Empower 20 million Africans to sustainably provide for themselves by 2032.

ForAfrika 2023 annual report

Our Vision

For Africa to thrive.

Our Purpose

Driven by a deep love for our people, we won’t stop working until everyone on our continent has the resources they need to sustainably provide for themselves and thrive.

Our Mission

To provide the resources that unlock the abundance of Africa so every African community can thrive.

We are Africans working together for Africa to thrive.

As the largest African humanitarian and development organisation, we address the unique challenges of our continent through an African-led approach that focuses on long-term impact because Africa is home, and we don’t leave.

We are driven by a deep love for Africa – our land and people. We save lives, build resilience, and enable transformational community development. We are here before others come and we remain after they leave, because we are in it for the long run.

Our guiding principle is simple yet profound: progress thrives when it springs from within communities themselves. We work hand in hand with the communities we serve, amplifying their existing plans, developing strategies together, and ensuring they have the resources they need to sustainably provide for themselves and thrive.

We believe Africa IS the future. One day, Africa will not only sustain itself but will feed the world, power the world, and show the world how to live in community.

We are creating an Africa that thrives.

We are ForAfrika.

Our Promise

Use the video controls to watch our promise video

Impact

Thanks to your support, in 2023 we impacted the lives of 4,221,541 people across Africa.

We know the challenges our communities must overcome and how best to do that – being based in the communities we serve means we are agile and have local knowledge that informs our strategies and boosts our resilience.

*Click on a country name to see more information

447,039 people reached

34,469 people reached

825,616 people reached

60,915 people reached

181,634 people reached

2,448,296 people reached

223,572 people reached

Map of Africa

From emergency relief to economic growth, we partner closely with our communities.

Fueled by the generosity of donors and partners like you, we bring resources and implement locally-led programmes that address the barriers people face for equitable growth and transformation.

637,224 people reached

192,968 people reached

1,236,219 people reached

636,408 people reached

1,471,014 people reached

47,708 people reached

Homegrown humanitarians

Homegrown humanitarians

Our Proven Process

We facilitate a continuum of transformation involving three stages: Emergency Relief, Early Recovery and Transition, and Transformational Development. At each stage, we implement locally led, integrated interventions that are carefully organised and layered within and across our core programming pillars, to holistically address community development challenges.

Saving lives through

Emergency Relief

We respond quickly in emergencies to provide vital support and resources that saves lives and alleviates suffering of our communities. Even during the emergency response, we consider long-term resilience-building efforts that lay the foundation for stabilising recovery.

• Food assistance to address immediate hunger
• Access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene
• Shelter, blankets, medical supplies
• Humanitarian logistics

Building back better through

Early Recovery and Transition

As the initial emergency subsides, we restore access to basic services, rebuild infrastructure and provide transitional livelihood support. We strengthen capabilities and catalyse collaborative processes that communities can steer themselves.

• Essential health services
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Protecting livelihoods from shocks
• Quality and safe educational environments
• Youth transitions into decent work
• Income opportunities and financial inclusion

Reaching self-sustainability through

Transformational Development

By strengthening resilience factors, our initiatives enable communities to withstand future shocks and independently address their basic needs without relying on external support. We facilitate change that allows communities to become self-sustainable, unlocking their potential to thrive.

• Financial safety nets and resilience
• Community governance
• Quality of healthcare services
• Innovation in food systems
• Skills for changing job markets
• Economic participation
• System preparedness

Message from the CEO

As the largest African humanitarian and development organisation, we address the unique challenges of our continent through an African-led approach that focuses on long-term impact because Africa is home, and we don’t leave.

We are driven by a deep love for Africa – our land and people. We save lives, build resilience, and enable transformational community development. We are here before others come and we remain after they leave, because we are in it for the long run.

Leadership Team

Isak Pretorius, ForAfrika Group CEO, in the field

Paul Edwards is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built several businesses into leading companies.

