
Socionext Africa Directors
Sam Mokgopha
I am currently the CEO of Kids Haven, a non-profit organisation (NPO) rendering a service for children in need of care and protection. I have the background in education and community development for over 23 years and have been involved in advocacy for children through different structures like National Alliance for street children, Gauteng welfare forum and Gauteng Alliance for street children. I have interest and passion for youth development and have been a board member at other two NPOs for 13 years. I hold MA degree in Social Work from University of JHB.

Sam Mokgopha
Evelyn Mabhunu
Evelyn Mabhunu is the Operations Officer for the Inhlakanipho Education and Development Trust (IEDT), The focus for IEDT is to provide scholarships to high school students from previously underserved communities. In addition to her responsibilities at IEDT. She is an independent trustee for the Old Mutual Imfundo Trust which focuses on providing funding for tertiary education. She is also involved with community development trusts which focuses on community upliftment projects. She is passionate about Social Entrepreneurship and has completed the Social Entrepreneurship Programme with Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). She also holds a Management Advancement Certificate from the Wits Business School and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Fort Hare.

Evelyn Mabhunu
Ronald Vles
Ronald Vles is an attorney-at-Law with international experience in among others company law. He is also active as supervisor in a large number of cultural, medical, social and other organizations.

Ronald Vles
Nelisiwe Maboyane
Nelisiwe Maboyane has a background in guiding individuals through transformative journeys in both business and personal spheres. She has a passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives and has wide experience in assisting entrepreneurs achieve their highest potential. She brings a lot of value to the board with her skills in entrepreneurship development and training.

Nelisiwe Maboyane
Tjaart Theron
The Socionext concept was developed by Tjaart Theron (1958), who is the Director of the Socionext Foundation. A graduate in Theology, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Western Cape (1976-1984) and Masters in Development Economics at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague.

Tjaart Theron

Operations Team
Brighton Ncube
Brighton is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs on their journey to success and brings a unique blend of expertise in business planning, strategic development, and hands-on mentorship. His passion lies in helping small businesses thrive and navigate the challenges of the dynamic business landscape. He believes in fostering a collaborative environment where businesses can not only survive but truly flourish.

Brighton Ncube
Rifumo Mathebula
Rifumo works with Socionext as a community organiser. He is a passionate and motivated environmental educator, photojournalist and filmmaker who works to inspire and encourage young South Africans to connect with nature. Through his work he has won numerous awards, including International Young Environmentalist of the year 2022.

Rifumo Mathebula
Thuveshni Thomas
As an entrepreneur herself, Thuveshni brings valued coaching support to the post-workshop program. Her skillset focuses on business administration, planning and execution. These skills feed into her role as workshop coordinator, ensuring the 5-day workshops run smoothly and successfully.

Thuveshni Thomas
Thabi Mosenohi
As an M&E Specialist Thabi focuses on the post-workshop program providing coaching support to participants. She brings a holistic approach to her work, understanding the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and having the skillset to support participants at the mental, emotional, social and enterprise levels.

Thabi Mosenohi
Xolile Sithole
Xolile is passionate about supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. She has deep understanding of the challenges Kasi entrepreneurs face and has key strengths in growth strategies for this market. She supports Socionext's programs as business mentor, specializing in sales, marketing and technologies.

Xolile Sithole
Nelisiwe Maboyane
Nelisiwe Maboyane has a background in guiding individuals through transformative journeys in both business and personal spheres. She has a passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives and has wide experience in assisting entrepreneurs achieve their highest potential. She brings a lot of value to the board with her skills in entrepreneurship development and training.

Nelisiwe Maboyane
Matthew Guilhermino
Matthew leads the operations team. His role is in: operationalizing Socionext's strategic goals; creating systems and processes that build the organization towards achieving these goals; and developing and managing the team that ensures goals and high quality outcomes are reached.

Matthew Guilhermino

Our Facilitators
Ntando Maseko
An NLP coach, author, radio host, business mentor and entrepreneur himself, Ntando brings a wealth of experience to Socionext. As an award-winning business mentor, he’s worked with the likes of SAB, Fetola, McCormick and Innovation Hub to name a few. He thrives in the interpersonal space and facilitates over 20 Coaching and Corporate training programmes helping individuals and teams achieve their potential.

Ntando Maseko
Iqbal Thokan
After attending the program in Diepsloot in February 2016, Iqbal was impressed by what the program could achieve in one week. Through the program, he has worked in various settings across the country and met individuals who have a great thirst for empowerment. As a business management consultant, Iqbal is fully aware of the challenges faced by many entrepreneurs and start up’s, and through the Socionext program guides participants through these challenges.

Iqbal Thokan
Tjaart Theron
The Socionext concept was developed by Tjaart Theron (1958), who is the Director of the Socionext Foundation. A graduate in Theology, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Western Cape (1976-1984) and Masters in Development Economics at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague.

Tjaart Theron

Socionext Netherlands Board
Rob Wijstma
Rob Wijstma is an interim-manager and a financial consultant specialized in the banking industry.

Rob Wijstma
Suzette Wyers
Suzette Wyers is a consultant with experience as an entrepreneur, managing director and board member.

Suzette Wyers
Ronald Vles
Ronald Vles is an attorney-at-Law with international experience in among others company law. He is also active as supervisor in a large number of cultural, medical, social and other organizations.
