Our People
Nontutuzelo (Ntutu) Mtwana comes from humble beginnings as a Social Worker in the Ciskei Government. She has risen to become a powerful advocate for peace and good governance. With a rich academic background in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, she has honed her skills and proved her worth on various platforms. She has experience in various leadership roles in the nonprofit and government sectors.
Ntutu has a deep commitment to community safety, crime prevention, and child protection, demonstrated through her work in Policy Formulation, Development, and Project Management. Her expertise extends to training and developing case studies that address critical societal challenges. As an excellent facilitator, she has also completed Assessor’s Training.
Over the years, Ntutu has served on several boards of directors, bringing her leadership and strategic vision to various organizations. Today, as the Chairperson of The Peace Centre, she continues to advance the cause of peace, demonstrating that powerful leadership can emerge from the most modest beginnings.
Dr Majid Hargey is the founder of B&M Scientific, a company that supplies high-quality, affordable scientific equipment and consumables to laboratories, educational institutions, and medical organizations throughout South Africa. With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and extensive experience as a chemist and lecturer, Majid has dedicated his career to providing scientific expertise and service excellence.
Founded in 1989, B&M Scientific emerged during South Africa's transformative years, rooted in a vision of equal opportunity and access. Hargey’s commitment to equality is reflected not only in his business model but also in the work environment he has cultivated, where employees are encouraged to upskill and grow professionally.
His passion for uplifting others extends beyond the science industry. In 2021, he launched a CSI initiative connecting small-scale farmers to resources and knowledge, helping them transform their passion for farming into viable businesses. His dedication to providing support, education, and opportunities resonates deeply with the Peace Centre’s mission of fostering self-sufficiency, community empowerment, and sustainable change. He is also a champion for promoting interfaith initiatives and engagements.
Fayyad Biscombe brings over 20 years of experience in banking, financial services, and data industries, with expertise in African financial markets. As Principal Consultant at Mosaic Advisory, he leads data-driven consulting engagements, helping businesses optimize operations and improve profitability. Previously, he held senior roles at Standard Bank Africa, overseeing risk and compliance across 14 countries.
Beyond the corporate sector, Fayyad is deeply committed to social enterprise development. He serves on the boards of two NGOs in the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, with a focus on youth development, education, and peace-building initiatives. His unique blend of financial, risk management, and data analytics expertise, combined with his passion for community development, positions him as a key leader in advancing innovative solutions in both established organizations and dynamic startups.
Fayyad’s skills are invaluable in sectors prioritizing financial innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions.
Ché Roberts has long been involved in the development sector, driven by a deep passion for making a difference in under-resourced communities. Influenced by his father, Rommel Roberts, a renowned figure in the industry, Ché has focused his efforts on alternative energy and sustainable development. He has played a key role in solar energy projects, providing essential power solutions to communities where access to electricity is a critical challenge.
Ché's leadership extends to his direction of several organizations, most notably in setting up 21 computer centres in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. These centres provided vital access to technology and learning in regions where even basic infrastructure was lacking. Ché spearheaded the refurbishment of donated computers from Europe, overseeing their preparation at the Hilltop Empowerment Centre before distributing them to schools. He also played a pivotal role in training staff and maintaining the computer network, a project he and Rommel initiated together.
Beyond technology, Ché led the refurbishment of a municipal education centre, transforming it into a vibrant hub for local school outreach and study programs. This centre offered students a safe, dedicated space to prepare for exams—an opportunity that was previously out of reach for many.
His passion for education extends beyond the typical as he actively taught children life skills through outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, quad biking, air rifle shooting, archery, and abseiling. Ché's commitment to empowering communities and his hands-on approach reflect his dedication to creating lasting change.
Wendy Fenako is a dynamic leader with a strong commitment to community development, particularly youth empowerment and economic growth. As the Founder and Director of O’Haven Youth Development Centre, based in Philippi, she spearheads initiatives like the Job Readiness Programme, helping bridge the gap between education and employment for local youth. With roles such as Board Member of the Philippi Economic Development Initiative (PEDI) and Secretary of the Delft Business Chamber, Wendy's experience in organizing Jobs and Career Exhibitions plays a crucial role in exposing learners to diverse career opportunities and fostering innovation.
