OUR LEADERS
KYP has a staff of 20 young adults, the vast majority of whom grew up in Kliptown and faced the challenges that our members live with. We pride ourselves in having a passionate and motivated staff that sees their work not only as job but also as a way to contribute to and make change in their community.
Our organization embodies a relatively non-hierarchical structure. While responsibilities are assigned to each staff member, all major decisions regarding the future of the organisation are discussed as a team.
Staff development is a vital element of our organization. 90% of staff members have participated in professional development, with many taking multiple courses and three receiving degrees with KYP’s support. Each member of the management team works with a mentor who offers guidance and support.
Part of our mission is to train young staff members in a way that will prepare them for jobs beyond KYP. Several former staff members have gone on to pursue career opportunities outside KYP, earning higher salaries and serving as a model of success for all KYP members. We also make sure to retain our core group of key staff members who have the skills and knowledge we need for the organization to continue to run effectively.
Thulani Madondo: Executive Director
tmadondo@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Thulani Madondo is the co-founder and current Executive Director of the Kliptown Youth Program. Thulani himself was born in a one room shack in Kliptown without electricity or running water, so he understands the challenges facing the youth of Kliptown. Thulani served as a core member of the inaugural City Year South Africa class of 2005, he is a also a Professional Soweto Tourist guide and he participated in other community development organization (SKY) for seven years prior to founding KYP in 2007. In 2012, Thulani was honoured as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes from a pool of 45,000 nominations coming from 100 countries. His accomplishments also earned him a Humanitarian of the Year Award from Turkey Worldwide Visibility and Feather Awards Role Model of the Year in 2013. In April, 2013, he was named one of the 100 World Class South Africans by City Press, a South Africa publication, and in June, 2013, Thulani was named one of the 200 young South Africans making a difference by the South Africa publication Mail & Guardian. He completed the Strategic Perspective in Nonprofit Management program at the Harvard Business
Thulani Madondo: Executive Director
Sipho Dladla: Deputy Director
sdladla@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Sipho was one of the founders of KYP and ensures that all program objectives and goals are achieved. He communicates with program managers to complete each program’s administrative duties. He is very competent in IT technical support and is one of the One Laptop Per Child experts. He also acts as one of the main performers and teachers of the Gumboots dance.
Sipho Dladla : Operations Manager
Lerato Thamae: Primary School Education Program Coordinator
lthamae@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Lerato completed her grade 12 at Orlando High School. She has been helping volunteer her time through tutoring and helping learners with their homework in English and Maths. With her generosity, passion and dedication to the children that we work with, she was given the opportunity to be part of KYP's Education Team. Lerato serves the organization as a Primary Education Coordinator.
Lerato Thamae: Education Coordinator, Kliptown
Thando Bezana: Operations Manager
tbezana@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Thando Bezana was born and raised in Kliptown. He was involved with different programs (SKY/ Mama Africa) before co-founding KYP in 2007. He is a qualified heritage practitioner, a performing artist and an amazing gumboots dancer. Thando holds a diploma in French, DELF/DALF B2, and speaks French, which helps with the organisation's French tours and French related projects. Thando currently serves KYP as the Performing Arts, Sports, and IT Manager.
Thando Bezana: Stakeholders Manager
Lizzy Makutu: Assistant Marketing & Communications Officer
Lmakutu@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Lizzy Makutu is a highly driven, and hardworking young woman who completed her Matriculation in 2011 from Rand Tutorial College. She studied public relations management at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Lizzy enjoys watching Tv series and reading motivational books. She first joined KYP in 2019 as a volunteer in our marketing department. During her time as a volunteer, she demonstrated her ability to create online content and proficiency in written communication. In 2020 she had the opportunity to work with us as an assistant marketing intern where she showcased her skills in PR and marketing. Because we were so impressed with her work ethic and dedication to our cause, we absorbed her as part of our KYP team. She now serves as our Assistant Marketing and Communications Officer.
Lizzy Makutu: Marketing Assistant
Andile Mazala: High School Program Coordinator
amazala@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Andile has volunteered with KYP since the year 2008. He started with the organization as a soccer player, and then developed passion for the performing arts and working with children teaching them dance and other cultural activities. Andile has travelled to China several times and Reunion Island serving the organization and showing the world our beautiful culture.