His CV lists an impressive array of positions held at major companies around the world and he is also a regular speaker at international conferences on topics such as satellite communications, telecommunications, payments, and doing business successfully in Africa.

Paul is currently Executive Chairman of Equilibre Bio-energy Production Ltd and Chairman of ZappGroup, Africa Ltd.

Additionally, Paul is also a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and a member of EDS’s Europe’s Advisory Board.

Ann Pretorius and her late husband, Peter, founded Joint Aid Management (JAM), now known as ForAfrika, in 1984.

For almost 40 years, they served the organisation as co-founders, strategic planners and tireless foot soldiers. Together they received several prestigious accolades, were one of five finalists in the AidEx 2014 Humanitarian Hero of the Year Award and winners of the 2018 African Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility.

After Peter’s passing in August 2018, Ann assumed the role of CEO of the JAM Group. Her passion, determination, unique interpersonal skills and vast experience in administration and marketing, have helped steer the group to its pre-eminent position as Africa’s largest indigenous non-governmental organisation, serving millions of people in six countries.

A mother of six, with 14 grandchildren, Ann genuinely understands and appreciates the value of the family foundation and is fully supportive of the decisions and direction the new leadership, under her son Isak, is taking.

Ghanaian businesswoman Roberta Annan founded Annan Capital Partners, a boutique investment advisory and business development agency, in 2012 (as Roberta Annan Consulting).

She has extensive experience in establishing relationships between the public and the private sectors, and in executing market-entry strategies into sub-Saharan Africa.

She launched the African Fashion Foundation in 2014, followed by the Impact Fund for African Creatives in 2021. Among the many awards accorded to her, Annan was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2019 Women’s Choice Awards Africa.

Muzammil Rengony started his career in 2011 in the field of accounting, taxation and auditing as a client assistant and is now client service manager for Adansonia Management Services Ltd in Mauritius, where ForAfrika is registered.

While managing a team of accountants and administrators who are responsible for a portfolio of clients, he is also pursuing his studies towards his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Muzammil acts as a director for a number of global businesses and part of his duties include the day-to-day administration of ForAfrika as well as being a board member.

Najiba Bauker kicked off her career as a corporate administrator in the Mauritian global business sector and is currently team leader at Adansonia Management Services Ltd.

In addition to serving as a board member of ForAfrika, Najiba also handles -day-to-day administrative tasks.

She acts as a director for a number of other global businesses administered by Adansonia and is pursuing her studies towards her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Isak Pretorius is the son of social entrepreneurs Peter and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International, out of which ForAfrika has risen.

With a BComm degree and 20 years of humanitarian services and business experience on the continent, he is well positioned to drive the organisation into the future while staying true to its vision of an Africa that thrives.

He is passionate about impactful development in Africa and bridging the gap between non-profit and for-profit entities.

Isak has also played a role in advising many governments, donor entities and large NGOs on sustainable programmes and has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009.

Terri Pretorius, Isak Pretorius and Abeba Amene

Isak Pretorius is the son of social entrepreneurs Peter and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International, out of which ForAfrika has risen.

With a BComm degree and 20 years of humanitarian services and business experience on the continent, he is well positioned to drive the organisation into the future while staying true to its vision of an Africa that thrives.

He is passionate about impactful development in Africa and bridging the gap between non-profit and for-profit entities.

Isak has also played a role in advising many governments, donor entities and large NGOs on sustainable programmes and has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009.

Simon McGregor moved into his current role at ForAfrika in 2023, having previously been Chief Development Officer from 2021-2022 and managing director of the organisation’s UK office from 2019 to 2021.

Simon’s background and impressive career is in financial research, corporate finance and stock transfer. He founded various companies that have gone on to enjoy major success.

He was a managing director at LSE-listed Equiniti Group plc with responsibility for proxy advisory, cross border listings and stock analysis before becoming a partner responsible for corporate finance at Africa-focused consultancy, Afriscope.

