Parallel Session Speakers
Parallel Session Speakers
Track 1: Psycho-Social Support and Wellness
Director for Psychosocial Support, Department of Basic Education
Sibongile Monareng is a dedicated and visionary leader in educational support, currently serving as the Director for Psychosocial Support at the Department of Basic Education. With a profound commitment to enhancing student well-being and academic performance, Sibongile plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies that address the emotional and psychological needs of learners across South Africa. Her expertise encompasses a broad scope of psychosocial support areas, including mental health, counselling, and trauma-informed care. Sibongile’s work is characterised by a holistic approach that integrates educational practices with psychological insights, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support that fosters personal and academic growth. Linkedin
Professor: Department of Educational Psychology, Centre for the Study of Resilience, University of Pretoria
Linda Theron (D.Ed., Guidance & Counselling) is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Pretoria, SA, an HPCSA-registered Educational Psychologist, and an Extraordinary Professor in the Optentia Research Unit, at the North-West University. Her clinical and research interest is in the multisystemic factors that inform youth resilience to structural violence, with a special interest in how context shapes African young people’s pathways of resilience to mental health and wellbeing. Linda’s track record of funded studies and 150+ publications align with this interest, as do the studies of 60 post-graduate students she has mentored to completion. Most recently, Linda was awarded Wellcome Discovery funding to lead a multi-site, multi-year, multidisciplinary investigation into the multisystemic roots of resilience to depression among NEET young people (i.e., not in education, employment or training). Linkedin
Chief Executive Officer,
MIET Africa
Thandi Chaane is the Chief Executive Officer of MIET Africa. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades with MIET Africa, including her role as Deputy Chairperson, Thandi has significantly contributed to the organisation’s growth and impact. Her extensive background includes over a decade as a teacher in Soweto, co-founding the READ Educational Trust, and serving as Director Deputy General of Education in Gauteng. Thandi also chairs M&C Saatchi Abel and St Mary’s School for Girls and serves on various boards, including the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa. Linkedin
Associate Professor: Department of Education Leadership & Management, University of Johannesburg
Chinaza Uleanya is an associate professor in the Department of Education Leadership and Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He completed his PhD in Social Sciences Education at the University of Zululand in 2018 and has since pursued postdoctoral research in Business Management at the University of South Africa. With Honours and Master’s degrees in English Education and Sociology of Education from Lagos State University, Nigeria, his doctoral work examined learning challenges in rural universities in South Africa and Nigeria. Uleanya has received multiple awards for his research, including from the Common Ground Research Network and the University of Johannesburg. He is involved in global research collaborations, serves on several editorial boards, and is a board member of the International Society Exploring Teaching and Learning (ISETL) in the United States. Linkedin
Principal, Berea West Prep School
Cindy Geldenhuys is the Principal at Berea West Preparatory School in Durban, formerly leading Birdwood Primary School, a remedial institution. Transitioning to education in her 30s from a corporate management background, she emphasises building a strong school community focusing on quality education, sports, cultural involvement, and innovative technology, notably excelling in Coding and Robotics. She founded “Westville Connect,” a networking forum for local principals to tackle shared challenges and seek innovative solutions. Active in the Department of Education’s Female Principals Support Structure, she has co-authored a book on women in leadership with SACE and is a SAPA KZN member.
Operations Director, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Cassey Chambers is the Operations Director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), where she plays a critical role in overseeing and enhancing the organisation’s operational efficiency and strategic initiatives. With a robust background in mental health advocacy and operations management, Cassey is instrumental in driving SADAG’s mission to provide support, raise awareness, and improve access to mental health resources across South Africa. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to optimising processes, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that SADAG’s services effectively address the needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues. Cassey’s expertise and dedication are pivotal in advancing the organisation’s impact and outreach.
