Our team consists of a wide variety of expertise offering guidance and support on different levels and we would love to introduce them to you.
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff – Trustee, Founder & CEO
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Business Communication from Bond University (Australia) and Honours in Communication Science from UNISA.
She has been in marketing, sales, journalism and has worked at a large South African NPO, Afrika Tikkun, before Founding and becoming CEO of Empowervate Trust in 2013.
Amanda is one the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans and is an Obama Leader: Africa. She is also an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Her passion is developing the potential of young people.
Pamela Hendriks – Trustee
Pamela is an accredited facilitator and assessor. She has been in the field of Child and Youth Care for over 25 years.
She is presently working for the City Of Joburg monitoring and Evaluating ECD sites for compliance and conducting necessary in-house training for these sites.
Her passion is making sure she is making a difference in the lives of young people through Empowervate Trust and an NGO known as Women Paying It Forward and Soapbox.
Her favourite quote is: “I am because we are”
Muhamed Arshaad Moosa – Trustee
Arshaad has a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting and Auditing from UNISA.
He is currently an independent financial consultant, having worked at Kiarah Chemicals CC as Financial, Human Resources and Employment Equity Manager, NPO Afrika Tikkun as Business Controller (Financial and Operational) and at WITS University – Origins Centre at a financial officer.
Arshaad is passionate about youth development as he has three young children and he sees how important this work is for the next generation.
Liezel Pheiffer Blignaut
Liezel holds Master of Commerce degree (HR, Organisational Development, Organisational Psychology), and is a registered Master HR Practitioner with the South African Board of People Practices and a Member of the Institute of Directors in South Africa.
She has 31 years extensive experience across numerous functions, companies, countries, and most industries (including 10 years working in listed companies).
Liezel is the Founder & CEO of HCBsolutions (Human Capital Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd) – a professional services company providing business and people solutions focused on development, improvement and growth – since 2001. Liezel’s Board experience includes being a Chairman of a Board of Directors, and a faculty Advisory Board member at the University of Pretoria and Eduvos.
As a mother and someone who continues to engage with youth entering the world of work and leaders in workplaces, Liezel believes it is essential to focus on developing the youth to empower them to make a positive contribution to their societies, our planet, the future world of work and our economy.
Patrick Mashanda
Patrick Mashanda is a distinguished development practitioner and strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in large-scale programme management, governance, and organisational development. Throughout his career, he has successfully directed national education and youth empowerment initiatives, delivering measurable social impact across multiple South African provinces.
A specialist in resource mobilisation and stakeholder engagement, Patrick has secured upwards of ZAR 100 million in funding from major corporate and international donor sectors. As the founder of Hope Warriors Children’s Charity, his contributions to the sector have earned him prestigious accolades, including being named one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans and receiving the Inyathelo Youth in Philanthropy Award.
Patrick brings to the Board a deep expertise in strategic oversight and sustainable growth. His background in consultancy, research, and public sector collaboration allows him to provide high-level guidance on operational efficiency and ethical governance, ensuring the organisation achieves its long-term developmental mandates.
Lisema Matsietsi
Lisema brings nearly two decades of incisive experience in the banking sector, crystallizing an impeccable record as a certified professional non-executive director and currently illuminating the industry as a Founder and Managing Director in Being An Analyst an organisation that specialises in Analyst Training & Development, IT Strategy, and Financial Reporting Consultancy.
Rooted in a profound background that intertwines sales operations, financial analysis, and strategic insight, Lisema has curated and optimized strategy development and execution through pioneering intelligent financial reporting his academic prowess, underscored by a Master’s in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town and enhanced by educational journeys through three esteemed business schools (UCT GSB, Henley, and GIBS), crafts a robust foundation for his exceptional business acumen and positions him as an indomitable force in strategy and analytics.
Siyabulela Gebe
Siyabulela is a public policy and stakeholder management practitioner with over 15 years of experience in regulatory affairs, government engagement, advocacy and strategic communications across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. He currently serves as Manager responsible for Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA), where he leads work on regulatory monitoring, policy development, stakeholder engagement and industry coordination on legislative and public policy matters affecting the alcohol sector.
