Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Kasthuri Soni

Chief Executive Officer

Kasthuri is the Chief Executive Officer of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Kasthuri is a chartered accountant and the previous Group Finance Director who spent 10 years at Deloitte in various leadership positions. She brings prior experience as Chief Executive Officer of Soul City and is widely regarded as a seasoned executive. As a member of the team that incubated the organisation at its founding in 2011 she has deep institutional knowledge of Harambee.

Ureshni Morrison

Chief Operations Officer

Ureshni Morrison is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and leads a combined portfolio of our operations that service both youth and employer partners.
Ureshni comes with an impressive 24 years’ experience in various companies in service industries, most recently at Merchants SA, where she was the Operations Executive. Her portfolio included operational delivery for multiple client accounts across domestic and international regions, managing a team of 1 500 people. Ureshni also holds a number of qualifications including a BA Human Sciences and Social Services, specialising in psychological counselling.

Stephen Shields

Chief Opportunity Development Officer

Stephen Shields is the Chief Opportunity Development Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. He is responsible for leading and directing Harambee’s work to unlock demand across the economy for young people to secure income opportunities. Prior to joining Harambee in 2019, Stephen worked for the Adcorp Group between 2000 and 2019, where he held several senior and executive roles across various Adcorp brands and entities. During this time, Stephen was responsible for leading large teams servicing sizeable client contract portfolios across a variety of sectors including financial services, telecommunications, retail, hospitality, and global business services. Stephen also worked for the Southern Sun Hotel Group for 10 years having trained and qualified in Hotel Management.

Mosuoe Sekonyela

Chief Government Relations Officer

Mosuoe Sekonyela is the Chief Government Relations Officer of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. He is responsible for leading partnerships and delivery across multiple systems that pathway young people to build their employability, grow their work readiness, and secure income opportunities. Mo brings prior experience in business development, psychometric tools and organisational development. He holds an Honours Industrial Psychology degree from the University of Johannesburg.

Sharmi Surianarain

Chief Impact Officer

Sharmi Surianarain is Chief Impact Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. She leads research, knowledge, and insights, focusing on the impact of Harambee’s capabilities to change the system and contribute to solutions for the African continent. Sharmi brings prior experience in human capital management, education, and facilitating links to employment across Africa, India, and the United States. She served as Vice President of Lifelong Engagement at African Leadership Academy (ALA) where she oversaw a network of 2,000 young African leaders, managed ALA’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Africa Careers Network, and ALA’s alumni engagement team. Sharmi also served as a management consultant providing strategic advice to clients including the Development Bank of South Africa, Transnet Capital Projects, and the Government of Mozambique. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University, a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Kuben Nair

Chief Technology Officer

Kuben Nair is the Chief Technology Officer of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. He leads the teams and multi-channel systems that are responsible for designing and delivering products and services to Harambee’s network of partners. Kuben led brand and strategic marketing portfolios at SABMiller and brings strategy experience from his time at African Bank and McKinsey & Company. Kuben holds an MBA in social entrepreneurship and is trained as a computer scientist.

Lebo Nke

Chief Culture Officer

Lebo Nke is Chief Culture Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. She leads functions related to culture, people, and talent management, as well as providing support for Harambee’s key partnerships. Lebo brings 18 years of experience in organisational change management, having worked at Accenture and De Beers Group before serving as the Managing Director of Converse Consulting and Management Services, which was acquired by Ernst & Young. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Economic History from the University of Witwatersrand and a Masters degree in Consulting and Coaching for Change from INSEAD – France, Fontainebleau Campus.

Zengeziwe Msimang

Chief Communications Officer

Zengeziwe Msimang is the Chief Communications Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. She leads partner and stakeholder management to support Harambee’s systems change agenda. She brings two decades of experience working across government, the private sector and civil society. Zeng most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation and spent nearly a decade prior to that working in South Africa’s public sector. She is a graduate of the University of Cape Town and has lived across southern Africa, Canada, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Johan Beetge-Rossouw

Chief Financial Officer

Johan is the Chief Financial Officer of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. He is a qualified, seasoned finance executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the field of finance, tax, advisory and management consulting. His journey includes a five-year tenure at Harambee, focused on good governance, risk management, taking care of statutory obligations, and all other finance related aspects within the business.

His prior work experience range across all spheres of industry that include Government, local, listed, and international corporations at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Omnia Holdings Limited and The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

He is a trusted business advisor to sub-committees and served as a non-executive on several not-for-profit boards over the last couple of years.