Abeba Amene moved into her current role after serving as Country Director for South Sudan, ForAfrika’s largest programme to date.

With over 17 years of humanitarian and development programming experience in fragile contexts, Abeba has led teams in various country offices, managing medium and large-scale programmes including at Oxfam in the United Kingdom where she served as the Regional Policy and Advocacy Advisor.

With an in-depth contextual understanding of humanitarian and development trends in East Africa as well as in the Horn of Africa and extensive experience in programme design and implementation, Abeba is dedicated to seeing the positive transformation of communities.

Her unshakable commitment to realising a better future for children is drawn from many years of working alongside some of Africa’s most marginalised communities.

Jim Lutzweiler brings a rare and comprehensive portfolio of 25 years of senior and executive management experience across the spectrum of global program development to improve the lives of people. His skillset includes strategic planning and tactical execution within challenging, dynamic environments, management turnarounds, shared value partnerships, and philanthropic funding and grants. He developed and applied these skills with a global perspective working and living in 100+ countries throughout his career.

In January 2024, he assumed his current duty as Chief Development Officer at ForAfrika responsible for core revenue business functions, multi-stakeholder public-private partnerships and strategic development.

Susannah Hastings joined ForAfrika in 2021 as Chief of Staff, having previously served in the Global Management team for Deal Network, Young President’s Organisation (YPO).

Susannah’s background and experience lies in supporting leadership to a achieve strategic vision, enabling learning and knowledge-sharing. She has contributed to the creation of high-value educational and networking programs offering unique shared learning experiences, and opportunities to access exclusive business content and resources.

In Susannah’s current role, she is responsible for fostering organisational harmony and optimising reporting structures for enhanced efficiency for informed leadership decision making. She is focused on creating an environment where all members feel valued and empowered, and that ensures transparency and accountability.

Susannah is passionate about people, about finding the heart in all we do, and in creating an Africa that thrives.

Terri Pretorius was born and raised in South Africa and grew up with an acute awareness of the injustices that exist on the continent.

After a 10-year career in the media industry she changed course to pursue her life’s desire to serve Africa and its people.

Terri has filled various positions at ForAfrika over the past decade and in her current role is responsible for the strategic oversight of the organisation’s marketing and communication department.

Country offices

Starting out as a banker, Arsénio Mucavele pursued a career in administration and logistics working as Support Services Manager at PSI (Population Services International) where he analysed financial pipelines to donors and supervised procurement and logistics staff.

He joined ForAfrika in 2008 as an Administration and Logistics Officer and has risen through the ranks since then, taking over as country director in 2020.

Along the way, Arsénio has become an expert in Mozambican labour law, which has been crucial for the effective functioning of the organisation.

Under his leadership, the country office has gone from strength to strength, and has gained valuable partners that include UNICEF and USAid.

Fred Mutenyo is a humanitarian professional with over 20 years’ experience at various international development agencies, specialising in agricultural, development and peace projects.

Backed by an undergraduate degree in agriculture and Master’s degrees in agricultural economics, monitoring and evaluation, Fred has run a variety of successful food security, livelihoods and economic empowerment projects in Uganda.

He was recently awarded a place on the Master of Science in Management course at the National College of Ireland.

His superpower, however, is an irrepressible passion and can-do attitude which he applies to any project or problem.

Leader Kwami Makumator is a humanitarian professional with over 17 years’ working experience. He holds an MSc in Project Management from the University of Wales and has worked in various countries, including Afghanistan and South Sudan.

Leader started his humanitarian activities with the United Nations before joining ForAfrika in April 2015. He has worked in several positions within the organisation, rising to the position of Director of Operations before his recent appointment as Country Director for the South Sudan programme.

Leader has a proven track record, managing teams to exceed targets, drive successful operations, embark on new projects as well as maintaining ongoing operations.

Mashall Makamanzi joined ForAfrika as Operations Director for the South African office and is currently serving as Acting Country Director.