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Track 2: Leadership and Administration
TRACK SPONSORED BY
Programme Director,
Zero Dropout Campaign
Merle Mansfield has worked in the civil society space for over a decade, largely focusing on education and philanthropy, and holds an honours degree in Policy and Management. As the Programme Director of the Zero Dropout Campaign, Merle is responsible for bringing its vision to life and leads its network of implementing partners. Through this work, she is committed to making visible the large number of learners who disappear from the school system each year by advocating for proactive responses to reduce the rate of school dropout in South Africa. Linkedin
Principal, Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation (GDE)
Jaco Opperman is the Principal at Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation in the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng. With extensive experience in educational leadership, he is dedicated to fostering a specialised learning environment that emphasises engineering and technical education. Jaco is committed to advancing educational excellence and innovation, ensuring that his students are well-prepared for future careers in engineering. Under his leadership, the school is known for its focus on specialised skills and its contribution to the local community. Linkedin
Circuit Cluster Manager: Johannesburg Central District,
Gauteng Department of Education
Kamlawathee Dhanpat has over 20 years of experience in classroom and school management, and another 20 years in district leadership. As the Circuit Cluster Manager for Johannesburg Central District in Soweto, South Africa, she implements strategies to improve learning outcomes through school management teams. Known for her strong leadership and communication skills, she builds valuable professional relationships and drives teaching and learning initiatives aligned with departmental goals. She also mentors and supports principals, advocates for effective school functionality, and advises on strategic improvement plans. With a PhD in Education Leadership and Management, she serves as a provincial trainer at the Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership in Johannesburg. Linkedin
Director, Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics
Pedro Tabensky, originally from Chile and a resident of several countries before settling in South Africa, is the founding director of the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics (AGLE) at Rhodes University. AGLE focuses on teaching ethics in a way that enhances students’ reasoning and fosters positive changes in their behaviors and attitudes. Tabensky is the author of Happiness: Personhood, Community, Purpose and has edited and contributed to notable works such as Judging and Understanding and Being at Home, the latter co-edited with his wife, Sally Matthews. He began his career in visual arts before studying philosophy in Australia. Linkedin
Gamechanger Express Projects | Former Chief Director, GDE
Zanele Mthembu is a distinguished educator with a rich career in the South African Department of Education. Starting as a teacher at Emndeni and Tladi Comprehensive High Schools in Soweto, she progressed to Deputy Principal and later became the Principal at Khuthala Combined Primary School. Her leadership extended to District Director roles in Pretoria and Johannesburg, eventually serving as Chief Director for the JHB South Mega District and Tshwane Regions. Zanele has been the top-performing Chief Director in South Africa for 11 years, holding a record for ranking first, second, and third nationally. Her impactful initiatives, including the SSIP programme, common exams, and learner workshops, have left a lasting mark on the education sector. Among her numerous accolades are the Game Changer and Women in Leadership awards at the Premier’s Excellence Awards, and the prestigious Professor Kader Asmal Award.
Track 3: Curriculum and Instructional Excellence
TRACK SPONSORED BY
Country Manager, EdShed
Brian Mushongera is the Country Manager for EdShed ZA, an experienced business development and sales lead with a passion and history of working in the education industry. Brian’s passion is bringing quality education to students and new innovative tools to upskill teachers. Brian believes we should all “Embrace the challenge, embody resilience and let innovation be the heartbeat of our journey in the world of possibilities. Linkedin
Chief Executive Officer, Thinking Schools South Africa
Dr Sonja Vandeleur is the CEO of Thinking Schools South Africa (TSSA). She is a highly experienced teacher, and before taking up her post at TSSA, she was Head of the Department for Cognitive Education at Roedean School (SA) for 12 years. She has a master’s degree in Creative and Critical Thinking and a PhD in education. Sonja believes in the whole-school approach to embedding thinking skills into the curriculum, and she is passionate about empowering educators and students to become better thinkers. Linkedin
Lecturer: Science & Technology Education Department, University of Johannesburg
Dr Maglin Moodley is a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg in the SciTECHEd programme, with a rich background in research and education. Previously, he was Chief Researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), where he led projects on large-scale assessments and ICT integration in literacy and assessment. His expertise includes research methodologies and the development of an online assessment platform for the South African Department of Basic Education. Dr Moodley’s current research focuses on incorporating indigenous African languages into ICT, aiming to enhance online access for speakers of these languages. He holds a PhD in ICT in education and supervises students at various academic levels, having presented and published extensively on technology in education. Linkedin
Executive Director, Global Teachers Institute
Hassiena Marriott is a seasoned educator and leader with a master’s in education and a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Director at the Global Teacher Institute, where she was previously the Head of Education for three years. Her experience includes facilitating Communities of Practice and organising peer reviews for the SA Extraordinary Schools Coalition project with Bridge. Additionally, Hassiena spent six years as the Head of the Life Sciences Department at the Dominican Convent School. Linkedin
Project Facilitator, Inclusive Education South Africa
Elsie Bulawa is a seasoned Project Facilitator at Inclusive Education South Africa, where she has been making significant strides since January 2015. Based in Cape Town, she excels in project management, mentoring, and coaching while advocating for the implementation of departmental policies and providing essential training within the education sector. Elsie holds a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics from Rhodes University, which complements her extensive experience in driving educational improvements and supporting inclusive practices. Her work is characterised by a commitment to enhancing educational equity and effectiveness through strategic project oversight and dedicated policy advocacy. Linkedin
Board Director, African Left-Handers Foundation
Matlhogonolo Maboe is an accomplished Independent Consultant, Psychologist, Trainer/Facilitator, and certified Life Coach with extensive experience in both academic and government sectors. She has held leadership roles such as Institute Principal at Cymbol Consulting, Head of the Department for Social Development in the Free State, and Municipal Manager for Masilonyana Local Municipality. She holds an MA in Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa, a BSc Ed from the University of North West, and an honorary doctorate from Unisa in Community Development. Maboe has served on multiple boards, including Bloemwater and the Free State Development Corporation (FDC), and is currently on the board of the Dream Team Foundation. Her expertise extends to mediation, conflict resolution, and participation in various forums, including the Forum of African Women Educationists, South Africa (FAWESA), and the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP).
