to the growth of others so that they make a difference wherever they are, enhance their job performance and impact on the lives of others.
She believes that life, including work, is best used to serve and grow ourselves, others and society. In doing this, we are able to impact our collective futures for the benefit of all.
Rejoice holds a PHD and Master's in Education, as well as a degree in Social work. She also holds a Diploma in High School teaching and certificates in both Coaching and Project Evaluation

James Thomas - Curriculum Specialist in-Residence

James is an unconventional thinker with a history of successful new ventures. He has an innate ability to partner with other strategically minded entrepreneurs and has established a range of innovative businesses. Fond of people, he activates their ability to grasp complex learning processes in a way that empowers the ability of others to think for themselves. He directs the Foundation's curriculum design and development and ensures strategic alignment between the various programmes. His capacity to facilitate complex processes across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders enables the Foundation to meet its objectives. James is intelligently witty and inspires others to lighten up take themselves less seriously.

Stephanus de Kock - Business Intelligence Specialist

Stephanus has an ability to work with razor sharp clarity to solve complex and often ambiguous issues. He brings integrity and deep focus to every situation and has an appetite for calculated risk which activates his interests both within and beyond the Foundation. As an entrepreneur with an inspiring ability to switch between the big picture and intricate detail, he is able to push conventional boundaries, challenge superficial thinking and create a compelling vision for the future. He consistently exhibits excellence and passion in his entrepreneurial pursuits and relationships. Stephanus introduces fresh and creative perspectives, often enriching others' ability to link seemingly unrelated ideas. He values faith, friends and family.

Nicky Wilson-Harris - Organisation Design Specialist

Nicky is passionate about developing people and working with their inherent potential. Over the last four years Nicky has brought her extensive coaching and mentoring experience into the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation fulfilling roles in mentoring and organisational development. Her broad experience includes analysing business and selection processes as well as curriculum design in the education, corporate and private sectors. She has designed and implemented numerous coaching and mentoring interventions with an emphasis on organisational leadership and transformation. She synthesises and facilitates powerful conversations between individuals and groups alike. Nicky brings humour, empathy and boundless enthusiasm into all that she does.