He also chairs the Alcohol Industry Policy Working Group and reports to the Corporate Affairs Directors’ Forum on policy, regulatory and stakeholder developments across the industry. Since 2025, he has been representing the DF-SA on the SARS Alcohol Industry Stakeholder Forum, where he contributes to structured engagement between industry and the South African Revenue Service on customs and excise administration, licensing, compliance and trade facilitation issues affecting the alcohol value chain.
Before joining DF-SA, he served in senior roles at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, including as Head of Public Policy and Advocacy and as Spokesperson and Assistant to President Thabo Mbeki. His work included policy analysis, advocacy strategy, stakeholder engagement, programme leadership and the coordination of high-level public and institutional initiatives in South Africa and across the continent. He has also served in governance and leadership roles in several institutions and platforms, including the Thabo Mbeki Leadership Institute, the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership School of Public & International Affairs and the National Foundation Dialogue Initiative.
He is currently completing an MCom in Inequality Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the UNISA School of Business Leadership, awarded cum laude and has completed the Executive Development Programme from University of Free State Business School. His leadership and academic achievements include the Wits Postgraduate Merit Award and recognition by the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre.
Abie Williams is a professional with a distinguished career in corporate governance, risk management, legal, compliance and financial leadership, now dedicated to leveraging his experience for meaningful social impact.
He provides pro-bono legal advice and assistance to disadvantaged individuals and communities.
Ketan Bhoola
Ketan has over 25 years of leadership, industry and professional services experience within the Built Environment providing governance, development and financial advisory services across Africa, Middle East, and South Africa. Armed with a Bachelor in Architecture and a Bachelor in Architecture Studies from the University of Witwatersrand, he embarked on his path, leading several successful Teams that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Ketan’s spirit is matched only by his dedication to social responsibility. He actively engages in initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities and fostering sustainable development. Whether through mentorship programs, philanthropic endeavors, or advocacy work, Ketan is a driving force for positive change.
As part of his professional endeavors, Ketan is currently the Head of Development for KFC Africa and is known for his unwavering integrity, strong leadership, and collaborative approach. He thrives in environments that demand creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking, consistently demonstrating his ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Dr Lawrence Bbosa
Lawrence has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and an MBA specialising in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Graduate School of Business.
He is the Executive Manager of the Mineral Processing Division at Mintek (South Africa). He has worked in mining for close to 20 years, mainly as a researcher and consultant on industry funded projects and campaigns for mining companies worldwide.
In his prior role, Lawrence was a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. He came to have a deep appreciation for the importance of a firm foundation in the teaching and development of the youth as being one of the key drivers for their future success. Lawrence firmly believes that the ideal mechanism for sustainable industrial growth in Africa is to encourage and enable African entrepreneurs to leverage the power of emerging technologies in industries including small scale manufacturing and mining.
With his passion for practical education supplemented by entrepreneurial endeavour, Lawrence joined the YCAP board in 2024 to assist with developing its growth strategy and identifying funding opportunities that align with its business model. He has a great degree of resonance with YCAP’s intended impact of empowering children through education and playing a part in the transformation and social cohesion of the country.
Mase Gaeganelwe is a Certified Director (IoDSA Cert. Dir. ) and also holds a Master’s degree in Informatics from the University of Pretoria.
Mase has enjoyed over 25 years of information and communications technology experience, having worked in management and executive positions at various companies including SASOL, Edcon, SkX Protiviti and SAFCOL. A mother of two young adults, she is passionate about overseeing and providing guidance on strategies and initiatives that will uplift and empower the future generation of leaders.
Vilashni Vandayar has over 20 years of experience in Marketing. Vilashni brings a wealth of experience to the role of Non-Executive Director at Empowervate.
She has held key positions at SAB Miller, Japan Tobacco International and Tiger Brands where she has developed and operationalised brand and portfolio strategies across South, East and Central Africa. Her innovative mindset and strategic thinking has significantly contributed to market share and profitability growth.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Vilashni is passionate about women empowerment, having mentored final year female marketing and advertising students over the last decade. She holds an MBA from Wits Business School, a Marketing diploma from the Institute of Marketing Management, a certificate in Digital Marketing and a BSc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry from University of Kwazulu Natal. She is also a 1st Dan in the martial art of Tae-kwondo.