Track 4: Digital Skills and Technology Integration
CO-Founder & CEO/CTO, FoondaMate
Dacod Magagula is the Co-Founder and CEO/CTO of FoondaMate, an AI-driven platform that provides over three million students in emerging markets with affordable and accessible study materials through WhatsApp. With a robust career in the tech industry, Dacod began as a Student Front Desk Assistant at the University of Cape Town and progressed through roles including Intern Web Applications Developer at Lumico, Full Stack Developer at Monetise E-commerce, and Full Stack Engineer at ninety9cents. Dacod holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town and has also completed numerous certifications in areas such as PHP, entrepreneurship, and cloud computing. Inspired by personal challenges accessing educational resources in rural South Africa, Dacod founded FoondaMate to democratise education globally. Linkedin
Programme Manager: Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Speech and Language Therapist, iSchoolAfrica
Zulaikha Goolam is the Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Programme Manager at iSchoolAfrica and a pediatric Speech and Language Therapist (BSc Hons, University of Cape Town). As an advocate for disability inclusion and an educational change-maker, Zulaikha is dedicated to empowering marginalised, disabled youth in South Africa through technology. She also authored two children’s books aimed at neurodiverse learners. With experience in the private and public education sectors and healthcare settings, Zulaikha leverages her expertise in disability healthcare and her passion for inclusive community empowerment to advance equitable educational opportunities for learners with disabilities in under-resourced areas. Linkedin
M&E Head, Injini
Alexei McGregor earned her Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2016, where her dissertation explored the impact of disability on labour market participation in South Africa. Since then, she has worked in the enterprise development and acceleration space, specialising in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and research. In early 2023, Alexei joined Injini, shifting her focus to educational technology (EdTech). She co-leads the Injini Think Tank, is the MEL/Impact Head and is the lead author and project manager for the 2024 Injini insights report. Linkedin
Chief Executive Officer,
Resolute Education
Rajesh Ramakrishnan is the Founder and CEO of Resolute Education. A graduate of the University of Pretoria with an Honours degree in Electronic Engineering, Rajesh is deeply passionate about education and technology. While pursuing his degree, he taught Mathematics to high school students, fueling his commitment to enhancing students’ readiness for life after school. Driven by his enthusiasm for both people and education, Rajesh established Resolute Education to inspire young learners with a passion for robotics and programming, equipping them with industry-relevant skills from an early age. Linkedin
Doctoral Candidate, University of Johannesburg
James Maisiri is a PhD candidate specialising in artificial intelligence and robotics. He is dedicated to challenging the prevailing fears that AI and robotics will lead humanity to disaster. Instead, James advocates for the potential of AI to enhance our connection to humanity, believing that these technologies can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. His research and insights aim to shed light on how AI can support and enrich human experiences, offering a more optimistic perspective on the future of technology and its role in society. Linkedin
Programme Lead – Digital Village NPC
Taryn is the driving force behind Digital Village, a non-profit committed to bridging the digital divide in South Africa. With a corporate HR, legal, ethics, and compliance background, Taryn brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. She is passionate about social impact, and her work aligns perfectly with her values. Under Taryn’s guidance, Digital Village is rolling out public hotspots in underserved communities powered by Herotel’s extensive network. This initiative is a testament to Taryn’s dedication to fostering digital inclusion and creating opportunities for all South Africans.
