WE ARE…
a group of passionate nation builders who long to see deep and lasting transformation in our land. We choose to see and activate the possibilities rather than becoming overwhelmed by the stark realities. To this we bring faith, courage, integrity, curiosity, grappling, intentional and rapid action, meaningful connection, and adventure…
Meet the Team
Our staff, board of trustees, finance team and board of community advisors work together to ensure the ReStory Foundation is impacting lives in a sustainable way, with strong accountability to all donors.
Staff Team
As far as possible we empower people within the community to be the primary sources of help and hope. In our Bhambayi hub, our social workers and youth workers all live in the community, and most were on our programmes before joining the staff.
Mandy Pearson
Founder and CEO
Simangele Mlawu
Social Services Manager
Natalie Naude
Empowerment Partner
Zama Zikhali
Administration and Volunteer relationships
Louise Holmes
Marketing and relationships (part time)
Ernest Mngomeni
Young Adults and High School Co-ordinator
Sinethemba Mdibi
Youth Development Worker and Admin Support
Sinamandla Mgcisane
Youth Development Worker
Thulisile Mngadi
Youth Development Worker
Ntethelelo Khumalo
Social worker
Nontobeko Hlela
Administrator
Mia Venter
Events (part time)
Board of Trustees
The ReStory Foundation is overseen by a strong and active diversified Board of Trustees of 7 individuals, with both the range of skills and experience needed to support and grow the work. The Founder and Executive Director, Mandy Pearson, has worked extensively in the development and corporate world, both locally and abroad.
Mandy Pearson
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Executive Director and Founder of the organization. Experience ranges from corporate spaces in Europe and locally, in business, strategy and finance, to development, including unsettled times in townships during unrest, both pre- and post- Apartheid. Masters in Economics of Developing Countries from Cambridge, a 7 year season of leading in church spaces and founding and running the Bhambayi Project part time since its beginning in 2007, and now full time. Mandy is passionate about justice, dignity and empowerment.
Sbonelo Mbatha
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Sbonelo Mbatha is the co-founder and director of PetroCONNECT Holdings and Divine Inspiration Holdings. He worked his way from petrol attendant to service station manager and ultimately to owner of multiple service stations. His vast experience includes business development, stakeholder and relationship management and strategy development, and he is a valued mentor to many young entrepreneurs.
Dr Tshitshi Mbatha
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Tshitshi Mbatha studied social work, city planning and social welfare policy and has a doctorate in poverty. She has worked in diverse organisations, including USAID, International Development Research Centre, United Nations and the Commision on Provincial Government, and was CEO of Inkezo Land Company. She is passionate about poverty eradication initiatives. She has served on many boards in the public, the private and NGO sectors.
Kevin Robertson
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Focus of working life has been on high school learners, as a teacher, school chaplain and leadership facilitator. He is passionate about growing and empowering youth and coaching people to help them discover and unlock their strengths. He is currently the rector at St Martin’s Anglican Church.
Clive Stewart
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Clive qualified as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) in 1996 and has expert knowledge in accounting/finance, risk management and control. His experience spans a significant number of industry sectors, and he has serviced clients both locally and in Europe. Clive is passionate about South Africa and in contributing to the betterment of the country and its citizens. He is currently employed as a director of a professional services firm and serves on the boards of various companies and trusts.
Nomcebo Richness Dlala
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Nomcebo has an honours degree in Education Management and is currently the head of development at Khanyisa-Inanda Community Projects. Her outstanding communication skills, strength in enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders, a proven track record in programme and project management and an upbringing in the Inanda area, position Nomcebo to provide expertise to the board on education, community development and communications (including social media).
Tom Butterworth
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Currently managing the Blue Roof Life Space, a holistic development space for vulnerable youth in the communities of south Durban. Tom holds an Urban Design and City Planning masters’ degree. He has wide ranging experience in community development, city planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
Board of Community Advisors
In addition, the ReStory Foundation’s board of community advisors is comprised of highly respected, apolitical community leaders living in the Bhambayi Community. This body plays an important role in advising on matters as they relate to work within, and development of, the Bhambayi community.
Finance Team
Our finances are managed by Shirley Holmes and our annual financial statements are independently compiled by Guy Brazier, an experienced chartered accountant.
Guy Brazier
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In his professional capacity as a Chartered Accountant (SA) is the Independent Compiler of the annual financial statements of Bhambayi Project Trust, a position he has held for the last two years. Guy was the Managing Partner of Deloitte, KwaZulu-Natal for 12 years. He elected to take early retirement in 2018, after 38 years with the firm, to pursue his dreams; as well as spend more time with his family. Guy continues to play an active role in the business community as a director on a number of boards.
Shirley Holmes
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With an ACIS, manages the finances of the Bhambayi Project Trust. She has experience in finance locally and in London at a top international retailer. Currently self-employed. Passionate about building the future of the country through giving back and investing in the environment.