Passionate people driving change

Marion joined in 2014 with extensive corporate experience, following a 20-year career at Shell International leading global projects. She later served as COO at Umthombo Wesizwe and Deputy Director at African Solutions to African Problems. She holds a UK BA (Hons), a German Business Administration degree, and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University. Her voluntary work includes chairing an Improvement District, supporting the Homestead Street Children’s Project, and five years as a volunteer wildfire fighter. She has completed over 50 marathons, including 11 ultras, and led the Enduroman Challenge relay team, which swam the English Channel.

With over 15 years of experience across corporate finance, nonprofit leadership, impact strategy, and governance, Jaco de Kock specialises in building sustainable financial models, innovative funding structures, and scalable operational systems that drive real-world change.

He is a Chartered Accountant and a catalyst for positive, well-organized change. Jaco never settles for the st5atus quo, instead, he sees opportunities for innovation in every process and views missed attempts as essential steps on the path to success.

Zoey is a relationship-builder, storyteller and opportunity-finder who believes that every child deserves the chance to thrive. As Chief Marketing Officer at Breadline Africa, she leads fundraising, marketing and partnerships, connecting people, brands and organisations with opportunities to create lasting impact. Her work is driven by a shared vision of a South Africa where every child has a future.

Before joining Breadline Africa, Zoey spent more than a decade in the airline industry, leading global communications, brand, marketing and events across international markets. She is also an entrepreneur who has built two successful businesses and previously served as Chairperson of a non-profit organisation. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to three daughters, an enthusiastic problem-solver and a firm believer that the best partnerships begin with a conversation.

Selina joined Breadline Africa in 2004 from its administrative partner, Isonka Trust. With a strong marketing and corporate background, she managed Direct Mail campaigns at Reader’s Digest and led fundraising initiatives for Grow Peace in Africa and Goedgedacht Trust across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Africa. She also worked on Direct Mail Newsletters for Abbeyfield South Africa within South Africa. At Breadline Africa, she strategically oversees donor acquisition and retention across Direct Mail, Telemarketing and Face-to-Face fundraising, keeping donors informed, appreciated and connected to the impact of their contributions. Known for her warm, donor-centred approach, Selina is passionate about building lasting relationships that help transform under-resourced communities. Kind, compassionate and deeply people-focused, she is family-oriented and brings a supportive presence to those around her. She loves connecting with people and is driven by a desire to serve others with care, purpose and compassion.

Adrian Kearns is a seasoned NGO and public sector leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, service delivery, and civic tech-enabled development. As Head of Programmes at Breadline Africa, he leads infrastructure initiatives supporting early childhood development in underserved communities. Previously, he served as Head of Strategic Services at Bergrivier Municipality, where he championed citizen-centered planning and accessibility of development frameworks. Adrian also managed national platforms like Vulekamali and Municipal Money at OpenUp, fostering transparency and public participation. He brings expertise in agile project management and product ownership, driving collaborative, data-informed solutions that strengthen institutions and empower communities.

Warren joined Breadline Africa in 2024 as Head of Strategic Partnerships. With 16 years of corporate experience, he now leads the organisation’s business development efforts and Pit Toilet Campaign alongside the Director. A Grey High School alumnus, he’s studied at Nelson Mandela University, GIBS, and UNISA. Outside work, Warren enjoys traveling with his wife Tlangelani, exploring local cultures, braaing, and lawn bowls. A sports enthusiast and former contestant on Ultimate Braai Master, he brings energy and strategic insight to his role.

Lene builds organisations that last. As Breadline Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, she spent three years building the people and processes that put serious impact investment within reach. Now she drives the organisation’s next growth phase as Innovations Principal, unlocking new financing models, incubating social enterprises and creating revenue streams that carry Breadline beyond donor dependency. She brings more than 20 years of leadership across public health, strategic advocacy, stakeholder engagement and gender equity in Africa and Asia, holds a Cand.polit. in Human Geography and serves on boards in the creative economy and public health. She mentors youth through Global Thinkers Forum. Lene believes every problem holds a solution waiting to be found, and she goes looking for hers after a morning CrossFit session.

Mette spends her days turning big ideas into bold campaigns and making sure the right stories reach the right hearts at the right time. Her work is deeply purposeful. Every message, every campaign and every conversation exists to spark hope for children across South Africa. Before joining Breadline Africa, she led award-winning global marketing in the finance sector and, before that, built a fashion brand and digital agency from the ground up. Outside of work, she is happiest with a good challenge and cooking feasts for friends and family (offset by just enough sport).

Nonjabulo joined Breadline Africa in 2023 as a social impact professional specialising in impact measurement and management. She has expertise in research, monitoring, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and impact reporting. With experience in conducting SROI-based studies, she holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography & Environmental Management. Passionate about sustainable development, she actively contributes to climate action and community development.