Sandile Gwala

Non-executive Board Member

Sandile is the co-founder and CEO of SoluGrowth, where he brings over 21 years of experience in outsourcing and managed services. Previously, he headed up the Business Process Solutions (BPS) division and served as an executive partner at Deloitte Africa. In early 2018, he led the management buyout of the BPS business, resulting in SoluGrowth. He has served public sector clients in South Africa, where he led turnaround initiatives at government entities in the insurance, broadcasting, education and training sectors. Sandile holds a BCom in Computer Auditing and an MBA.

Safiyya Patel

Non-executive Board Member

Safiyya serves as the head of corporate practice at global law firm Webber Wentzel. She is a leading expert in commercial law, mergers & acquisitions, and transactions related to broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE). She has written on cyber-rights and worked across mining, financial services, construction, media, telecommunications, broadcasting, and information technology law. Saffiya has been recognised by Legal 500 (for mergers & acquisitions), India Business Law Journal (for top international law firms who work in India), Who’s Who Legal (for internet, e-commerce & data protection), and Best Lawyers (for corporate law).

Amanda Nzimande

Non-executive Board Member

Amanda Tandiwe (Tandi) Nzimande is the CEO of Solidarity Fund. She is a chartered accountant who started her career as a corporate finance advisor at Deutsche Bank. Following that, she acquired and ran a small business in the postal and courier industry for 4 years. During that period, she did work for WDB Investment Holdings (WDBIH), a women’s empowerment company where she eventually spent 14 years. She was most recently at Chapter One Innovation Brokerage, a business model research and development firm. Tandi joined the Hollard Foundation Trust in 2013 and started working more closely with its early childhood development programmes, KYB Change Management and KYB Incubator. She is a trustee of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, and a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative.

Adrian Enthoven

Non-executive Board Member

Adrian Enthoven is Executive Chairman of Yellowwoods. He serves on the boards of Yellowwoods businesses based in South Africa, including as Chairman of Hollard Insurance. He is also heavily involved in initiatives addressing Covid-19, youth employment, education, social justice, and the arts. His civic activities include Deputy Chairman of the Solidarity Fund, Citizens ZA, the African Leadership Initiative, Business Leadership South Africa, and the Youth Employment Service. He holds a BA Honours in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, and D Phil in Political Science from Oxford University.

Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka

Adelia Nqubuka is a determined entrepreneur from Orange Farm, Gauteng, and founder of Dela Creations Enterprise, a construction and landscaping company she committed to building while unemployed and pregnant in 2016. After years of taking on various jobs following matric, she turned necessity into opportunity, growing the business to deliver major projects, including hospital renovations and new classrooms in her community. Through SA Youth, she accessed accredited solar PV training with NepoWorX, earning her PV Green Card accreditation and strengthening her company’s credibility in the renewable energy sector. Today, Adelia employs permanent staff and project-based workers while securing government and private-sector contracts. She is focused on scaling her business, expanding her skills, and creating opportunities for others through collaboration and community impact.

Ayanda Kunene

Ayanda Kunene is a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur, activist, and youth leader committed to advancing social change. As founder of the Xumana Sibambane Organisation, she supports survivors of gender-based violence through awareness, advocacy, and pathways to safety and empowerment. Her journey has been shaped by a commitment to learning, public engagement, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Ayanda uses storytelling, community mobilisation, and digital platforms to drive impact while advocating for greater youth participation in leadership and policy spaces. She is focused on building a future where young people are not only heard, but actively shaping solutions.

Donation Mkhonto

Donation Mkhonto, a 24-year-old from Makutu, has built a path defined by resilience, leadership, and service. Unable to pursue further studies after matric due to financial constraints, he redirected his ambition into community development and gained more than five years’ experience in governance. He now serves as an administrator at the Mawewe Traditional Council. Through SA Youth and the National Youth Service programme, he accessed training in food security, governance, and business management, using his stipend to launch a goat farming and honey production business. Alongside this, he leads a youth organisation focused on substance abuse prevention and education. Today, Donation continues to grow his business and leadership capacity while empowering young people and promoting sustainable development.

Esther Mashaba

Esther Mashaba is a Johannesburg-based community advocate and emerging youth leader whose journey reflects resilience and personal growth. After registering on SA Youth, she secured a place in Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme, where she developed from a shy participant into a confident communicator and speaker. With experience in administrative roles and as a university tutor, she has strengthened her communication, presentation, and analytical skills while cultivating an interest in finance and investment banking. Esther is passionate about supporting young people navigating challenges and is focused on building a career that combines technical expertise with meaningful, people-centred impact.