Mashall followed up his Bachelor of Technology (Management) degree with a Master of Business Administration. He also has a Certified Internal Auditor designation from the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.

He brings more than 25 years’ experience garnered from working in a number of African countries with a variety of private and non-profit organisations.

Affiliates

Alex Burrough joined ForAfrika in 2022 and heads up the affiliate office in the United Kingdom where she is responsible for creating awareness, ensuring that donors are cared for, and growing the income for the UK office which supports our vital community projects.

She is an internationally experienced manager who has worked in the social enterprises, international non-governmental and UK charity sectors for many years both on and off the field.

Before returning to England, Alex had spent 10 years in Zambia, running successful social enterprises and sustainable development programmes.

Her key skills are in fundraising, business development and programmes’ management with a knack for devising new campaign ideas to suit unique challenges.

Mariana's unwavering dedication is to bridge cultural differences and foster social cohesion through the transformative power of culture and education.

With a strong background in Business Administration, Mariana specialised in Marketing and Fundraising and has served in the role of marketing manager for both corporate and independent clients. She has 16 years of experience managing cultural initiatives in Switzerland on an honorary basis. She has focused on promoting reading and language dissemination as powerful tools for social inclusion in diverse communities.

Aware of the intricate web of global issues, Mariana attaches great importance to international collaboration. As an integral part of ForAfrika, leading the Swiss Office, her contributions reach beyond borders, having a significant impact in both Switzerland and Africa, embodying a beacon of hope for progress and unity.

Sabine Wenz is the Managing Director of the German affiliate office.

She established the office in 2004, when ForAfrika was still JAM, and has gained experience in almost all areas of the organisation over the years.

Her background in a number of start-ups has assisted her to successfully fundraise for various projects and emergencies and she has accompanied many groups of volunteers to work on school infrastructure renovations.

Before she ventured into development work, she worked for various start-ups and now enjoys passing on her knowledge and expertise to her team of five.

Her strengths lie in corporate management, fundraising and marketing and her passion for Africa and its people.

Global Support Office leadership

Charles Wentzel has been leading ForAfrika’s Disaster Response Unit since April 2021. During this period, we have steadily increased capacity and responded to emergencies in Mozambique, Angola, South Sudan, South Africa, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

Charles grew up in an Airborne Regiment of South Africa, holds an MBA from Heriot Watt University, and obtained certification from the Project Management Institute in 2012.

He threw his weight into the humanitarian sector with JAM in 2000, leading the organisation’s Emergency Response Unit, the launch of the water drilling and purification division and the opening of the country programme in South Sudan. He then went on to set up humanitarian operations funded by the US and UK governments and private entities in a host of countries.

Trademarks of his work are rapid development of local capacity, creation of management information systems and efficiency. He loves agriculture, empowering local communities and linking emergency relief to economic development.

Cisca Pretorius is a Chartered Accountant with more than 15 years’ experience in her field.

She has an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science, is a registered auditor with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors in South Africa and is assigned to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Cisca has a clear understanding of audit and accounting processes and considerable experience in finance and implementing procedures to manage business effectively.

Keeping on top of projects and making sure all parts get to the finish line at the same time is what she does best. Cisca travels extensively to ensure that all ForAfrika’s country offices are on the same page and compliant with our high financial standards and procedures.

Dr Mary Okumu is an accomplished development expert in health policy and health service delivery and has about 38 years of experience at various humanitarian organisations around the world, including the African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), Oxfam and the United Nations, where she has served at senior levels, including being a Representative of UN Women in Sierra Leone.

She has been responsible for generating groundbreaking programmes in maternal and child health as well as community upliftment and organisational development projects in more than 15 African countries.

She strongly believes in the participation of the community, especially the youth, in all development initiatives since this ensures local ownership and sustainable transformation. She also believes that gender mainstreaming is an important strategy in achieving equitable and sustainable human development.

