This week marks World Breastfeeding Week!

Valerie Govender

Valerie leads strategic planning, communications, and fundraising at One to One Africa, driving growth and deepening impact across rural communities. She brings over two decades of nonprofit experience to the role, blending creative storytelling with rigorous strategy to mobilize support and build lasting partnerships. For Valerie, every campaign begins with a real story—from Mentor Mothers walking door to door, to children thriving because someone showed up. Her work is about amplifying those voices, connecting people to purpose, and ensuring that every initiative is rooted in empathy, clarity, and community-led change.

Xolelwa Vimbani

Xolelwa’s role focuses on ensuring that the organization’s core support services run smoothly and effectively. She oversee a diverse portfolio that includes Human Resources, Procurement, Information Technology, Administration, Operations, Fleet Management, and Grants Management. Her key responsibility is to align these operational areas with the broader strategic goals of the organization, supporting both programmatic impact and institutional growth.

What she enjoy most about working at One to One is the spirit of collaboration and purpose that runs through everything we do. There’s a deep commitment to community impact, and every operational decision is ultimately about enabling that impact to happen efficiently and ethically. Being part of a team that is passionate, values-driven, and deeply connected to the work on the ground makes every challenge worth solving. She counts it a privilege to contribute to the systems that support OTOA’s vision of healthier communities and meaningful change.

Account Details:

Account name: ONE TO ONE AFRICA CHILDREN’S FUND NPC
Bank: NEDBANK
Account type: SAVINGS
Account number: 9019505831
Branch code: 720026
Swift code: NEDSZAJJ
Reference: Your Name

To download our account details, please click here.

Rudzani Muloiwa

Rudzani Muloiwa trained as a paediatrician at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCCH) and the University of Cape Town (UCT), obtaining a Fellowship in Paediatrics with the Colleges of Medicines of South Africa (CMSA) in 2004. After this he completed an M.Sc. (Public Health Developing Countries) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). He has an interest in infectious diseases with a special emphasis on vaccine-preventable diseases (his PhD explored the epidemiology of pertussis in children). From August 2015, Rudzani was the Chief clinician and Director of the Paediatric and Adolescent HIV Clinical Services at Groote Schuur Hospital, a position he left in October 2020 to assume the role of Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health at UCT and the RCCH. He is the current co-director of the Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA). Rudzani serves as a member of the South African NITAG, the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NAGI), and the Regional Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) for the WHO Region for Africa (AFRO).

Mentor Mothers

Mentor Mother Team is a group of experienced mothers who provide guidance, support, and mentorship to new or expectant mothers, in the context of maternal and child health. They aim to promote positive maternal and child health outcomes by leveraging their knowledge and experiences to assist and empower those who are navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting for the first time.

Our team has been implementing the Enable programme, a dedicated effort to deliver maternal and child health services. Our Mentor Mothers engage in proactive ‘door-to-door’ care, pre-emptively addressing and managing a wide array of maternal and child health concerns. This encompasses the prevention and management of issues spanning HIV and TB, nutrition, sexual education, and child immunization access. Currently, the programme has a team of Mentor Mothers supported by One To One Africa trained Supervisors, Community Nurse(s), and various Coordinators, supporting thousands of women and children across villages in the OR Tambo district of the Eastern Cape.

Thabisa Bobo

Thabisa is an experienced professional with expertise in a wide range of areas, including facilitation and training, community development (particularly in rural settings), project monitoring and evaluation, gender and human rights advocacy, and project planning, implementation, and management. Her dedication to personal growth and development has been strengthened through various courses, such as “Strategies for Personal Growth & Development,” “Servant Leadership – The Deciding Difference,” and “Design-Driven Entrepreneurship,” among others.

She joined One to One Africa as a Provincial Liaison Manager where she focuses on building relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, aligning programs with national and provincial priorities, and providing strategic advice.

Her career spans several roles, including being a Managing Director of Development Consultants and business Solutions, where she offered market insights, project development support, and project monitoring and evaluation services to community-based organizations and NGOs in the welfare sector.

She also served as a Youth Programmes Coordinator where she led initiatives related to women’s leadership development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality. She also facilitated the establishment of multi-stakeholder forums and capacity development programs.

As a Trainer and Reflect Facilitator at Action Aid International – South Africa, Thabisa contributed to community-based support structures, trained community members in participatory decision-making methods, and provided mentoring and support to facilitators. Additionally, her role as a Peer Group Trainer at Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa involved recruiting and training volunteers in life skills and youth sexual and reproductive health issues.