Gugulethu Vilakazi

Gugulethu Vilakazi is a communications professional and youth advocate whose journey reflects persistence, adaptability, and growth. After graduating in Public Relations and Communication from the University of Johannesburg, she leveraged SA Youth to access opportunities, starting as an Education Assistant before joining Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme. Following a period of unemployment, she secured an opportunity at Nedbank through the YES4Youth programme and has since transitioned into a permanent role as a receptionist. Alongside her career, Gugulethu is pursuing postgraduate studies in Communication Management.

Iviwe Ndlovu

Iviwe Ndlovu is a resilient young professional from Johannesburg who has overcome financial barriers and the challenges of living with monoplegia paralysis to build her career. After postponing her university ambitions, she turned to SA Youth, securing her first opportunity as an Education Assistant before progressing to Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme, where she developed critical workplace skills. She later completed a data science course despite having no prior background, discovering a passion for technology that led to a Legal Compliance internship at FirstRand. Iviwe is now seeking permanent employment while saving towards further studies, driven by a belief in using every opportunity to transform her future.

Lesego Mohapi

Lesego Mohapi is a determined young leader studying Business Administration in Cape Town, whose journey reflects grit and resourcefulness. Facing financial constraints, she worked in roles including waitressing and hairdressing to support her studies before securing a scholarship. Through SA Youth, she joined Your Bike Club, where she progressed from participant to facilitator and trainer, gaining leadership experience while supporting others in entrepreneurship and mobility innovation. Balancing full-time work and study, Lesego has excelled academically and professionally and is now focused on empowering young people through entrepreneurship and financial education.

Lesego Nkgadima

Lesego Nkgadima is a purpose-driven young woman from Witbank who has transformed financial setbacks into opportunity. After being unable to complete her Electrical Engineering qualification due to funding challenges, she started a small business to support her family before accessing a solar PV training opportunity through SA Youth. The programme equipped her with technical and practical skills, which she further developed during an internship with Journey to Green, working on large-scale renewable energy systems. Lesego is now focused on completing her studies, growing her expertise in solar engineering, and building a career that combines technical excellence with empowerment for others.

Lindokuhle Skosana

Lindokuhle Skosana is a self-taught software developer and social entrepreneur from Mamelodi whose journey reflects determination and innovation. After leaving his aeronautical engineering studies due to financial constraints, he discovered a passion for coding through an apprenticeship and later honed his skills through opportunities on SA Youth. Selected for the competitive Project Y coding programme, he secured employment as a Junior Software Engineer before completing the course. Alongside his career, he runs two initiatives — an education support programme and a job verification app — using technology to create safer and more accessible opportunities for young people. Lindokuhle is committed to driving social impact through innovation and youth empowerment.

Lungelo Magwaza

Lungelo Magwaza is a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur and digital communications specialist committed to youth empowerment. From an early age, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, later strengthening his skills through courses in marketing and administration. A turning point came when he accessed the MyDough Business Accelerator through SA Youth, gaining mentorship, funding, and business skills that helped him grow his venture. Today, Lungelo mentors peers in digital literacy and entrepreneurship while continuing to expand his business and collaborate with others. His work is driven by a belief in collective progress and the power of shared knowledge.

Rorisang Modise

Rorisang Modise is a community developer and youth advocate from Potchefstroom whose journey is defined by resilience and purpose. Orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandmother, he remained committed to uplifting others despite early challenges. After pausing his university studies due to financial constraints, he immersed himself in community work through the YMCA, facilitating programmes focused on homelessness and youth development. Through SA Youth, he joined the Your Bike Club entrepreneurship programme, quickly progressing into leadership and now serving as Chief Executive Officer. Currently completing his degree in Business Administration, Rorisang continues to drive initiatives that expand access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.

Nkululeko Seleke

Nkululeko Seleke is a purpose-driven young professional from Johannesburg whose journey reflects resilience and determination. After beginning a degree in Electrical Engineering at Wits, financial challenges led to academic exclusion — a setback that became a turning point in his life. Refusing to be defined by the experience, he turned to SA Youth, securing a place in Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme, where he supported young job seekers while strengthening his own communication and professional skills. This opportunity led to an internship at Concentrix, which later became a full-time role as a Payroll Analyst. Today, Nkululeko is building his career with a strong belief in the value of combining education and work experience for long-term growth.

