Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Mqhele Yezizwe Foundation we're driven by passion, excellence and commitment. Our team shares a common goal; to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ntombana Mabena
Founder & Executive Director
With 12 years of experience in the mining industry, Ntombana is a seasoned business development professional who has gained insights into the challenges faced by women in predominantly male sectors. This awareness has fueled her dedication to the advancement and empowerment of the African girl child. As the founder of Karisa Range, a packaged foods company, and Karisa Catering, she is not only an entrepreneur but also a passionate advocate for empowering young women to establish sustainable businesses, ensuring they are active contributors to the economy.
Phuti Manamela
Governance & Compliance Director
An admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Phuti is the Managing Director of Kasha Consulting (Pty) Ltd which specialises in labour law matters. In the world of law where practitioners can branch out into a multitude of specialities, she elected to focus on labour law as she is passionate about the empowerment and upliftment of employees and the sustainability of businesses. A focus which marries well with the mission and vision of the foundation. It is through teaching that we are able to feed girl children the information that they require to be able to recognise and fight for their Constitutional rights.
Lesego Teffo
PR & Marketing Director
Lesego is a Public Relations graduate who expanded her expertise by venturing into Information Technology following her studies. She is currently an IT specialist within the construction industry. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs inspired her to pursue her own entrepreneurial journey, leading to the establishment of Tsakganya Boutique. As a mother to a daughter and the eldest sister to her siblings, she is deeply motivated to empower young girls by instilling in them the knowledge of their inherent potential. Lesego is dedicated to nurturing their growth, fostering a generation that spreads love and strengthens our nation. Through this commitment, she aims to break the cycle of oppression faced by girl children.
Phindile Sigasa
Executive Assistant
Phindi is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates journalism, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy into her diverse career. As a qualified journalist, she uncovers compelling stories for an online publication. In addition, she is the founder of her own flower business, where she combines creativity with her passion for nature. Phindile also hosts "The Journey with Phindile Sigasa," a podcast that delves into the complexities of life. Her deep love for children inspires her to organize annual outings for her family’s children, which brings her great joy. Committed to empowering young women, she emphasizes the values of hard work, determination, and kindness. Through her varied endeavors, Phindile aims to create a positive impact within her community, fostering personal growth and development
Gauta Mashego
Governance & Compliance Assistant
Gauta is a final-year law student and aspiring public interest lawyer with a strong commitment to service. In her spare time, she actively volunteers within her church community and participates in various student outreach programs. Passionate about advocating for the voiceless, Gauta believes that meaningful change begins with impacting the lives of marginalized individuals in society.
Vacant
Counselling Lead
TBA