With accreditation as an assessor and moderator, she brings a comprehensive skill set to various fields, including public social accountability monitoring, workplace diversity management, and HIV/AIDS care and counselling. Her commitment to making a positive impact in diverse areas of expertise drives her career and professional development.

Thandie Matikinca

Thandie Matikinca is a dedicated Programme Manager at One to One Africa, who is committed to driving positive change and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Her primary focus has been responsive caregiving as well as advocating for the rights of women and children and this has motivated her to work tirelessly towards a more equitable and just society.

Throughout her journey, Thandie has spearheaded a multitude of successful projects aimed at fostering sustainable development, social justice, and humanitarian relief. Her commitment to making a difference has led Thandie to collaborate with several remarkable organizations. She dedicated 14 impactful years to HOPE Worldwide SA, where she contributed her skills and passion to various causes. Following this, she joined Clowns without Borders for a year, adding a unique dimension to her journey. Currently, she is in her second year with One to One Africa Children’s Fund, an organization that resonates deeply with her values.

Rhodwell Shamu

Rhodwell, who joined One To One Africa in April 2023, brings extensive experience in Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, including project management. He served for seven years in the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance & Economic Development Central Statistical Office, where he played a key role in designing the ED46 data collection tool for benchmarking the country’s education system. He also contributed to the analysis of the country’s first population census, co-designed the first labour force survey and contributed to developing ISCO88 codes at the ILO Head Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

His career spans various sectors, including the private sector as a Market Research Executive followed by several years in International NGOs. His roles included Research Manager, Senior M&E Advisor, and Strategic Information Director, in programs funded by organizations like USAID, CDC (PEPFAR), DANIDA, Irish AID and Save the Children (UK).

Rhodwell’s notable achievements include evaluating the Save the Children (UK) programs as well as the Southern Africa Trust (SAT Organisational Strategy 2021-2024 for Anglophone and Lusophone countries.

He holds a diverse educational background, including a Social Science degree from West Africa, postgraduate qualifications in Demography (Cairo, Egypt), General Project and Financial Management (Arhus, Denmark), and Conducting Research in Global Health Project Management (University of Washington, USA). He received specialized training in sampling techniques and statistical analysis systems from Statistics Sweden.

Rhodwell’s international collaborations include work with researchers from Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco, where he contributed to identifying HIV risk factors among new blood donors. He co-presented findings in Japan, Australia and Morocco. He has co-authored publications on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and a guide on “Managing Program Evaluations.”

Rishda Sirkot

Rishda oversees the finance function of One to One Africa. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and completed her articles at Ernst & Young Cape Town. She has a range of skills and experience in audit, financial management and corporate finance and across a range of industries, including Financial Services, Energy and Retail. She also has experience working with multi-national clients both in the UK and in South Africa.

Rishda has served on various professional, school and religious boards and committees over the years. After taking a break from her career to raise her children, she decided to utilise her skill set in the NGO sector. She joined the team of One to One Africa as a consultant in July 2019. She also currently serves as a director for the largest animal welfare organisation in the Western Cape.

Ondela Manjezi-Sokomani

Ondela Manjezi-Sokomani holds post-graduate qualifications in Population Studies and Results-Based Project Management. With eight years of experience in program management, her dedication is focused on advancing equality and inclusivity in healthcare, particularly for women, young girls, and children.

Prior to her current role at One to One Africa, Ondela held the position of Population and Health Officer at the African Union Commission (AUC). In this capacity, she provided invaluable expertise in the field of population and development, playing a crucial role in guiding Africa’s efforts towards sustainable population development. Her primary focus was on enhancing maternal health and nutrition across the continent.

Ondela’s responsibilities, at the commission, included conducting extensive research, analysing demographic trends, and collaborating with experts and stakeholders across various sectors. Her work aimed not only to prioritize the well-being of mothers and children but also to contribute significantly to the overall social and economic development of member states.

Recognized for her dedication to development, Ondela received prestigious accolades, including the 2017 Mail & Guardian Top Young South African award. Additionally, she was honoured as a Nelson Mandela Washington Fellow in Civic Leadership in 2023, underscoring her passion for making a positive impact in her field.

Rochelle Carelse

Rochelle Carelse is an experienced Operational Manager with over 20 years of experience working in the NGO field. She joined One to One Children’s fund Africa, in May 2021 bringing a wealth of experience along in the fields of Finance, Procurement, HR, marketing and HIV operations/research. Before that, Rochelle worked at The Trauma Centre, Workers World, NACOSA , Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and MES (Mould Empower and Serve).