As a Non-Executive Director, Vilashni is committed to contributing to the strategic direction and governance of Empowervate, ensuring that it continues to thrive and deliver value to its stakeholders and the youth of South Africa.
Linda Khuluse is a well-seasoned executive and expert in Corporate Affairs with over 20 years experience in the public and private sectors. Experienced Board member with a proven track record of leading teams to efficiently deliver integrated corporate communication, stakeholder engagement, public relations, and community development strategies with bottom-line impact.
A member in good standing of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and a Non-executive director at Head Start Kids who is accountable for the strategic direction, policy-making, strengthening the NPC positioning, performance, and reputation. Collaborates well with diverse stakeholders of varying socio-economic and multi-cultural backgrounds.
Assertive, solid professional history, and very strong emotional intelligence. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Science and various leadership and executive programmes.
Sandile Ngubane
Sandile is an Associate General Accountant (SA) and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. He holds a BCompt in Accounting Sciences, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.
Sandile brings over 10 years of experience in financial reporting, governance, and risk management. He specialises in financial reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), with a strong focus on financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability. His experience spans complex institutional environments, including the higher education sector.
He is passionate about youth development and believes in the role of strong governance in enabling organisations to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
Elrinda Pretorius – Chief Operations Officer & Head of Marketing & Social Media
Elrinda Pretorius is a dynamic leader, strategist, and creative mind behind Empowervate’s operations, marketing, and social media. With a background in Education, Psychology, and Theology, she brings a people-first approach to leadership, ensuring that Empowervate’s programmes, messaging, and initiatives run smoothly and effectively.
Her professional journey spans education, consulting, brand management, PR, and digital marketing, making her a versatile leader with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. As a small business owner, she has honed skills in team coordination, brand and client management, copywriting, and content development, all of which she brings to her role at Empowervate.
A firm believer in continuous learning and empowerment, Elrinda is passionate about helping young people unlock their potential. Whether she’s managing projects, crafting impactful campaigns, or driving organisational efficiency, she remains committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of youth.
Fluent in English and Afrikaans, Elrinda combines analytical thinking with creative problem solving, ensuring Empowervate continues to grow and thrive.
“Education is the key to a better future, and one should never stop learning.”
Mbalenhle Mdhluli started supporting Empowervate in 2016 after she attended thee YCAP annual National Championships as she was working at Deutsche Bank South Africa Foundation who were funders for 10 years from the creation of YCAP. The event inspired her to get involved in empowering the learners, who are the future of South Africa, in her personal capacity.
She says, “Initially I joined to impact the learners and over the years the students have impacted me more than I could have imagined. They have poured into my soul and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I support this organisation because they are solution oriented and are taking action in making our country a better place.”
Mbuyiselo Vilakazi is a social entrepreneur, published author of Primed Up-a Survival Guide of Starting a new life at a Tertiary institution. Mbuyiselo has a Masters in Intellectual Property from UCT (2022) and he completed his LLB at UKZN. He is also a digital content creator. A young man from the villages who had made it against all odds. He is the Founder of EnableSA a non profit company that seeks to help young people maximise their potential. He has been a YCAP support team member for 10 years.
Support Team National Managers
Thabang Monyeki is a National Support Team Manager. He has:
- N-Diploma in Management Assistant at Waterberg TVET College, further studied
- Advanced Diploma In TVET Teaching at STADIO Higher Education and further studied
- Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education with University of Johannesburg. Is currently studying
- Master of Education in Inclusive Education with University of Johannesburg.
He is a Lecturer at Capricorn TVET College-Seshego campus.
He is also a marker at South West Gauteng TVET College as well as STADIO HIGHER EDUCATION. He is a senior Tutor at University of Johannesburg.
He is an award winner of the Best Teacher Award at the Waterberg Distict and Thabazimbi circuit 2024 NSC examinations.
