The Board Committee

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.

Lesa Bradshaw

Board Member

Diversity and Disability Inclusion Expert, International Speaker, Managing Member at Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting

Lesa Bradshaw is a business entrepreneur who has become well recognized for her influence in building a disability confident  economy. Founder of Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to creating a diversity rich, empowered and disability inclusive economy, Lesa works with employers, public and private institutions, and a collaborative network of allies to reposition the value of disability to business.

Drawing from her experience as an MBA graduate, transformation specialist, business owner, and person with a disability, Lesa delivers a range of relatable and often hard-hitting and humourous talks and training sessions guaranteed to shift perceptions and create impact.  Her business offers a range of services designed to build disability confident business cultures through aligning best practice principles with common practice business objectives.

Lesa Bradshaw is a business entrepreneur who has become well recognized for her influence in building a disability confident  economy. Founder of Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting, a social enterprise dedicated to creating a diversity rich, empowered and disability inclusive economy, Lesa works with employers, public and private institutions, and a collaborative network of allies to reposition the value of disability to business.

Drawing from her experience as an MBA graduate, transformation specialist, business owner, and person with a disability, Lesa delivers a range of relatable and often hard-hitting and humourous talks and training sessions guaranteed to shift perceptions and create impact.  Her business offers a range of services designed to build disability confident business cultures through aligning best practice principles with common practice business objectives.

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-Ntombela

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

Naseeha Ramathula

Virtual Executive Assistant

Virtual Assistant & Business Owner

Naseeha who formerly was an Executive Assistant in the corporate environment ventured out and started her own virtual administrative business of which the SAE4D was her first client. She joined the SAE4D team 5 years ago and has never looked back as she has found her   rightful place and were her passion  lays in the  Disability and Inclusion space and helping make a difference in corporate SA changing the mindsets of employers one employer at a time.

She heads the administration, operations and finance department with the organization.

– 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

Cindy Dibete

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Entrepreneur | Corporate Governance Specialist | Professional Accountant (SA) | Non-Executive Director

Cindy is an professional accountant (SA) and an entrepreneur, who is passionate about Corporate Governance in business. Her current role is that of Corporate Governance Specialist at CoSec8 a company she founded in 2012 as a pivot from an accounting practice she founded in 2002.

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.

Kim Bezuidenhout

Digital Marketing

Helping businesses achieve their objectives through strategic and effective Digital Marketing and communication strategies

It is extremely fulfilling for me to assist organisations in achieving their objectives through effective marketing and communications strategies, most especially organisations that make a significant positive impact in our society.

With over 30 years experience in sales and marketing, as well as being a business owner myself, I am able to add value in many aspects of an organisation and in bringing these aspects into alignment with the organisations objectives.

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.

Abongile Xhantini

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

I am driven by the conviction that disability inclusion should be a fundamental practice in the business world, where employees with impairments feel truly at home. Joining SAE4D aligns with my mission to amplify its visibility and bring it closer to the people, where the tangible impact can be fully recognized and embraced.

I am driven by the conviction that disability inclusion should be a fundamental practice in the business world, where employees with impairments feel truly at home. Joining SAE4D aligns with my mission to amplify its visibility and bring it closer to the people, where the tangible impact can be fully recognized and embraced.