Janine joined Breadline Africa in 2021 and helps funding partners turn their generosity into safe, inspiring spaces where young children can learn and grow. She brings years of experience in project management and business development, having transitioned into the sector from the exhibition and events space. Known for her sharp eye for detail, quick wit and no-fuss approach, Janine is focused on getting things done effectively. A firm believer in collaboration and co-creation, she builds the trust that keeps stakeholders and communities working together. Outside of work, Janine finds joy in shared adventures with loved ones and getting lost in a well-written crime novel.

Kim joined Breadline Africa in 2019 as a digital marketing specialist. She’s passionate about growing digital channels and crafting creative campaigns that drive results. With experience across sectors, Kim takes a hands-on approach to social media strategy and emerging tech. An avid cyclist and adventure enthusiast, she also loves photography and is always ready to explore new experiences. At Breadline Africa, she blends creativity and strategy to help amplify the organisation’s mission.

Johan joined Breadline Africa in 2020 as Marketing Manager, bringing broad experience in the media industry, with a focus on digital and print subscription marketing and business development. He studied advertising at the AAA School of Advertising, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management from UCT, and earned an MBA from UCT’s Graduate School of Business. A member of the Mountain Club of South Africa and a passionate woodworker, Johan spends his free time exploring the outdoors or covered in sawdust.

Cleon joined Breadline Africa in 2007 as a Junior Marketing Assistant. Since then, she has obtained a Marketing degree and built extensive experience within the organisation. In 2023, she transitioned to the Programmes Department and now serves as Operations Projects Lead, managing the day-to-day workflow of projects across the department in collaboration with the other departments. Cleon is the proud mother of three children and remains passionate about contributing to sustainable community development.

Debbera is Breadline Africa’s dedicated Finance and Administration Manager. Since joining the organisation in 2002, Debbera’s passion for purposeful work has led her to contribute across almost every area of our operations. Her wealth of knowledge and experience makes her an invaluable team member — affectionately known as our “institutional memory.” When she’s not working with spreadsheets, she expresses her creativity through painting and other artistic pursuits.

Gail joined Breadline Africa in 2009 and has served Breadline Africa’s cause in both the programmes and marketing departments. With prior experience at Grow Peace in Africa, she brings strong administrative and community engagement skills. Gail works closely with beneficiary organisations and is passionate about grassroots change, believing that “the community is her university.” When she’s not at work, she enjoys running, avoids messy rooms, and does a mean push-up. She believes that we all have a role to play in building a better society.

Bomikazi Sobhuza is a Partnerships Assistant at Breadline Africa who supports the Head of Strategic Partnerships with administration, coordination, and research. She holds a Diploma in Office Management and Technology from Walter Sisulu University and brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for her work.

Her responsibilities include managing partner vetting processes, coordinating meetings and events, keeping records and documentation up to date, and assisting with advocacy and communication activities. Through her work, she helps ensure the Partnerships Team operates smoothly and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders.

Jodie joined Breadline Africa in 2023 as Technical Project Manager with a decade of experience in the public and private sector, particularly in education and healthcare. Jodie is highly skilled in alternative building methodologies and oversees projects from design implimentation stages through to installation and completion. A former BMX national athlete and South African colours recipient, Jodie has competed globally and now channels his adventurous spirit into fishing, travel, and outreach initiatives. His drive for impact matches his passion for innovation in construction.

Nyaradzo is a social development specialist who believes that evidence, when used well, has the power to transform lives. Since joining Breadline Africa in February 2024 as Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist, she ensures that every intervention is grounded in data and oriented towards real, lasting impact for children.

With over a decade of experience spanning corporate social investment, public healt and education, Nyaradzo is passionate about addressing systemic inequalities through a monitoring and evaluation lens, moving beyond numbers to understand what change is actually happening, for whom, and why.

She holds a Master of Development Studies (Cum Laude) from the University of the Free State and is currently completing a PhD in Education at the University of the Witwatersrand, with research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. An active SAMEA member and regular speaker at ECD conferences, Nyaradzo contributes to national conversations on quality, equity and accountability in early childhood development. Outside of work, she finds energy in hiking, a good motivational read, and time with her family.

Yazid joined Breadline Africa in 2024 as a Maintenance Contracts Quantity Surveyor. With over 10 years of experience in construction management and quantity surveying—across both public and private sectors—he also brings 11 years of expertise in writing manufacturer detail specifications. He holds a National Diploma in Construction and a BTech in Quantity Surveying. A devoted father of four, Yazid enjoys fishing, spending time with family, and cheering for Liverpool, the Stormers, and the Springboks. He’s proud to support an organisation that provides safety and dignity to young children.

Emily is a builder – but not the usual kind. Through her role as Business Development Officer at Breadline Africa, she helps build dignified futures by connecting corporate donors to meaningful educational infrastructure projects.

She studied International Politics at Stellenbosch University and co-authored Learning under Lockdown with Professor Jonathan Jansen, exploring the impact of COVID-19 on education. With a background in research, community development and stakeholder engagement, Emily brings both strategic insight and a deep commitment to expanding access to quality learning environments for children.