Dr Okumu holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health (Maternal and Child Health) and a PhD in Human Rights Law.

Eugene Keague is an experienced operational executive with more than 20 years of experience managing several large teams across various sectors, including supply chain, logistics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

His list of responsibilities at ForAfrika is long and varied and includes capacity building, fleet and asset management, business systems development, emergency procurement and security.

Eugene regularly travels the continent, visiting our programmes and advising country offices on a range of issues from supply chain to ICT.

Jane King’ara comes to the organisation with a wealth of experience in the HR field, including time spent working in five of our programme countries — South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan — with various organisations.

She holds a Global Executive MBA, a Bachelor of Arts degree and has a number of additional qualifications to her name. Before joining ForAfrika, Jane was working as an HR and change management consultant.

She feels strongly that making an impact in Africa can only happen sustainably through partnering with communities and understanding their needs.

Financials

Gifts in kind received
$ 22, 130, 442
Cash received
$ 34, 263, 265
Total For Afrika To Thrive
$ 56, 393, 707

Resources

Fundraising and administration costs
8%
Programme costs
92%

To do this work we need your donations. You can rest assured that every donation received, small or large, is celebrated and carefully managed. Each year we account to our cherished donors in our annual report.

Leadership team

Paul Edwards is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built several businesses into leading companies.

His CV lists an impressive array of positions held at major companies around the world and he is also a regular speaker at international conferences on topics such as satellite communications, telecommunications, payments, and doing business successfully in Africa.

Paul is currently Executive Chairman of Equilibre Bio-energy Production Ltd and Chairman of ZappGroup, Africa Ltd.

Additionally, Paul is also a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and a member of EDS’s Europe’s Advisory Board.

Ann Pretorius and her late husband, Peter, founded Joint Aid Management (JAM), now known as ForAfrika, in 1984.

For almost 40 years, they served the organisation as co-founders, strategic planners and tireless foot soldiers. Together they received several prestigious accolades, were one of five finalists in the AidEx 2014 Humanitarian Hero of the Year Award and winners of the 2018 African Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility.

After Peter’s passing in August 2018, Ann assumed the role of CEO of the JAM Group. Her passion, determination, unique interpersonal skills and vast experience in administration and marketing, have helped steer the group to its pre-eminent position as Africa’s largest indigenous non-governmental organisation, serving millions of people in six countries.

A mother of six, with 14 grandchildren, Ann genuinely understands and appreciates the value of the family foundation and is fully supportive of the decisions and direction the new leadership, under her son Isak, is taking.

Ghanaian businesswoman Roberta Annan founded Annan Capital Partners, a boutique investment advisory and business development agency, in 2012 (as Roberta Annan Consulting).

She has extensive experience in establishing relationships between the public and the private sectors, and in executing market-entry strategies into sub-Saharan Africa.

She launched the African Fashion Foundation in 2014, followed by the Impact Fund for African Creatives in 2021. Among the many awards accorded to her, Annan was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2019 Women’s Choice Awards Africa.

Muzammil Rengony started his career in 2011 in the field of accounting, taxation and auditing as a client assistant and is now client service manager for Adansonia Management Services Ltd in Mauritius, where ForAfrika is registered.

While managing a team of accountants and administrators who are responsible for a portfolio of clients, he is also pursuing his studies towards his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Muzammil acts as a director for a number of global businesses and part of his duties include the day-to-day administration of ForAfrika as well as being a board member.

Najiba Bauker kicked off her career as a corporate administrator in the Mauritian global business sector and is currently team leader at Adansonia Management Services Ltd.

In addition to serving as a board member of ForAfrika, Najiba also handles -day-to-day administrative tasks.

She acts as a director for a number of other global businesses administered by Adansonia and is pursuing her studies towards her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Isak Pretorius is the son of social entrepreneurs Peter and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International, out of which ForAfrika has risen.

With a BComm degree and 20 years of humanitarian services and business experience on the continent, he is well positioned to drive the organisation into the future while staying true to its vision of an Africa that thrives.