Track 5: Infrastructure and Resource Management
TRACK SPONSORED BY
Social impact Strategist & Chief Executive Officer, Niara Advisory
Yogavelli “Yogi” Nambiar is a social change activist and impact-driven entrepreneur with a notable career in promoting diversity and inclusion. Formerly the CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, she now serves on the boards of E-squared Investments, the Aspen Global Institute South Africa, and the Global Advisory Board of ANDE. Yogi leads the YPO Diversity and Inclusion portfolio across Africa and the Mentorship portfolio in Cape Town and is a member of the Womanomics Africa™ Advisory Council. She founded the Entrepreneurship Development Academy at GIBS, which supports marginalised startups and has received cabinet commendations and awards. Previously, she was Country Director for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women and founded the Enterprise Development Council of South Africa and the African Social Entrepreneurs Network. Linkedin
Deputy Secretary-General, Equal Education
Itumeleng Mothlabane is a dedicated social activist and the Deputy General Secretary at Equal Education, where she has played a key role in leading campaigns in the Eastern Cape, including the Implementing Agents campaign and the implementation of Norms and Standards legislation. Her previous roles at Equal Education include heading the Eastern Cape branch and working as an organiser engaging with key stakeholders. Itumeleng holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Fort Hare and has received training in various leadership programs. In addition to her work with Equal Education, she serves as an EU commissioner of International Partnerships on the youth sounding board and a member of the AFNHi youth cohort. A passionate feminist focused on health justice, gender work, and youth empowerment, Itumeleng is also a devoted mother of two. Linkedin
Director, Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa
Hendrick Makaneta is a seasoned education professional with over a decade of experience as a qualified teacher. Now an education activist, he has broadened his impact beyond the classroom, advocating for educational reforms and equal access to quality education. His commitment to improving the educational landscape is evident through his active involvement in various initiatives aimed at empowering both students and educators. Makaneta’s journey reflects a deep passion for fostering academic excellence and social equity in the education sector. Linkedin
Director, G3 Business Solutions
Retha Groenewald is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in communication management and stakeholder engagement. Holding a Master of Commerce (MCom) from the University of Pretoria, where she also lectured in Communication Management, Retha has held senior management roles in prominent organizations like Telkom, Ask Africa, and Digital Management. Since 2005, she has been a director at G3 Business Solutions, a black-owned SMME specializing in stakeholder management and social performance. In this role, she has supported Sanlam’s social performance initiatives and played a key role in the public-private partnership between the Department of Basic Education, the National Disaster Management Centre, and Santam. Linkedin
Director: Disaster Education, Training, Awareness & Research, National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)
Cynthia Nonjola is a seasoned disaster management professional with over 15 years of experience in the field. She holds a Master of Disaster Management and a Bachelor of Science degree, with majors in Chemistry and Information Technology. Her career began as a Disaster Management Officer at the City of Tshwane municipality, where she was actively involved in emergency planning, events safety, and public awareness initiatives. She then advanced to the role of Deputy Director at the North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre, overseeing provincial disaster management coordination. In 2016, she joined the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, focusing on post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation for farmers. As of 2023, Cynthia serves as the Director of Disaster Education, Training, Awareness, and Research at the National Disaster Management Centre, where she continues to contribute her extensive expertise to the field.
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager, Santam
Tersia Mdunge is a seasoned expert in social work, holding a Master of Medical Science in Social Work and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in Psychology. Her academic background equips her with a deep understanding of social dynamics and the complex challenges faced by individuals and communities. Over a distinguished 20-year career in corporate social responsibility (CSR), Tersia has been instrumental in crafting and implementing strategic CSI initiatives that resonate with organisational values and objectives. In addition to her extensive professional experience, Tersia has contributed to academia as a Lecturer at the University of Venda, UNISA, and the University of Western Cape. She has also led numerous workshops and presented research at both local and international conferences, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing social work and social responsibility practices. Linkedin
Workshops
Securing Resources for Your School: How to Equip Your School with the Formula for Success
Director of Resource Mobilisation, ForAFRIKA
Zodidi Mhatu-Nwizugbo is an experienced project management and business development professional with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering results across diverse industries, including technology and finance. With a strong background in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and process optimisation, Zodidi combines her leadership skills and collaborative approach to drive innovation and achieve organisational goals. Her educational qualifications in Business Administration and Project Management further support her commitment to excellence and impactful solutions.