Rochelle is a member of the South African Institute of Health Care Managers. Her qualifications include Management Certificate through the institute Damellin a further Higher Management Certificate through FPD where she boast cum laude pass mark and various studies of Grant and Cooperative Agreement course. She also has obtained certificates in Grants Policy and Management Training, Budgeting and costing for NPO’s, Fundraising Proposals and Financial aspects. She served on the Board/council of the Church of the Province of South Africa.

René Diane

Rene Diane is the Impact Manager at One to One Africa. Rene is responsible for all monitoring and evaluation (M&E)-related activities currently focusing on the Enable programme’s transition to digitization.

Rene has over 16 years’ experience in social development and clinical health, working for organisations such Kheth’Impilo, NACOSA, Health & Development Africa and Hope Worldwide South Africa. She has led programme and M&E teams, and provided technical support and research oversight. Capacity development, Health System Strengthening and innovation is at the core of what Rene is passionate about.

Rene has a clinical health background and has worked as a nurse mainly in Botswana and South Africa before starting her career in M&E, capacity building and Health System strengthening. She is a qualified M&E Specialist, Assessor and experienced in digital health for monitoring and research purposes. Rene enjoys getting involved in projects which make a difference in communities and contributes towards social upliftment and social capital.

Dr Emma Chademana

Emma joined One to One Africa in August 2018 as our Head of Programmes. Emma has been working in the HIV/AIDS field for over 10 years; she has worked at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and at the School of Public Health at the University of the Western Cape where she also completed her doctoral studies in Public Health in 2017. Previously, Emma was Head of Operations at the Right2Know Campaign overseeing the Finance, Human Resources and fundraising departments as well as the day to day operations of the Campaign.

Gqibelo Dandala

A former investment banker whose current work is a reflection of her personal passions, Gqibelo lives by the ethos that a life of service is a life well-lived, which is reflected in her work.

A graduate of the University of Cape Town and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), she founded and ran a non-profit organisation for 15 years prior to joining One To One Africa in August 2021. As such, she is a seasoned leader and executive in the social development space, her previous organisation, Future of the African Daughter (FOTAD) having been publicly acknowledged by Mrs Michelle Obama.

Her work is characterized by her passionate but practical approach to her life and her work, informed by the unusual balance of her professional training in finance and economics, her passion and heart for the development and an almost quixotic enthusiasm and conviction in a better tomorrow for all. She is also a former member of the UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group (CSAG) Committee (RSA Multi-country office).

Kristy Evans

Kristy is a Canadian-born, Metis-tribe descended, global citizen. She has a Masters degree in Public Health and has worked in the public health sector since 2005. She moved to South Africa in 2002 for a women’s right internship and never left. She has worked at UNAIDS, the Association for Women’s Rights in Development, Monkeybiz and Groote Schuur Public hospital. She has written and edited numerous articles and books in the public health sphere. Her passions lie in the arts and women’s health; her talents lie in communication strategy, organisational change management and fundraising. When she isn’t volunteering her time with One to One Africa, her focus is raising money for Groote Schuur Hospital. Kristy is the Executive Director of Groote Schuur Hospital Trust. She also enjoys spending time with her teenage son, doing yoga, and cuddling with her fur babies.

Patience Mahachi

Patience is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a passion of changing people’s livelihoods through implementation of various projects across the globe.

Over the past 15 years, Patience has been working in local and international organisations implementing education, agriculture, health and business linkages projects where she was responsible for building, leading and developing finance teams, implementing financial systems to optimize the financial performance of companies, risk management, grants management, compliance, pricing proposals and developing budgetary control models.

Patience worked in Zimbabwe for various profit and non-profit organisations. After moving to South Africa, she continued working in senior finance positions in local and global development organisations including DAI where she was responsible for financial management of projects across Africa.

A former Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) South Africa, Network Panel member, Patience holds a BSc Honours from Oxford Brookes University and Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) from University of South Africa. She is a Chartered Accountant of England and Wales (ACA) and a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA).

Dr Lillian Cingo

Dr Lillian Cingo is a South-African British professional nurse, counselling psychologist and honorary doctor.

For the last 8 years, she has been mentoring and fundraising for various HIV charities and NGO’s in South Africa. Prior to this, Dr Lillian was the Manager of the Transet Phelophepha Health-Care Train – a train that takes primary health-care and counselling services to rural South African communities – for over a decade.