He is passionate about impactful development in Africa and bridging the gap between non-profit and for-profit entities.

Isak has also played a role in advising many governments, donor entities and large NGOs on sustainable programmes and has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009.

Isak Pretorius is the son of social entrepreneurs Peter and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International, out of which ForAfrika has risen.

With a BComm degree and 20 years of humanitarian services and business experience on the continent, he is well positioned to drive the organisation into the future while staying true to its vision of an Africa that thrives.

He is passionate about impactful development in Africa and bridging the gap between non-profit and for-profit entities.

Isak has also played a role in advising many governments, donor entities and large NGOs on sustainable programmes and has been a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009.

Simon McGregor moved into his current role at ForAfrika in 2023, having previously been Chief Development Officer from 2021-2022 and managing director of the organisation’s UK office from 2019 to 2021.

Simon’s background and impressive career is in financial research, corporate finance and stock transfer. He founded various companies that have gone on to enjoy major success.

He was a managing director at LSE-listed Equiniti Group plc with responsibility for proxy advisory, cross border listings and stock analysis before becoming a partner responsible for corporate finance at Africa-focused consultancy, Afriscope.

Abeba Amene moved into her current role after serving as Country Director for South Sudan, ForAfrika’s largest programme to date.

With over 17 years of humanitarian and development programming experience in fragile contexts, Abeba has led teams in various country offices, managing medium and large-scale programmes including at Oxfam in the United Kingdom where she served as the Regional Policy and Advocacy Advisor.

With an in-depth contextual understanding of humanitarian and development trends in East Africa as well as in the Horn of Africa and extensive experience in programme design and implementation, Abeba is dedicated to seeing the positive transformation of communities.

Her unshakable commitment to realising a better future for children is drawn from many years of working alongside some of Africa’s most marginalised communities.

Jim Lutzweiler brings a rare and comprehensive portfolio of 25 years of senior and executive management experience across the spectrum of global program development to improve the lives of people. His skillset includes strategic planning and tactical execution within challenging, dynamic environments, management turnarounds, shared value partnerships, and philanthropic funding and grants. He developed and applied these skills with a global perspective working and living in 100+ countries throughout his career.

In January 2024, he assumed his current duty as Chief Development Officer at ForAfrika responsible for core revenue business functions, multi-stakeholder public-private partnerships and strategic development.

Susannah Hastings joined ForAfrika in 2021 as Chief of Staff, having previously served in the Global Management team for Deal Network, Young President’s Organisation (YPO).

Susannah’s background and experience lies in supporting leadership to a achieve strategic vision, enabling learning and knowledge-sharing. She has contributed to the creation of high-value educational and networking programs offering unique shared learning experiences, and opportunities to access exclusive business content and resources.

In Susannah’s current role, she is responsible for fostering organisational harmony and optimising reporting structures for enhanced efficiency for informed leadership decision making. She is focused on creating an environment where all members feel valued and empowered, and that ensures transparency and accountability.

Susannah is passionate about people, about finding the heart in all we do, and in creating an Africa that thrives.

Terri Pretorius was born and raised in South Africa and grew up with an acute awareness of the injustices that exist on the continent.

After a 10-year career in the media industry she changed course to pursue her life’s desire to serve Africa and its people.

Terri has filled various positions at ForAfrika over the past decade and in her current role is responsible for the strategic oversight of the organisation’s marketing and communication department.

Starting out as a banker, Arsénio Mucavele pursued a career in administration and logistics working as Support Services Manager at PSI (Population Services International) where he analysed financial pipelines to donors and supervised procurement and logistics staff.

He joined ForAfrika in 2008 as an Administration and Logistics Officer and has risen through the ranks since then, taking over as country director in 2020.

Along the way, Arsénio has become an expert in Mozambican labour law, which has been crucial for the effective functioning of the organisation.