Andile Mazala: High School Coordinator, Kliptown
Christina Scott: Financial Manager
cscott@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Christina has served KYP since its inception as a financial manager. She has attended numerous training sessions and completed a computer course at Ipelegeng Community Centre. She also studied Pastel Financial Accounting at College Campus. Christina has been instrumental in helping KYP attain fully audited yearly financial reports and recording KYP’s finances professionally and efficiently.
Christina Scott: Financial Manager
Basetsana Lokwane: Assistant Financial Manager
blokwane@kliptowwnyouthprogram.org.za
Basetsana was a KYP student and graduated From secondary school in 2007. Her interest in Finance leads her to study a course in Financial Management at Imsimbi Training. She completed a computer course in 2008 at Ipelegeng Community Center. She serves KYP as a Financial Assistant manager and a dance teacher.
Basetsana Lokwane: Assistant Financial Manager
Thulisiwe Simango: Primary School Education Program Coordinator, Kliptown
tsimango@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Thulisiwe is a dedicated member of the KYP team, serving as the Primary school coordinator and our netball coach. She coaches both the under-19 and under-15 netball teams. Thulisiwe completed her grade 12 in 2004 and has since pursued various courses and attended training sessions through KYP. In 2006, she completed a course in MS Office, followed by upholstery in 2007. Thulisiwe has also completed training in First Aid with the Red Cross, coaching with Altus Sports, and "Investment in Excellence" with Edcon. She holds a certificate in Business Administration from PC training.
Thulisiwe Simango: Education Coordinator, Kliptown
Nelisiwe Walaza: Marketing Manager
nwalaza@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Nelly graduated from KYP's tutoring program in 2008. After completing Grade 12 in 2008, she studied Marketing in Business administration at PC Training and Business College for 2 years and graduated in July 2012. In the year 2012 she was chosen as one of the youth to participate in the ILIVE2LEAD women's leadership summit in Nantong, China. She was also the Activist in Residence for Castilleja School in Palo Alto, San-Francisco where she also had the opportunity to visit and work in institutions like Facebook, LinkedIn and Google. In 2016 she pursued a study in Project Management at Wits University. In addition to her role as Marketing Manager, she is also part of KYP's outreach partnership programs, and she is one of the mentors for a girls scholarship program in KZN. Her passion lies in leadership programs and programs that look into developing the youth.
Nelisiwe Walaza: Marketing Manager
Witness Ngobeni: Social Worker
wngobeni@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Witness Vumbhoni Ngobeni is a Unisa graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work and is registered with the South African Council for Social Services Professions.She first joined our organization as a volunteer in our Pyschosocial program in 2021. During that time she demonstrated a deep desire to learn and help people.Witness genuinely cared about the well-being of the children and community we serve which made her the perfect candidate for our program. She now serves our organisation as a social worker specialising in Integrated services under child, youth and families.
Witness Ngobeni: Social Worker
Keketso Baloyi: Primary School Education Program Coordinator
kbaloyi@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Keketso Baloyi is an individual with a strong sense of dedication, who was born and raised in the community of Pimville, Soweto. She completed her matric in 2009 from Progress Comprehensive High School. In 2015, Keketso joined KYP as a tutor. Her commitment and hard work quickly led her to the role of Primary School Coordinator. Through her work at KYP, she obtained a qualification in project management from Wits University. Keketso now proudly serves the organization as the Site Education Coordinator in Klipspruit.
Keketseo Baloyi: Education Coordinator, Klipstruit
Jane Moepi: IT Assistant Coordinator
jmoepi@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Jane Moepi completed her matric in 2008 from Lancea Vale Secondary School. She holds a diploma in electrical engineering from South West Gauteng College and also completed a short course in Information Technology at Mo Afrika Itlokomele organization. She spends her free time participating in community campaigns and has a strong passion for empowering people in her community. She joined KYP in 2018 as a volunteer tutor in the primary school program. Through KYP she had the opportunity to attend a work readiness program and has also conducted a maths training program for our tutors. She works well with children and inspires them to reach their academic goals. Because of her hard work and commitment to our Tutoring program, she was selected to be part of our KYP team. She now serves the organization as our IT Assistant Coordinator.
