The Board Committee
Nontobeko Mdhluli
SAE4d Chairperson
Managing Partner, Zanati Search Group
Belinda Francis
Board Member
Tych Business Solutions - Founder & Managing Director
Tracy Dennis
Chief Executive Officer
South African Employers for Disability (SAE4D)
Professor Lieketseng
Board Member
Associate professor at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies(SU). African Journal of Disability Editor in Chief
Matshepo Selepe
Board Member
Transformation at Metrofile
Siphiwe Mchunu
BOARD MEMBER
HR/ People Management Professional. Passionate about diversity and disability inclusion in the economy
Justene Smith
Board Member
Justene is a leading voice in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) space, driven by a genuine passion for creating a fair, equitable South Africa where everyone has a seat at the table.
Nontobeko Mdhluli
SAE4d Chairperson
Managing Partner, Zanati Search Group
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Hannetjie Hock
SAE4D Vice Chairperson
Labour Law & Employment Practices Consultant, Leader, Facilitator, Assessor, ...
At Tych Business Solutions, we are determined to be advocates for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and equality in all aspects of society. As a Human Capital Solutions provider, one of our core focuses is the education of corporates and businesses of the importance of an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and the role they can play in not only empowering persons with disabilities but the potential of sourcing previously untapped professional human capital resources.
We aim to actively work at changing societal attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, develop candidates for competitive employment, and make provisions for companies to welcome these candidates. I believe that this Forum will enhance my ability to carry out my passion to drive the change.
Hannetjie Hock holds the position of Director at Pendula Group. She is an experienced HR, Labour Law and Training & Development Consultant. She holds a Diploma in Labour Law (NQF7) and is an accredited registered Assessor and Moderator with the Services and ETDP SETAs. With more than 20 years’ experience in the Training, HR and Labour Law fields, she is passionate about creating positive change in the workplace and empowering leaders. During her career she has assisted national and international organizations in a consulting, advisory and training capacity. Some of her areas of expertise include Strategic HR Consulting, Leadership, Employment Equity (including Harassment / Disability and Diversity Awareness in the Workplace), Skills Development, Disciplinary and Incapacity Hearings, Performance Management Processes, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), etc. As a hands-on leader she remains involved in the development of training material and assessment & moderation processes, as well as exploring innovative ways to provide critically sought after solutions to our clients.
Daya Bramdaw
Board Member
Managing Director - Pendula Group
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Belinda Francis
Board Member
Tych Business Solutions - Founder & Managing Director
At Tych Business Solutions, we are determined to be advocates for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and equality in all aspects of society. As a Human Capital Solutions provider, one of our core focuses is the education of corporates and businesses of the importance of an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and the role they can play in not only empowering persons with disabilities but the potential of sourcing previously untapped professional human capital resources.
We aim to actively work at changing societal attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, develop candidates for competitive employment, and make provisions for companies to welcome these candidates. I believe that this Forum will enhance my ability to carry out my passion to drive the change.
At Tych Business Solutions, we are determined to be advocates for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and equality in all aspects of society. As a Human Capital Solutions provider, one of our core focuses is the education of corporates and businesses of the importance of an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and the role they can play in not only empowering persons with disabilities but the potential of sourcing previously untapped professional human capital resources.
We aim to actively work at changing societal attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, develop candidates for competitive employment, and make provisions for companies to welcome these candidates. I believe that this Forum will enhance my ability to carry out my passion to drive the change.
Loni Hutchison
Board Member
Strategic Project Manager at Siyakha Consulting
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Loni is a passionate change advocate and a natural Project Manager with extensive project management experience. Her practical, hands-on, and forward-thinking work style has perfected her understanding of how business and development converge. Loni has worked in both Cape Town and Johannesburg across several sectors including, but not limited to, Retail, FMCG, Tourism, Construction, manufacturing, Mining, Oil & Gas, and financial services. In her career within Siyakha Loni has worked in Disability and Diversity, driving Diversity campaigns across multiple sectors and industries. She has participated in projects in mine closure, Broad- Based BEE and Development. She is passionate about the role that development has to play in achieving commercial strength and, over many years, has as applied her skills within the areas of SMME development, Localisation, consulting, and project management. Her critical thinking style and innate ability to identify problems and solutions, coupled with her strong work ethic, excellent organising and planning skills and years of working in the transformation field, make her a seasoned advisor and a valuable team player. Loni has completed an MDP through Unisa and has a firm understanding of B-BBEE and the legislation that governs the Codes. She completed a Project Management course Magna Cum Laude through Red & Yellow School. The values that fuel Loni’s work passion are her authenticity, courage and determination to drive meaningful and lasting change in the lives of people and communities.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference” – Nelson Mandela
Professor Lieketseng
Board Member
Associate professor at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies(SU). African Journal of Disability Editor in Chief
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
– African Journal of Disability Editor in Chief
– CBR-Africa country representative for South Africa
– MGyoung200, 2019
– JGF Distinguished Fellow, 2011
– Chairperson of the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre facility board
– Editorial board member for PLOS Global Public Health
Siphiwe Mchunu
Board Member
HR/ People Management Professional. Passionate about diversity and disability inclusion in the economy
At Tych Business Solutions, we are determined to be advocates for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and equality in all aspects of society. As a Human Capital Solutions provider, one of our core focuses is the education of corporates and businesses of the importance of an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and the role they can play in not only empowering persons with disabilities but the potential of sourcing previously untapped professional human capital resources.