Under his leadership, the country office has gone from strength to strength, and has gained valuable partners that include UNICEF and USAid.

Fred Mutenyo is a humanitarian professional with over 20 years’ experience at various international development agencies, specialising in agricultural, development and peace projects.

Backed by an undergraduate degree in agriculture and Master’s degrees in agricultural economics, monitoring and evaluation, Fred has run a variety of successful food security, livelihoods and economic empowerment projects in Uganda.

He was recently awarded a place on the Master of Science in Management course at the National College of Ireland.

His superpower, however, is an irrepressible passion and can-do attitude which he applies to any project or problem.

Leader Kwami Makumator is a humanitarian professional with over 17 years’ working experience. He holds an MSc in Project Management from the University of Wales and has worked in various countries, including Afghanistan and South Sudan.

Leader started his humanitarian activities with the United Nations before joining ForAfrika in April 2015. He has worked in several positions within the organisation, rising to the position of Director of Operations before his recent appointment as Country Director for the South Sudan programme.

Leader has a proven track record, managing teams to exceed targets, drive successful operations, embark on new projects as well as maintaining ongoing operations.

Mashall Makamanzi joined ForAfrika as Operations Director for the South African office and is currently serving as Acting Country Director.

Mashall followed up his Bachelor of Technology (Management) degree with a Master of Business Administration. He also has a Certified Internal Auditor designation from the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.

He brings more than 25 years’ experience garnered from working in a number of African countries with a variety of private and non-profit organisations.

Alex Burrough joined ForAfrika in 2022 and heads up the affiliate office in the United Kingdom where she is responsible for creating awareness, ensuring that donors are cared for, and growing the income for the UK office which supports our vital community projects.

She is an internationally experienced manager who has worked in the social enterprises, international non-governmental and UK charity sectors for many years both on and off the field.

Before returning to England, Alex had spent 10 years in Zambia, running successful social enterprises and sustainable development programmes.

Her key skills are in fundraising, business development and programmes’ management with a knack for devising new campaign ideas to suit unique challenges.

Mariana's unwavering dedication is to bridge cultural differences and foster social cohesion through the transformative power of culture and education.

With a strong background in Business Administration, Mariana specialised in Marketing and Fundraising and has served in the role of marketing manager for both corporate and independent clients. She has 16 years of experience managing cultural initiatives in Switzerland on an honorary basis. She has focused on promoting reading and language dissemination as powerful tools for social inclusion in diverse communities.

Aware of the intricate web of global issues, Mariana attaches great importance to international collaboration. As an integral part of ForAfrika, leading the Swiss Office, her contributions reach beyond borders, having a significant impact in both Switzerland and Africa, embodying a beacon of hope for progress and unity.

Sabine Wenz is the Managing Director of the German affiliate office.

She established the office in 2004, when ForAfrika was still JAM, and has gained experience in almost all areas of the organisation over the years.

Her background in a number of start-ups has assisted her to successfully fundraise for various projects and emergencies and she has accompanied many groups of volunteers to work on school infrastructure renovations.

Before she ventured into development work, she worked for various start-ups and now enjoys passing on her knowledge and expertise to her team of five.

Her strengths lie in corporate management, fundraising and marketing and her passion for Africa and its people.

Charles Wentzel has been leading ForAfrika’s Disaster Response Unit since April 2021. During this period, we have steadily increased capacity and responded to emergencies in Mozambique, Angola, South Sudan, South Africa, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

Charles grew up in an Airborne Regiment of South Africa, holds an MBA from Heriot Watt University, and obtained certification from the Project Management Institute in 2012.

He threw his weight into the humanitarian sector with JAM in 2000, leading the organisation’s Emergency Response Unit, the launch of the water drilling and purification division and the opening of the country programme in South Sudan. He then went on to set up humanitarian operations funded by the US and UK governments and private entities in a host of countries.

Trademarks of his work are rapid development of local capacity, creation of management information systems and efficiency. He loves agriculture, empowering local communities and linking emergency relief to economic development.

