Mike joined Planact in March 1999. He is responsible for planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes. He leads the team that is responsible for community relations. Mike is enrolled in part-time studies for a Master’s in Housing at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is an accredited Trainer/Facilitator and Assessor. He has a Diploma in Informal Settlement Upgrading obtained from the Institute for Housing Studies at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He also has a Certificate in Housing Policy Development and Management from Wits University. He has worked as a trainer in the local government field and been involved in the organisation’s major programmes, including conducting training on governance. He has extensive experience liaising with government representatives and community leaders. Previously, Mike worked for COPE Housing Association, an NGO involved in social housing, as a project officer.

Shumani joined Planact in January 2003. She is responsible for intermediary planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes. Shumani has a Certificate in Housing Policy Development and Management obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2008. She is an accredited training facilitator (ETDP SETA). She has also completed core courses in Project Management, Administration, and Bookkeeping. She has considerable experience in training and social facilitation in local governance and organisational development, as well as sustainable livelihoods analysis and community-based responses to HIV/AIDS. Previously, Shumani worked for Akanani Rural Development Association (NGO) in Limpopo province as a training officer.

Chelesile joined Planact in April 2016. She is responsible for coordinating communication and resources, branding, and stakeholder engagement, as well as advocacy campaigns for Planact’s programmes.

Chelesile is currently pursuing an LL.M Degree in Law, State, and Multilevel Government with the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape. She recently completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law (Local Government) with the same university. She holds a BSc Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She has a Certificate in Development Communication from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as social media management and stakeholder engagement from another institution.

Her key function includes crafting advocacy campaigns, content creation, brand management, publications, stakeholder relations, and media liaison.

Previously, Chelesile has worked for non-profit organisations focused on developing high-level skills for biodiversity in South Africa and another promoting democracy, governance, and human rights, as a Communications Officer.

Wetu joined Planact in October 2016 on an internship programme. Wetu provides assistance in programme coordination and is involved in project components that the organisation implements.

Wetu has completed her Bachelor of Science, as well as an Honours Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is currently completing her Master’s in Development Planning from the same university. She is passionate about development issues and eager to gain the experience and knowledge in order to register as a professional planner.

Bafana joined Planact in June 2019 on an internship programme. He provides support to programme coordinators, communication, and resources.

Bafana has completed his National Diploma in Public Relations and Communications at the University of Johannesburg. He is currently completing his online certificate course on Street Addressing and the Management of Cities with the World Bank Group – Open Learning Campus.

Bafana is passionate about learning new things which will contribute to his experience in the Civil Society Sector and also bring change in the lives of people living in unproclaimed areas.

Thabani has over 10 years’ experience working as a paralegal with a special focus on community mobilisation and human rights advocacy. He is currently completing his LLB with the University of South Africa. Thabani is the Project Manager for the Social Employment Fund.

Shaunita has 5 years of administration experience from Nampak Glass. Shaunita holds a Higher Certificate in Business Administration. Shaunita was appointed to work as a Coordinator for the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Project.

Linda has worked for 14 years in the airline industry as a travel agent and later as an HR Assistant/Payroll Officer for Air France/KLM. With her administrative experience, Linda was appointed to work on the Payroll for the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Project.

Nonjabulo recently joined Planact in February 2023 on an internship programme.

Nonjabulo has completed her Bachelor of Science, as well as an Honours Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a National Diploma in Land Surveying (Geomatics) which she completed at Tshwane University of Technology. She is passionate about development issues and eager to gain the experience and knowledge in order to register as a professional planner.

Kiara joined Planact in January 2024 on an Internship Programme.

Kiara has recently completed her Bachelor of Science and Honours Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her interests lie in policy, urban governance, and urban design. Her interest in the internship programme includes gaining practical skills and exposure involving interactions and processes in project work with communities.