Jane Moepi: IT Assistant Coordinator
Xolile Dube: Receptionist
xdube@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Xolile Dube is a young hard-working lady who has a passion for community development. She completed her Matric from SeanaMorena high school in 2017. Her desire to give back to the community lead her to volunteer at the Water Wax community organisation where she helped with recording patients names and delivered medication to their respective homes. During her time as a volunteer, she was studying IT Essential at Mo-Afrika Ihtlokomele Educational Project. In 2019 she was enrolled with the City Year Learnership program where she was deployed at Thabong Asha pre-School. She later got a three months internship at Kliptown Youth Program. Because of her good work ethic and dedication to the organisation’s cause, she became part of the KYP team. She now serves the organisation as a Receptionist. She lives by her motto “we are all destined for greatness yet we still embrace small beginnings”.
Xolile Dube: Receptionist
Siyabonga Bukhwele: Education Program Coordinator
sbukhwele@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Siyabonga was one of KYP's original members and he attended our tutoring program in 2007. When he graduated from grade 12, he served the organisation as a volunteer and helper in our computer lab. Today he serves as a Reading Eggs program coordinator and IT Technician for the organisation. Siyabonga is currently pursuing a study in Business administration, which is made possible by KYP. His passion lies in working with children and helping them achieve what they want to achieve.
Siyabonga Bukhwele: Education Coordinator, Pimville
Siphiwe Mhlaba: Facilities and sports Program Coordinator
smhlaba@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Siphiwe completed Grade 12 in 1999. He is also helping to plan and implement the environmental sustainability program. Siphiwe is also a sports fanatic , he has always been interested in sports, he was trained in progressing children through sports, and loves helping young people develop themselves. He coaches the Under 15 and Under 13 soccer teams.
Siphiwe Mhlaba: Facilities and Sports Manager
Tshepo Tabohane: Primary school Education Program Coordinator
ttabohane@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Tshepo Tabohane joined KYP's tutoring program in 2007 while he was in grade 12. He was among the first members of the program. After joining KYP, Tshepo underwent various training provided by the organization. One of these trainings included a computer course at Ipelegeng Community Centre, computer refurbishing with COZA, and investment in excellence with Edcon. For several years, Tshepo has served as an IT program coordinator and assistant coordinator for the Reading Eggs program. Currently, Tshepo works as an Education program coordinator at KYP's Dlamini site.
Tshepo Tabohane: Education Coordinator, Dlamini
Matebello Ivy Kali: Vocational Development Program Officer
mkali@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Matebello Kali completed her matric in the year 2011 at Emshukantambo Secondary School. She later studied for her Bachelor in Education at Northwest University (Vaal Triangle Campus). She joined the program in the year 2020 as a tutor and later became senior tutor. Currently, she serves the program as the Vocational Development Officer. Ivy thrives in community development and youth empowerment.
Ivy Kali: Vocational Program Officer
Collen Tshazi: IT Program Coordinator
ctshazi@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Collen Tshazi is one of the co-founders of KYP and the youngest person to be selected into the KYP leadership team by KYP members in KYP’s inaugural year. Collen continued to serve on the leadership until December 2008, when he decided to focus on his studies for his Grade 12 year, 2009, and give his best effort in the KYP tutoring program. After he completed his matric, Collen went to college through the support of KYP, and studied IT Systems Engineering. After he completed his qualification in IT, Collen came back to KYP and served as the IT Manager until March, 2015. Collen then went into the corporate world to gain more knowledge on how things are done in IT. Collen worked for one of the big five banks in South Africa, the First National Bank (FNB), as the IT Helpdesk Technician. He was the first point of contact when there were system problems at a branch and/or ATM. Collen worked for FNB for fours years and is now back at KYP, in his previous position of IT Manager. He is so happy to be back in the organization and to continue to share his expertise in IT with KYP staff and members. Collen is excited to be implementing many things he learned about in the corporate world to improve the KYP IT infrastructure, and his expertise will really grow and capacitate us.
Collen Gumede: IT Coordinator,
Tsakani Ngobeni: Food Program Coordinator
tngobeni@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Tsakani has been involved with KYP since its inception and is in charge of the food program. She is responsible for the yearly food budget, ordering supplies, and fixing the food menus, distributing breakfast, and cooking lunch to ensure the children are provided with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Tsakani Ngobeni: Food Program Coordinator
OUR BOARD
KYP’s Board of Directors takes an active role in making sure the vision and strategic focus of KYP continues to succeed. Our board members go beyond the roles typical for their position; they use their skills and connections to help the staff and the programs develop to their fullest potential.
Aviona Mabaso - Legal Counsel, Governance
LLB from the University of Pretoria; Post Graduate Certificates in Mining Law from Wits University.
