I am privileged to lead ORT SA CAPE, an organisation that has been changing lives for over 30 years through education, training, and empowerment. Our mission is simple yet powerful, to equip people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build better futures.

In the past five years, we have supported the development of 15,000 educators, impacting nearly half a million learners. Our training not only equips teachers with essential skills but also renews their confidence and enthusiasm to innovate in their classrooms. Seeing educators grow in both capacity and self-belief has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

We are equally committed to creating pathways for young people. Our learnerships and internships currently support close to 800 unemployed youth each year. These programmes provide work experience, mentorship, and a sense of belonging, vital tools for breaking cycles of poverty and unemployment.

Entrepreneurship also forms a key part of our vision. ORT Jet, one of our flagship programmes, supports entrepreneurs with mentorship, workshops, and networking. By creating spaces for business owners to share knowledge, build confidence, and access community, we contribute not only to the success of individual businesses but also to the prosperity of families and communities.

I began my journey with ORT SA CAPE as a volunteer in 2013. Since becoming CEO in 2021, I have been driven to lead with vision, determination, and compassion. Under my leadership, ORT SA CAPE has embraced innovation, developing initiatives such as The Dory Code, which makes coding and robotics accessible even in the most under-resourced classrooms. My own background, 12 years managing an ECD centre has taught me the complexities of balancing human resources, finance, and the responsibility of nurturing young children. That hands-on experience continues to shape my leadership, reminding me that real change begins at ground level, in classrooms and communities.

What inspires me most is the ripple effect of change, teachers who feel more confident in their classrooms, children who discover a love for learning, and young people who step into employment with dignity and hope. This nomination affirms that purposeful leadership can transform lives, when we lead with purpose, collaboration, and heart, we can create real and lasting change. I am committed to continuing this work with passion and tenacity.

What would make me a worthy winner is not personal recognition, but the chance to shine a light on the vital role education plays. Education is the foundation on which futures are built. I have dedicated my career to ensuring that teachers, children, and young people, regardless of their background, have access to quality opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. Winning this award would honour my dedicated team, the communities we serve, and the vision we hold, that by equipping and empowering people, we can create lasting change for generations to come. Education is not just a pathway to learning—it is a catalyst for real, lasting social change.


Vision: Leadership in education is never a solo journey. It is built on the dedication of teachers, the resilience of learners, and the collective commitment of a passionate team.

My vision is to continue creating opportunities for people to thrive, not only for ORT SA CAPE beneficiaries, but also for the staff who give so much of themselves to shaping brighter, more equitable futures.

I hold deeply to the “butterfly effect’’, the idea that small, intentional actions can create ripples of meaningful change. Every interaction, every programme, and every empowered individual has the potential to spark transformation that extends far beyond what we can immediately see.

For South Africa, I envisage a country where communities care deeply for one another, where opportunity is accessible to all, and where safety and dignity allow every child to thrive. My hope is to see young South Africans grow into problem solvers, critical thinkers, and global citizens—equipped not only with knowledge, but with the confidence and values to build a better tomorrow.

For ORT SA CAPE, I envision growth that is both wide and deep. I hope we can scale to reach more people, while also intensifying our impact in the communities we serve. Beyond numbers, I want us to continue advocating for systemic change in the education sector, ensuring that early learning and quality teaching are recognised as national priorities.

I see ORT SA CAPE becoming a true Education Hub, a vibrant space where educators and youth access innovative, tangible interventions that bridge the gap between ability and opportunity. A place where potential is unlocked, confidence is nurtured, and the seeds of lasting change are sown.

Ultimately, my vision for myself, my organisation, and South Africa is united by one belief, when we empower people through education, we strengthen communities and create futures filled with hope.