We aim to actively work at changing societal attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, develop candidates for competitive employment, and make provisions for companies to welcome these candidates. I believe that this Forum will enhance my ability to carry out my passion to drive the change.
Siphiwe Mchunu is employed by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) in the capacity of the Human Resource Business Partner, focused on Employment Equity and workplace transformation since July 2018. Over the past 20 years Siphiwe has worked as a HR Generalist in different sectors including, retail, manufacturing and service industry, driving diversity and inclusion of persons with disability in particular in the workplace.
Siphiwe obtained his BCom Hons Human Resources Management in 2022 through MANCOSA and also has a BTech degree and a National Diploma in Human Resources Management discipline.
Siphiwe is greatly passionate about inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream economy.
Matshepo Selepe
Board Member
Transformation at Metrofile
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Experienced leader in HR and Transformation with demonstrable history that spans across various industries and sectors. Collaborative business partner with strong strategic acumen that aligns people initiatives with overarching organisational goals for impactful change and growth.
Justene Smith
Board Member
Disability expert - Progression
Diversity and Inclusion in the South African employment context, is something that is fast gaining momentum. Engagement by corporate, business and government, quite encouraging and indicative of a strong willingness and desire to conform. I have been privileged enough, in my career, that spans nearly 15 years, to have been a part of a transformation journey that has seen us go from speaking generally about employment equity, to touching on very explicit aspects of it. Some of my career highlights, have been the times where corporate has engaged our services specifically to advance the cause for the disempowered demographic groupings in this country, particularly persons living with disabilities.
Throughout the years, we have collaborated with corporate and government to bring about change and diversity in the workplace. It is exciting to see the appetite and zeal, with which corporate is now embracing the inclusion of persons with disability in the workplace. I am a strong advocate for the economic emancipation of the disabled and I am grateful for this platform, which serves both an enabling and informative vehicle to all stakeholders.
Justene fulfils the role of Progression’s Disability Expert and Occupational Support Co-ordinator, a position which requires her to offer support to clients’ learners, deliver awareness around accessibility and inclusion and speak as an expert on Progression’s Diversity Management model aligned with Best Practice.
Justene studied in Glasgow, Scotland and holds a Diploma in Health and Social Care, specialising in Occupational Therapy; she has been working with disability since 2006. Prior to her role at Progression, Justene worked with an organisation that partnered with Social Services to promote independent living and equality for people with disabilities in the communities.
Justene is passionate about diversity, equality and fair treatment for all people in South Africa, and believes in transforming workplaces to create organisations that fully represent the demographic of our country by providing accessible and inclusive work environments.
Tersia Weyer
Board Member
Regional Campus Manager, Siyaya Skills Institute Eastern Cape - Subsidiary of EOH
At Tych Business Solutions, we are determined to be advocates for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and equality in all aspects of society. As a Human Capital Solutions provider, one of our core focuses is the education of corporates and businesses of the importance of an all-inclusive and diverse workplace, and the role they can play in not only empowering persons with disabilities but the potential of sourcing previously untapped professional human capital resources.
We aim to actively work at changing societal attitudes and perceptions about persons with disabilities, develop candidates for competitive employment, and make provisions for companies to welcome these candidates. I believe that this Forum will enhance my ability to carry out my passion to drive the change.
Tersia Weyer is the Business Unit Manager for Siyaya Skills institute Eastern and Western Cape. Siyaya Skils institute is a BBBEE, SDF and EE consulting company as well as an accredited Skills Development Provider with various SETA’s.
With years of experience in large corporations holding senior positions in HR, Skills development and Corporate social responsibility, Tersia understands the challenges businesses face to balance environmental, social and governance requirements and ensure shareholder value.
The role as Business Unit Manager for Siyaya Skills Institute since 2017 has been a culmination of many passions coming together. As a Skills provider 60% of their students are person’s with disability and has resulted in her being a passionate advocate for development of youth and specifically for inclusive rights of person’s with disability.
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The SAE4D Support Team
Shaieka Dickinson
SUPPORT
Programme’s & Capacity Manager
Rory Davis
SUPPORT
Digital Specialist
Lufuno
SUPPORT
Governance
ABONGILE XHANTINI
Disability Consultant
Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Consultant | Soul City Institute Board of Directors | Disability Human Rights Expert | Development Strategist | Social Entrepreneur | Thought Leader | Bodhisattva