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MEET OUR TEAM
Our Academy is run and managed by a local, multi-lingual team. We represent the diversity of South Africa, have proven business and capacity building skills, and bring a mix of work experience in business and social development.
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Our team supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Roger Domingo
Executive Director
I support SDG 4 because it aims to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Education is transformative, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development. It equips people with essential knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities for personal growth and success. Through education, individuals can reach their full potential, break free from poverty, and make informed decisions. SDG 4 promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities by ensuring access to education regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or disability. Education also plays a vital role in raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Supporting SDG 4 is crucial for a sustainable future where education is accessible, equitable, and of high quality for everyone.
MANTOMBI "MA PATIENCE" GONTSE
General Assistance
I support SDG 1. No Poverty because outside in our communities, there is a lot of little children
suffering. Many children do drugs. Crime is also very high because of poverty. There are no jobs. The
community must plan to do something about these problems.
EMMALENE RAVELL
Programme Manager
I support SDG 5. As a woman, and a development practitioner, I am faced with the daily realities and lived experiences of the inequalities experienced by many women in our country and the world.
It is therefore that I commit myself, in all that I am and all that I can do behind the banner of the SDG 5.
To fight the just cause. To achieve equity.
VUYOLWETHU MATSHOBA
Project Coordinator: Career Ladder Programme
I Support SDG 8. Decent work and Economic growth. I grew up in a very disadvantaged background.
PYDA provide support and aid to disadvantaged people, it was always my dream to work for organization that supports young black South Africans. Decent work gives people opportunity to live better lives and give us access to better Education, Medical aid and housing. Decent work can improve the quality of life.
RITA RANK
Project Coordinator: Employment and Economic Opportunities
I support SDG 3. Good health and Well-being. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
Good health care & mental health is a primary basic need like food, clothing and shelter. Health care & well-being is an essential service for all human beings, it should be a right and not be treated as a privilege separated into high level private institutes or government. All health care & well-being services should be taken to communities, schools, accessible and free for all to pursue no matter what their economic or social status. Good health & well-being will improve child health, reduce mental illness, boost the economy, save lives and lower costs.
I am extremely passionate about human equality in all elements of life. I believe that each person should have an equal opportunity to develop themselves and use their unique talent to lead in any desired profession in any industry. I work well with people, especially in building connections, wellness, self-development, offering support services and networking. My belief system is built on HOPE, a platform to encourage, inspire and uplift people. So that they can create a successful life to live their truth, reduce poverty, lead communities and be the change.
AKHONA CENGIMBO
Facilities and Administration Coordinator
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I am very passionate about self development and I strongly believe in the magic inside South African youth as they are a force to be reckoned with. I have shown myself to be very organized and high energy and I bring my unique contribution to the Academy.
YANGA MKHONTWANA
Project Administrator
I support SDG8: Decent work and Economic growth.
Well-paying quality jobs cut deep in my heart, it is the most important thing in life. A decent job means better living conditions which eliminates the idea of lacking basic needs.
Living in a country like South Africa where there is so much inequality landed me in PYDA. It brings so much joy in my heart knowing that I am part of a team that brings hope and an opportunity for change in disadvantaged homes/communities.
RUDY OOSTERWYK
Innovation Lead
I support SDG 5. Patriarchy remains a central pillar on which poverty and inequality are built. The inclusion of women and young black women in particular must now be a deliberate approach to the work we do as development practitioners. It will be an impossible task to reach any of the SDG goals without achieving gender equality and inclusion.
ZIZIPHO MAKHOKHA
Project Coordinator: World of Work Programme
I support SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy
We need to find opportunities within the renewable energy space that will foster socio-economic growth within the underserved communities, we can do so when we start recognising that renewable energy is a multiplier solution that can play a role in economic development, youth empowerment and climate change.
The youth must be involved in the energy transition processes as they have a vast interest in leading the world into a better future.
My role is Innovation Support in the renewable energy project, and I am in the youth development space because I am passionate about working with young ambitious people who have a lot to offer in their personal lives and communities. I also believe that there is a lot of work that we can do as the youth for our youth and communities.
MPUMELELO QWABI
Project Support
I support SDG 2: as I believe that every child and every human being has a right to access food so that
you can be productive and deal with daily life and routine.
ZIYANDA NJALO
Innovation Support: Social Enterprise
I support SDG 5, I am passionate about the wine business, I believe that we still need more women in the sector. I believe that if there would be equality in the sector we can make a huge difference.
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