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Stakeholder Mapping and Management: How to Make the Most of Collaborations
Partnerships and Stakeholder Specialist, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Leandi Sadie is a seasoned stakeholder, communications, and project management specialist with over 18 years of experience across the education, conservation, disability, healthcare, youth, and social development sectors. As the Partnership and Stakeholder Specialist at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, her extensive experience building strategic alliances has been pivotal in advancing the Foundation’s mission to cultivate entrepreneurial leaders across Africa. Her expertise lies in aligning diverse stakeholder interests with organisational goals, fostering meaningful collaborations to drive impactful change, and ensuring sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes. At this SAPA Conference workshop, Leandi will share insights on identifying key stakeholders and building robust relationships, drawing from her deep understanding of partnership dynamics and her commitment to making a difference. Linkedin
Entrepreneurial Thinking: How to Ignite Innovation to Set Your School Up for Success
Founder, FutureProofSA
Lisa, a qualified educator and co-founder of FutureproofSA, is an entrepreneurial educationalist dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills in children across South Africa. With a post-graduate degree in education from the University of the Witwatersrand, she developed a comprehensive entrepreneurial curriculum for children starting at age six. Her passion for entrepreneurship began during her journalism career at Finweek Magazine and continued through hosting educational radio and TV shows. Lisa has pitched successfully on Shark Tank, been awarded an Imagine Award for her work, and regularly lectures and hosts workshops on entrepreneurial education. To date, FutureproofSA has impacted over 2,500 children. Linkedin
Financial Literacy: How to Master the Art of Financial Prowess in Education
SPONSORED BY
Employee Value Banking Manager, Standard Bank
Providence Nkambule is the Manager of Employer Value Banking at Standard Bank in Gauteng, with over a decade of experience in sales leadership and customer experience management. Known for being goal-driven, creative, and a strong team player, Providence excels under pressure and is committed to transparency and continuous improvement. With a background in Industrial Psychology (NQF Level 6) and FAIS compliance, he brings a deep understanding of organisational processes, sales coaching, and public speaking to his role. His ability to solve complex customer challenges and lead high-performing teams has made him a key asset to Standard Bank. Linkedin
Founding Member, Isithebe Financial Wellness
Sandra Mokhonoana is the founding member of Isithebe Financial Wellness, a BankSETA-accredited company specialising in custom-making financial education programmes. She has worked in the investment industry for over 15 years. First, as an analyst on the sell side, she joined a Cape Town-based asset manager (Metropolitan Asset Managers) where she worked as an analyst on the buy side. On her return to Johannesburg she became a portfolio manager at the largest multi-manager in SA (Investment Solutions, now Alexander Forbes Investments). She later moved to the third largest parastatal pension fund in the country Eskom Pension & Provident Fund.She holds a BCom Honours in Financial Accounting, a PGDip in Financial Planning from UFS, and a National Certificate in Financial Markets and Instruments. Linkedin
Financial Literacy: How to Master the Art of Financial Prowess in Education
SPONSORED BY
Associate Professor: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria
Riana has been a senior lecturer in the Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria for the past 13 years, transitioning from industry to academia. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervises master’s and PhD students, and conducts research on technology in education, focusing on business analysis, design, and engaging students effectively. Her PhD research led to the development of a framework for SMEs to better utilize technology and an e-skills course for entrepreneurs. An active researcher in entrepreneurial studies, Riana has received accolades such as the UP Teaching Excellence Laureates’ Award (2019) and the Association of Information Systems’ Award for Innovation in Teaching (2018). She has been a National Research Fund (NRF) Y-Rated researcher since 2020 and represents South Africa on the IFIP TC 3. Linkedin
Senior Lecturer: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria
Dr Lizette Weilbach is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria with a focus on Information Systems teaching, business analysis, and information systems development. Her research interests include design thinking and its application in educational contexts. Lizette is dedicated to advancing the field through innovative teaching methods and rigorous research, contributing significantly to both academic and practical aspects of information systems. Her work integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, aiming to enhance understanding and effectiveness in the design and implementation of information systems. Linkedin
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2024 SAPA National Conference.