Aviona acquired extensive experience as an executive board member of an NPO, having been one at Tuks RAG (the University of Pretoria's NPO). She was a corporate commercial attorney and has recently left legal practice to take up a position as the Group Legal Counsel at the listed mining house Bauba Platinum Limited. Aviona is passionate about sustainable economic development and believes that education is an important pillar to achieving economic goals, especially in South Africa. She contributes her legal expertise to the KYP board and is also currently mentoring one of our young KYP members.
Aviona Mabaso
Bhavisha Patel - Vocational
PG Dip: Business Leadership Btech: Human Resources Management
Bhavisha has many years of experience in the learning and development field with a core focus on youth development. In her career she has worked at places such as the Industrial development corporation, BCX, Comair limited, and her current role is managing the Organisational development for the South African region at Iress. She is also an active member of the HR professional body (SABPP). Over the years in her various positions, she discovered her passion for developing ande quipping youth with the right foundational skills to ensure they become successful in their careers. In 2018 she started volunteering at KYP by rolling out the work readiness programs to assist learners to get more prepared for the working world. She is also currently on the KYP Vocational Advisory Committee.
Bhavisha Patel
Peter Johannsen - Education
Williams College - B.A.
Pete has worked as an educator and administrator with grades 6-8 in the United States for over twenty years. He has taught English, History, Science, Engineering, and Life Skills, and has lead international trips for students, including to South Africa. Pete has worked with Kliptown Youth Program in a variety of capacities since its founding, including working with its Education and Marketing Teams.
Peter Johannsen
Ingrid Chadwick - Finance
B.Com from the University of Natal
Ingrid has worked as a programmer and software developer for a number of years, and then as Financial Accountant in various industries. Her work with KYP includes Administration, Governance and Financial management
Ingrid Chadwick
Jenny Leclezio - Board Chair
Bachelor of Social Science - University of Natal (B.Soc. Sci)
Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations – University of Natal (Post Grad Dip IR)
Professional Coaching Certificate (ACC, Professional Coaching Certificate, UCT GSB)
Up until the 2015 Jenny was in formal employment and served as the Human Resources Director of various businesses within the AVI Group from 2001 to 2014 including IT (AVI IT shared services), FMCG (Snack works) and retail (Spitz & Green Cross). For the last 7 years she has, in addition to the HR Director roles, managed the BBBEE transformation portfolio for AVI including chairing the AVI Community Trust.
Jenny Leclezio, Board Chair
Rio Matlhaku - Communications and Vocational
Before his foray into Public Relations, Rio worked for a media monitoring service which was later acquired by internationally renowned Marketing Research firm, A C Nielsen. He began working in Public Relations in the early 2000’s at Beachhead Media & Investor Relations, which later became Financial Dynamics. His strength lies in financial public relations, with wide-ranging experience on clients such as Alexander Forbes, Discovery Group, the Financial Planning Institute, Nedbank, Assupol Life, Airports Company of South Africa, Centre for Development and Enterprise, Blue Catalyst and Samancor Chrome, ArcelorMittal SA. Rio was also part of the team that re-launched the South African Competition Commission. Before joining Aprio, Rio was with The Communication’s Firm, which is one of South Africa’s majority black-owned public relations companies with a reputation for its impactful communication strategies for various government departments, as well as on other accounts like ArcelorMittal South Africa and Afrisam.
Rio Matlhaku
Tshepo Dlhamini - Fundraising and Investments
Tshepo Dhlamini is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA (SA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a B Acc.Sci (Taxation Honours) from the University of Witwatersrand.
Tshepo is currently employed as a Deal Executive at African Rainbow Capital (“ARC”) and he has previously worked for various companies specializing in Pan-African mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, equity valuations, financial modelling, deal structuring, venture capital, and post-investment monitoring and management.
Tshepo currently serves as a non-executive director on various portfolio company boards including chairing some of the Audit and Risk Committees and Social and Ethics Committees for some of the portfolio companies within ARC. Enterprise, Blue Catalyst and Samancor Chrome, ArcelorMittal SA. Rio was also part of the team that re-launched the South African Competition Commission. Before joining Aprio, Rio was with The Communication’s Firm, which is one of South Africa’s majority black-owned public relations companies with a reputation for its impactful communication strategies for various government departments, as well as on other accounts like ArcelorMittal South Africa and Afrisam.