He has been in YCAP for 11 years and got promoted as a National Manager in 2023.
He is a co-founder and chairperson of NPO Rock of Hope Foundation.
He says YCAP helped him change from being an introvert who didn’t like to participate in any extracurricular activities to becoming a sociable and outgoing person learning to engage with as many vast and diverse people as possible. He says “Being part of YCAP-EMPOWERVATE is giving me the privilege of helping individuals who are also in need.” In May 2023, Thabang was nominated to be co-manager of the support team.
Rose B. Moerane is the holder of B.Ed Honors in education Policy and Management from University of Pretoria. She is a teacher by Profession. She is also an ambassador for GDE content platform. Rose is a Pastor and recording artist. She is the Chairperson of High Five Mentorship Programme. She joined YCAP as a teacher mentor in 2019 and then became a support team co-manager in May 2023.
Shadi Emmelda Matjila is a young woman originally from the Limpopo province, currently residing in Gauteng. She first participated in the YCAP program in Grade 10 (2018), making it to the National rounds with her team and coming out 4th place overall. She continued her YCAP journey by becoming a learner Mentor for her school’s YCAP Team in 2019 and later joining the national support team in 2021.
Shadi joined the support team because she wanted to continue being a mentor and help learners on their journey to become active citizens, and because “I saw how much of an impact YCAP had on my school and community that I wanted to give back.”
She continues, “As a young woman who has seen and experienced hardship through poverty, it is truly inspiring and motivating to be part of a program that teaches you to create something out of the little that one has, that teaches you how to work with and for people, and ultimately that teaches you to be an active Citizen.”
She has taken part in the Future Africa Ambassadors program. She is currently a volunteer writer for Rights for Education: South African chapter, and she is a law student at Boston City Campus in Pretoria.
Support Team Provincial Managers
Rifumo Zitha is our Gauteng Provincial Support Team Manager and Mpumalanga Deputy Support Team Manager. She is studying towards a BCom in Accounting student at the University of Johannesburg.
She has been passionate about YCAP since 2019, where she joined as a participant until she became a support team in 2023. She is now a provincial manager for the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. The reason why she joined YCAP was to change the situation in her community.
Kamogelo Moloto is our North West Provincial Support Team Manager. Kamogelo is originally from Rustenburg, North West Province but is studying in Bloemfontein, Free State province. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting at the University of Free State.
She is also studying entrepreneurship with the Girlpreneur Africa Program. She is a poet and has won multiple poetry awards. She is the founder and CEO of a Poetry club known as POESY CLONE. She is a nominee at DearSA for Young Leaders Awards. Kamogelo has been working on completing her poetry book for publication.
She is a very eager person, she loves engaging in things that challenge her and she is always eager to learn and adapt to the developments and improvements that occur in her life. YCAP has been part of her life for 6 years and she says “I am not the same person I was 6 years ago. I joined YCAP when I was in grade 9 and ever since then, I have been developing every single year.”
Basetsana Sheane is the Support Team Provincial Manager for the Free State province. She is a student at the University of the Free State pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. Because of her love for literature and storytelling, she is a certified Nal’ibali literacy activist and the founder of Tsebo Ke Lesedi community reading club – which she founded after using the critical thinking and soft skills she learned from YCAP.
She is a YCAP alumna who was an active participant of YCAP from 2017 when she was in grade 8 at Taiwe Secondary school until 2019 when she was in grade 10. She says, “I am passionate about helping young people discover the light that they’re all born with and assisting them to find their voice. I am grateful to be a YCAP team member because this programme has moulded me into becoming the remarkable young woman and an active change agent that I am today.”
Keatlegile Immaculate Mthimunye is the Gauteng Provincial Support Team Manager. She is a Bcom Accounting granduand from the University of witwatersrand
She is a trainee Auditor at Auditor General South Africa. Keatlegile participated in YCAP in 2016 at MH BALOYI SECONDARY. She became a support team member in 2023 “after realising how much impact the program had on me and I can help pass those that come after me.”
In 2019 she won the Tshwane West education district values in Education Ambassador award.