Dr Lillian holds Honorary Doctorates from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (South Africa), the Tavistock Centre (United Kingdom), the University of East London (United Kingdom), the University of Willemett (USA) and Rhodes University (South Africa). Dr Lilian also holds a Public Service Award from Liberal Caucus Queens Park (Canada) and a Doctorate of Social Science from the University of Cape Town (South Africa).

Over her career, Dr Lillian Cingo has won over 30 professional awards, including The Golden Key from the International Honour Society and being presented to the Queen as Best Neurological Nurse Specialist in 1975. Most recently, Dr Lillian was chosen as one of South Africa’s 21 icons alongside Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

JUSTICE JOHAN FRONEMAN

Justice Froneman obtained a B.A. degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1974 and a LL.B degree from the University of South Africa in 1977.

After completing his pupillage at the Pretoria Bar he commenced practice as an advocate at the Eastern Cape Bar in Grahamstown in 1980. He obtained Senior Counsel status in 1990 and was appointed as a judge to the Eastern Cape High Court in 1994. In 1996 he was appointed as Deputy Judge President of the newly established Labour and Labour Appeal Courts, a post he held until 1999. In 2002 he acted for two terms in the Supreme Court of Appeal. In October 2009 Justice Froneman was appointed to the Constitutional Court.

Froneman was an extraordinary professor in public law at the University of Stellenbosch from 2003 to 2008 during which he participated in the specialised LL.M course in Human Rights by way of annual seminars. During periods of judicial leave he attended Harvard University (1999) and the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Oxford University (2008) in a visiting capacity. He has been involved in judicial training for new judges over a number of years and has also participated in practical training courses for magistrates, attorneys and advocates.

Jonathan Penkin

Jonathan Penkin is CEO of Goldman Sachs South Africa as well as the Head of Growth Markets ECM at Goldman Sachs International. Prior to this role, Jonathan was the Co-Head of the Financing Group in Asia Pacific (ex Japan) at Goldman Sachs Asia LLC.

Jonathan gained a BA in Political Science at the University of Cape Town before completing his MA in Political Science (Cum Laude) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also holds a BA in Jurisprudence from University College, Oxford.

Jonathan is a member of the Board of Governors of Tel Aviv University and a member of the International Council of the New Israel Fund.

Jenny Altschuler

Jenny Altschuler is a consultant clinical psychologist and family psychotherapist who has spent much of her professional life working in the public sector, most recently at the Tavistock Clinic, London.

Her work focused on families affected by life limiting illness, trauma and the training of health care professionals.

Jenny now works as an independent psychotherapist as well as supervisor and consultant to medical and mental health professionals working in a wide range of health care settings. She has also written extensively on ways of addressing the challenges that illness and trauma present.

Jenny has been instrumental in setting up our counselling centres in Kosovo, and the training and supervision of the counsellors who work in these centres is a matter of great importance to her.

Jenny also oversaw the clinical aspects of our Israeli-Palestinian trauma healing and Child Resilience projects. Her expertise is particularly relevant in advising on our HIV/AIDS initiatives, including our Expert Patient Programme and the work of PATA (Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa).

David Altschuler

Executive Chairman

David is the co-founder of One to One Children’s Fund and the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

David qualified as a Chartered Account in South Africa, before transferring to the UK in 1977 to become Treasurer of Marks & Spencer plc.

Alongside his venture finance interests, David embarked on a career as a social entrepreneur some 25 years ago. He was Chairman of the Refusenik organisation and then co-founded the One to One Project with Rita Eker MBE, which led to the formation of One to One Children’s Fund in 2001, with a mission to relieve the suffering of vulnerable children, wherever there is no government or other support.

This led to the development of our HIV/AIDS support and treatment programmes in South Africa, trauma counselling programmes and day care centres in Kosovo and Israeli/Palestinian resilience building initiatives in the Middle East.

David is also the co-founder and Chairman of Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), a network organisation of more than 400 HIV clinics across Africa, sharing best practice and treating more than 100,000 children born with HIV.

David received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award in 2017 in recognition for his outstanding volunteer work benefitting thousands of vulnerable woman and children. He has also received the WIZO Commitment Award for Entrepreneurship in 2013 for his endeavours in the non-profit sector.

A Spring of Hope Through Song: Eastern Cape Mothers Lead a Mental Health Revolution

Our research partner, Dr Laurenzi from Stellenbosch University presents at AIDS 2024 in Germany

As we celebrate Mandela Day, we reflect on the powerful legacy of Nelson Mandela