Cisca Pretorius is a Chartered Accountant with more than 15 years’ experience in her field.

She has an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science, is a registered auditor with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors in South Africa and is assigned to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Cisca has a clear understanding of audit and accounting processes and considerable experience in finance and implementing procedures to manage business effectively.

Keeping on top of projects and making sure all parts get to the finish line at the same time is what she does best. Cisca travels extensively to ensure that all ForAfrika’s country offices are on the same page and compliant with our high financial standards and procedures.

Dr Mary Okumu is an accomplished development expert in health policy and health service delivery and has about 38 years of experience at various humanitarian organisations around the world, including the African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), Oxfam and the United Nations, where she has served at senior levels, including being a Representative of UN Women in Sierra Leone.

She has been responsible for generating groundbreaking programmes in maternal and child health as well as community upliftment and organisational development projects in more than 15 African countries.

She strongly believes in the participation of the community, especially the youth, in all development initiatives since this ensures local ownership and sustainable transformation. She also believes that gender mainstreaming is an important strategy in achieving equitable and sustainable human development.

Dr Okumu holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health (Maternal and Child Health) and a PhD in Human Rights Law.

Eugene Keague is an experienced operational executive with more than 20 years of experience managing several large teams across various sectors, including supply chain, logistics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

His list of responsibilities at ForAfrika is long and varied and includes capacity building, fleet and asset management, business systems development, emergency procurement and security.

Eugene regularly travels the continent, visiting our programmes and advising country offices on a range of issues from supply chain to ICT.

Jane King’ara comes to the organisation with a wealth of experience in the HR field, including time spent working in five of our programme countries — South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan — with various organisations.

She holds a Global Executive MBA, a Bachelor of Arts degree and has a number of additional qualifications to her name. Before joining ForAfrika, Jane was working as an HR and change management consultant.

She feels strongly that making an impact in Africa can only happen sustainably through partnering with communities and understanding their needs.

01. Emergencies

We respond quickly in emergencies

We offer vital support and resources to our communities when they need us most. ​

Our emergency teams responding quickly to Cyclone Freddy in Mozambique

Thanks to your support, last year we helped 259,797 people in emergencies​

People assisted
259,797
Emergency packs provided
11,499
Food delivered
421,710 kgs

02. Water

We provide access to clean water​

We work with communities to provide access to clean water and better hygiene.​

Clean water serves a whole community in Uganda

Thanks to your support, last year we provided clean water for 463,191 people

People reached
463,191
Water wells installed
140
Handwashing stations installed​
448
Toilets installed
2,392

03. Food

We boost ​food security and livelihoods

We help create food security and more sustainable livelihoods for our people.​

Watering fields to boost food security in South Sudan

Thanks to your support, last year we boosted food security for 875,835 people

People reached
875,835
Food distributed
8,214,783 kgs
Meals served
17,359,771
Household gardens supported
17,179

04. Health

We ensure ​good health and nutrition

We provide health and nutritional support for healthier, stronger communities​.

Ensuring ​good health and nutrition for a child in South Sudan

Thanks to your support, last year we ensured good health for 494,039 people

People reached
494,039
Treated for malnutrition
49,206
Health screenings​
452,905
Therapeutic food provided​
438,264 kgs

05. Education

We support ​​quality education

We build better futures by enabling a strong and stable educational environment. ​

Quality education is vital for an Africa that thrives

Thanks to you, last year we enabled quality education​ for 787,175 people

People reached
787,175
School meals served
27,871,785
School makeovers​
42
School gardens created
1,079

06. Economy

We drive ​economic growth

We equip our communities with the right skills and access to grow Africa’s economy

A woman plants vegetables which she can sell at the local market

Thanks to your support, last year we upskilled and empowered 244,296 people​

People reached
244,296
Trained in business skills
11,101
Savings groups created
263
Loans to farmer groups
234
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