Nokuthula Gumede

Nokuthula Gumede, originally from Soweto, has built a career rooted in resilience, service, and a passion for people. After completing her studies and supporting her family business, she faced five years of unemployment before accessing opportunities through SA Youth. Starting with Enke – Make Your Mark, she progressed from volunteer to leadership roles while tutoring young people in her community. Her journey gained further momentum through Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme, where she excelled in supporting job seekers and engaging stakeholders. These experiences opened doors to roles at Redial and, most recently, as an Associate at TransUnion. Today, Nokuthula continues to build a career centred on impact, empowerment, and service.

Nompumelelo Kubayi

Nompumelelo Kubayi is a determined professional from Limpopo whose journey reflects perseverance and growth. After being unable to pursue further studies due to financial constraints, she gained experience across multiple roles before accessing an opportunity through SA Youth to join Harambee’s Work Integrated Learning programme. There, she developed strong customer service and communication skills across multiple channels, laying the foundation for her career in contact centre operations. She has since secured a role at Dot Dash, where she continues to grow professionally. Nompumelelo credits the experience with instilling a strong work ethic and values-driven approach that guide her contribution in both the workplace and her community.

Refilwe Sege

Refilwe Sege is a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur and co-director of a family-owned construction and cleaning business whose journey reflects resilience and self-belief. After struggling to find employment in her field of study, she chose to step into the family business, expanding her role from finance into operations and growth. Through SA Youth, she accessed the NepoWorX Solar Installation Programme, gaining technical skills that strengthened the company’s offering. Once reserved, Refilwe has steadily grown in confidence and now actively networks, pitches services, and represents the business publicly. She is focused on strengthening the company’s strategy while continuing to grow as a confident and visible leader.

Wandile Dlodlo

Wandile Dlodlo is a young professional and entrepreneur whose journey reflects ambition and adaptability. After graduating from AFDA, he chose to enter the workforce, securing a role through SA Youth as a driver at Delivery Ka Speed, where he quickly became a top performer. Alongside his role, he has built a growing logistics business providing school transport services. His experiences also inspired him to co-found the Men’s Legacy Foundation, an organisation supporting young men in his community. Today, Wandile is focused on expanding his business, achieving financial independence, and uplifting others through mentorship and community work.

Xolani Gumbi

Xolani Gumbi is an electronics engineering graduate from KwaZulu-Natal whose journey reflects resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning. After gaining practical experience as an intern at the National Metrology Institute of South Africa, he expanded his skill set through a solar PV training programme accessed via SA Youth. The opportunity equipped him with technical expertise and workplace skills, strengthening his adaptability in the evolving energy sector. Today, Xolani continues to pursue opportunities that deepen his technical knowledge while building a meaningful career focused on innovation and development.

Siyabonga Deut

Siyabonga Deut is a software developer at BMW IT Hub whose journey began with a curiosity for fixing electronics in his community. After completing his studies at Vaal University of Technology, he accessed an internship through the DigiLink programme via SA Youth, where he developed both technical and professional skills. Initially shy, Siyabonga grew in confidence through the experience, discovering the importance of communication and storytelling. Today, he continues to build his career in software development while motivating others through his journey, demonstrating how perseverance and access to opportunity can unlock long-term success.

Steven Witbooi

Steven Witbooi is a social entrepreneur and founder of Acromi Social Projects in Cape Town, focused on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions for youth. After leaving a career in retail banking, he pursued his vision for community development despite years of bureaucratic challenges securing land for his initiatives. Through SA Youth and the YES Programme, he gained practical business insights that helped transform his ideas into action. Today, Steven is launching a large-scale network of community food gardens across the Western Cape, creating income-generating opportunities for young people. His work is driven by a belief in resilient communities, food security, and shared opportunity.

Vuthlari Mabunda

Vuthlari Mabunda is a Soweto-based artisan and entrepreneur whose journey reflects determination and the courage to challenge barriers. After qualifying in Civil Engineering, she struggled to find work before accessing opportunities through SA Youth, including a plumbing apprenticeship with BluLever. Despite setbacks and the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, she completed her training and trade test, emerging as a confident and skilled professional. She later expanded her journey through entrepreneurship training at the Allan Gray Startup Academy and is now building a plumbing business focused on empowering women artisans. Vuthlari is passionate about skills development and gender inclusion, using her journey to inspire others.

