Mamelani is made up of a team of 9 employees, 8 of whom are South African.
Meet the Mamelani Team...

Carly Tanur

Founding Director

She is a qualified Social Worker and has been working in the NGO sector for 14 years. She is passionate about person-centred community development.

"I am because you are" - the philosophy of UBUNTU is fundamental in our work - enabling people to reach their potential and support those around them. It is only by working together that we are able to really create change." - Carly Tanur, Director

Monika Edwards

Operations Manager

Monika is the Operations Manager at Mamelani. Her role in the organization is to ensure the smooth running of programs. She is also responsible for financial management and staff development. She has 10 years experience in the NGO sector, having spent the last 7 years as the Director of a Mental Health Organisation in Khayelitsha. She is a qualified Clinical Pastoral Therapist and has worked extensively in mental health services for children and families.

"I am passionate about working with communities at the grassroots level. In particular, about offering services to children and families and developing the skills of community workers at this level." - Monika Edwards

Cleopatra Sawuti

Wellness Facilitator

Cleopatra is a facilitator and counsellor at Mamelani. She is trained as a facilitator, health educator and a lay counsellor. She has vast knowledge and experience working in the HIV/AIDS and health sector. Her role in the organisation is to encourage people to take better care of their health. This is achieved by facilitating health education sessions in the community. She motivates people to know their health status and to test for TB, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and HIV. She supports individuals by advising them on how best to deal with their illness.

"I am passionate about helping individuals who are facing challenges - encouraging them to take their medication properly and dealing with the family issues they are facing. I believe we live in this shared world to help each other." - Cleopatra Sawuti

Nomvuyo Mbele

Wellness Facilitator

Nomvuyo is a facilitator and counsellor at Mamelani. She has been trained as an HIV/AIDS lay counsellor and family counsellor. She facilitates the community-based health education program. Nomvuyo is passionate about the growth and development of the organisation - constantly looking at ways of strengthening its ability to transform communities.

"I am passionate about working with people and uplifting my community by informing them about health issues. I am proud that I am able to make a difference in people's lives." - Nomvuyo Mbele

Rosie Stunda

Wellness Facilitator

Rosie is a facilitator and counsellor at Mamelani. She has been trained as a support group facilitator, home-based carer and lay counsellor. Her role is to share information with groups - mostly HIV support groups and home-based care groups. She encourages people to live positively and to go for all their clinic appointments.

"I like to share the knowledge I have with people and to support them when they really need support. I have implemented the information in my own life and have experienced getting stronger. This is why I am so passionate about sharing the knowledge. I am HIV positive. I am a long-term survivor. I am proud of what I have learnt from Mamelani." - Rosie Stunda

Thandi Blie

Wellness Facilitator

Thandi is a facilitator and counsellor at Mamelani. She has been trained as a health educator and lay counsellor. She has also been trained by Capacitar International as a trainer in stress release techniques. Her role is to listen, advise and support individuals and groups from poor communities. She shares essential information in the hope that it will empower people to help themselves.

"My passion is to work with people, giving them strength and hope and lifting their spirit so that they can face their challenges and be less stressed." - Thandi Blie

Clinton Osbourn

Youth Program Facilitator

Clinton is the Program coordinator for Mamelani's Youth Development Program. His role in the program is to run lifeskills workshops, offer individual support to the youth in the program and develop the program as a whole. He has a BA degree in Drama and Sociology and a Post Graduate Course in Education. He has worked as a teacher, project manager, youth facilitator and Program coordinator. He has been working with youth at risk, particularly children living on the street, for the past 15 years. He is passionate about assisting youth in discovering their passion and supporting them in reaching their goals.

Gerald Jacobs

Youth Program Manager

Gerald is the Program Manager of Mamelani's Youth Development Program. He has more than 10 years of experience working with youth at risk, particularly youth living on the street. His role includes working with individual youth, developing the overall program. He is responsible for the Internship Program. He is also involved in fundraising. He has been trained in fundraising, Social Work and drug abuse counselling.

"I am passionate about developing the youth's sense of self, so that they can become contributing members of society." - Gerald Jacobs

Susanne Thompson

Social Worker

Susanne is a qualified social worker in Mamelani's Child and Family Support Program. She is based at Zerilda Park Primary in Lavender Hill. She has been working with children for 15 years. She believes strongly that Social Workers and other role players offering services to children should be accountable and committed in their work.

"I am passionate about people feeling empowered to take control of their lives." - Susanne Thompson