Her collaboration with Kolping SA has extended her impact by focusing on essential skills training in Life Skills, Conflict Resolution, HIV/AIDS awareness, and Entrepreneurship. Wendy's dedication to youth and women’s empowerment also includes facilitating skills programs for retailers, equipping learners to thrive in a fast-paced business environment.
In 2020, she was a key trainer in the Digital Training initiative for township residents, empowering individuals to use mobile technology for education and entrepreneurship. Moreover, her leadership in the successful Food Gardening Project, which benefits vulnerable community members, showcases her deep-rooted passion for sustainable development.
Rev Lunga Velele, with over two decades of experience in education, is a passionate advocate for skills development and community empowerment, particularly among youth. As a graduate of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Lunga brings 23 years of teaching experience, with 6 of those years dedicated to serving as a School Curriculum Manager. This role allowed him to shape educational content and policies, driving meaningful change within the school environment.
Currently, Lunga serves as a skills training facilitator, focusing on Basic Computer and Digital Literacies—vital tools for bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. In addition, he is an online teacher at Hilltop Online Centre, where he continues to mentor and empower young learners through innovative educational platforms.
Lunga’s deep-rooted passion for education, combined with his commitment to community development, aligns perfectly with The Peace Centre’s vision of fostering a society where young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values to contribute to peace and social justice. His dedication to teaching and lifelong learning ensures that the next generation is not only educated but empowered to navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving world.
In the absence of an Executive Director, Pepe Hendricks is providing strategic guidance to the Board of Directors of the Peace Centre to co-imagine the future thrust of the organization.
Pepe Hendricks’s journey is one of resilience, balancing his academic pursuits in Community Development with the responsibility of supporting his family. As a dedicated Education, Training, and Development Practitioner, he is committed to helping others achieve their full potential. Registered with the ETDP SETA as an assessor and moderator, Pepe has developed and facilitated numerous SETA-accredited qualifications, specializing in adult education, leadership, management, and youth development.
His extensive career spans various sectors, including corporates, government, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, both locally and internationally. With a strong background in research, advocacy, project management, and capacity building, Pepe is also a creative practitioner whose work inspires diverse communities.
In addition to his professional achievements, Pepe is a published editor and writer, with several academic articles to his name. His contributions to education and community development align seamlessly with The Peace Centre’s vision of fostering growth, leadership, and empowerment in underserved communities.
Meagan Cloete is a passionate leader with a strong ambition for personal and professional success. Her journey is defined by dedication, having navigated life’s most challenging moments while continuously proving her worth. With a Diploma in Administration Procedures and Support, Meagan is equipped with exceptional organizational and management skills.
Her career spans various impactful roles, including facilitation, and community development. She holds an Early Childhood Development certificate, has served as a School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson and member, and has been deeply involved in the Assembly of Gospel Testimony as a teacher. Meagan is committed to making a difference through community initiatives such as the Community Feeding Scheme.
Her facilitation experience covers a wide range of vital topics, including Gender and Human Sexuality, Human Rights, Mediation, Conflict Management, and Voter Education. She has also worked extensively with schools, delivering life skills programs and engaging in community projects.
Humble, loyal, and a dedicated team player, Meagan is driven by a sense of pride in everything she does and is committed to fostering positive change in her community and beyond.
Wanay Adams, hailing from the Cape Flats, has proven herself to be a passionate and dedicated peace worker, contributing significantly to initiatives aimed at fostering peace in underserved communities. A graduate of the prestigious Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Wanay's commitment to community service extends through various roles, including managing administrative tasks, answering queries, and coordinating financial processes.
Wanay is also actively involved in conducting workshops in schools, equipping young people with valuable skills in digital literacy through programs like UWC Colab IBM’s, Digital Mobile Literacy, and DMV training. Her efforts align with the vision of The Peace Centre by empowering the youth and addressing socio-economic challenges through education and peacebuilding initiatives.
Her personal background, combined with her passion for peace and development, continues to inspire her work in creating positive change within her community.