Yandisa Mbhadeko

Yandisa Mbhadeko is a youth leader and logistics professional based in Cape Town whose journey reflects resilience and reinvention. After being forced to leave university due to funding challenges, he turned to SA Youth, joining Green Riders and training as a delivery rider. What began as a temporary opportunity became a sustainable livelihood and sparked a passion for logistics. Through dedication and leadership, he progressed into a Junior Manager role, where he now oversees training and development for new riders. Yandisa continues to work within the fleet while mentoring others, using his journey to demonstrate how opportunity and persistence can transform a career path.

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OUR LEADERSHIP

Harambee’s Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of individuals whose collective experience is what the organisation needs at this moment. Our executive team brings decades of relevant experience and represents the best of South Africa’s talent.

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Kasthuri Soni

Chief Executive
Officer

Ureshni Morrison

Chief Operations
Officer

Stephen Shields

Chief Opportunity Development Officer

Mosuoe Sekonyela

Chief Government
Relations Officer

Sharmi Surianarain

Chief Impact
Officer

Kuben Nair

Chief Technology
Officer

Lebo Nke

Chief Culture
Officer

Zengeziwe Msimang

Chief Communications
Officer

Johan Beetge-Rossouw

Chief Financial
Officer

OUR BOARD

Sandile Gwala

Board
Chair

Kasthuri Soni

Executive Board Member
& CEO

Safiyya Patel

Non-executive
Board Member

Amanda (Tandi)
Nzimande

Non-executive Board Member

Adrian Enthoven

Non-executive
Board Member

OUR YOUTH ADVOCATES

Youth Advocates are a dynamic cohort of young people aged 18 to 35 who have accessed life-changing opportunities through the SA Youth platform. They use their voices, perspectives and lived experiences to help shape more responsive policies, programmes and practices. By sharing their stories, Youth Advocates do more than reflect the realities of youth unemployment — they help inspire other young people and influence the systems meant to serve them.

Kasthuri Soni

Ureshni Morrison

Stephen Shields

Mosuoe Sekonyela

Sharmi Surianarain

Kuben Nair

Lebo Nke

Zengeziwe Msimang

Johan Beetge-Rossouw

His prior work experience range across all spheres of industry that include Government, local, listed, and international corporations at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Omnia Holdings Limited and The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

He is a trusted business advisor to sub-committees and served as a non-executive on several not-for-profit boards over the last couple of years.

Sandile Gwala

Safiyya Patel

Amanda Nzimande

Adrian Enthoven

Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka

Ayanda Kunene

Donation Mkhonto

Esther Mashaba

Gugulethu Vilakazi

Iviwe Ndlovu

Lesego Mohapi

Lesego Nkgadima

Lindokuhle Skosana

Lungelo Magwaza

Rorisang Modise

Nkululeko Seleke

Nokuthula Gumede

Nompumelelo Kubayi

Refilwe Sege

Wandile Dlodlo

Xolani Gumbi

Siyabonga Deut

Steven Witbooi

Vuthlari Mabunda

Yandisa Mbhadeko

OUR LEADERSHIP

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Kasthuri Soni

Chief ExecutiveOfficer

Ureshni Morrison

Chief OperationsOfficer

Stephen Shields

Chief Opportunity Development Officer

Mosuoe Sekonyela

Chief GovernmentRelations Officer

Sharmi Surianarain

Chief Impact Officer

Kuben Nair

Chief TechnologyOfficer

Lebo Nke

Chief Culture Officer

Zengeziwe Msimang

Chief CommunicationsOfficer

Johan Beetge-Rossouw

Chief FinancialOfficer

OUR BOARD

Sandile Gwala

BoardChair

Kasthuri Soni

Executive Board Member& CEO

Safiyya Patel

Non-executive Board Member

Amanda (Tandi)Nzimande

Non-executive Board Member

Adrian Enthoven

Non-executive Board Member

OUR YOUTH ADVOCATES

Adelia Nqubuka

Ayanda Kunene

Donation Mkhonto

Esther Mashaba

Gugulethu Vilakazi

Iviwe Ndlovu

Lesego Mohapi

Lesego Nkgadima

Lindokuhle Skosana

Lungelo Magwaza

Rorisang Modise

Nkululeko Seleke

Chief Executive
Officer

Chief Operations
Officer

Chief Government
Relations Officer

Chief Impact
Officer

Chief Technology
Officer

Chief Culture
Officer

Chief Communications
Officer

Chief Financial
Officer

Board
Chair

Executive Board Member
& CEO

Non-executive
Board Member

Amanda (Tandi)
Nzimande

Non-executive
Board Member