Afrika Tikkun Executive and Leadership Team

Shirley Vrnjas, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Afrika Tikkun, directs the overarching strategic vision for all cradle-to-career initiatives. Managing high-level organizational alignment, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every program component directly addresses youth unemployment and poverty reduction. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term goals and secure essential resources for community development. By overseeing the integration of education, health, and skills training, Shirley Vrnjas maintains the operational integrity of the organization. The Office of the Chief Executive Officer also monitors the efficacy of regional outreach efforts across South Africa, ensuring that the mission remains focused on sustainable growth. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of services, ultimately securing the future of the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Tiyani Mohlaba, the Chief Operating Officer at Afrika Tikkun, manages the daily execution of youth development programs and operational workflows. Focusing on the logistical requirements of early childhood development centers, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize service delivery. This role requires constant coordination with regional managers to ensure that educational and health initiatives reach target communities effectively. Tiyani Mohlaba monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, ensuring that every program remains scalable and impactful. By streamlining internal operations, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of breaking the cycle of poverty. The Chief Operating Officer also facilitates communication between departments to maintain consistency in service quality. Through diligent management of operational assets, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization meets its ambitious goals for youth empowerment and career support across the country.

Jabulile Kubheka, the PA for the Chief Operating Officer at Afrika Tikkun, coordinates the administrative functions necessary for efficient operational management. Supporting the Chief Operating Officer, the PA for the Chief Operating Officer manages complex scheduling, documentation, and inter-departmental communication. This role ensures that the leadership team maintains focus on critical youth development objectives by handling essential administrative tasks. Jabulile Kubheka facilitates the flow of information between the operations department and other key stakeholders, ensuring that project timelines remain on track. By organizing meetings and tracking progress on strategic initiatives, the PA for the Chief Operating Officer contributes to the overall stability of the organization. The PA for the Chief Operating Officer also assists in the preparation of reports that detail the impact of cradle-to-career programs. Through meticulous attention to detail, the PA for the Chief Operating Officer enables the smooth functioning of the entire operational division.

Dumisa Mguda, the President of Alumni Committee at Afrika Tikkun, leads the engagement strategy for former program participants to foster a network of successful contributors. Overseeing the alumni database and communication channels, the President of Alumni Committee ensures that graduates remain connected to the organization and each other. This role involves creating mentorship opportunities where alumni provide guidance to current students, reinforcing the cradle-to-career model. Dumisa Mguda organizes events and networking sessions that highlight the long-term success of the organization's initiatives. By leveraging the experiences of alumni, the President of Alumni Committee provides valuable feedback that informs future program development. The President of Alumni Committee also tracks the career progression of graduates to measure the lasting impact of the organization's services. Through the cultivation of this community, the President of Alumni Committee strengthens the organization's influence and inspires current participants to achieve their full potential as future innovators.

Precious Milanzi, the Candidate Human Resource Manager (Chief Human Resources Officer) at Afrika Tikkun, develops talent acquisition strategies focused on staffing the organization with mission-driven professionals. Overseeing the recruitment and onboarding processes, the Candidate Human Resource Manager (Chief Human Resources Officer) ensures that all personnel possess the skills required to support youth development programs. This role involves designing training modules that align staff capabilities with the specific needs of children and young adults in the community. Precious Milanzi monitors employee performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the workforce. By managing human capital, the Candidate Human Resource Manager (Chief Human Resources Officer) directly impacts the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. The Candidate Human Resource Manager (Chief Human Resources Officer) also implements policies that promote staff retention and professional growth. Through these efforts, the Candidate Human Resource Manager (Chief Human Resources Officer) strengthens the organizational capacity to deliver sustainable social impact.

Nosihle Sithole, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Afrika Tikkun, architects the organizational culture and human capital strategy required to sustain long-term growth. Managing the entire employee lifecycle, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains dedicated to the mission of empowering youth through education and skills training. This role involves designing comprehensive compensation and benefits structures that attract top talent to the non-profit sector. Nosihle Sithole leads initiatives focused on leadership development and internal capacity building, ensuring that the organization maintains a pipeline of skilled professionals. By aligning human resources policies with the broader strategic goals, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the effective delivery of cradle-to-career services. The Chief Human Resources Officer also oversees compliance and workplace safety standards across all regional centers. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization possesses the human resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty.

Birgit Vijverberg, the Chief Operations Officer at Afrika Tikkun, directs the infrastructure and supply chain logistics required to support comprehensive youth programs. Focusing on the physical and digital assets of the organization, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that all facilities operate at peak efficiency to serve children and young adults. This role involves managing vendor relationships and procurement processes to optimize the use of limited resources. Birgit Vijverberg monitors the performance of regional centers to ensure that health and education services remain accessible and effective. By implementing robust operational frameworks, the Chief Operations Officer supports the organization's ability to scale its impact across diverse communities. The Chief Operations Officer also collaborates with the finance department to ensure that operational spending aligns with budgetary constraints. Through the strategic management of physical infrastructure, the Chief Operations Officer enables the organization to provide consistent, high-quality support to the next generation of leaders.