Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Development
Youth Development
Youth Development
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence
Humanitarian
Humanitarian
This cycle of empowerment is crucial; as these youths grow into leaders and role models, they will instil values of perseverance and ambition in their peers. We strongly believe that the work we are doing, is not merely an investment in individual lives but a strategic move towards societal progress. Together, we can reshape futures and create lasting change.
To achieve this Siyazana YDF focuses on promoting projects in communities where such initiatives are most needed yet often absent. By concentrating on low-fee or no-paying schools, which are the most vulnerable institutions, we address a critical gap in the educational landscape. These schools frequently lack access to essential learning resources and equipment, hindering their ability to provide quality education. Sadly, the lack in addressing the issues around GBV+F in these same communities, are just as lacking and has become a very necessary focal point in our offerings.
Collaboration with local communities and various stakeholders is fundamental to our approach. Engaging these groups ensures that our initiatives are culturally relevant and sustainable, fostering a sense of ownership among community members. By working together, we can create tailored solutions that effectively meet the unique needs of each community. This collaborative model not only enhances resource allocation but also empowers communities to take an active role in their educational development.
Siyazana YDF’s commitment to supporting low-fee or no-paying schools through community collaboration is imperative for achieving meaningful educational outcomes. By addressing gaps in resources and fostering partnerships, we can significantly improve the quality of education for those who need it most. Investing in these vulnerable institutions will ultimately contribute to a more equitable society where every child has access to quality learning opportunities.
Natasha Miller
Natasha Miller is an entrepreneur, business owner, and Director of Victofusion (Pty) Ltd and Natasha Miller Virtual Administration. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, communication, event management, and administration, she is a highly skilled Professional in her field. Natasha's educational background further supports her expertise. After completing her Diploma in Business Communication at UNISA, she studied Event Management at CPUT. This combination of education and passion for events and people has led her to build a successful career in both the
corporate, private and npo sectors.
One of Natasha's greatest strengths is her strong communication skills. She excels in both event leadership and providing outstanding customer service. Her ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment demonstrates her organizational skills, motivation, and attention to detail. She has also
proven her ability to efficiently multitask on special events and handle any given tasks with ease.
Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Board since 2021 showcases Natasha's leadership abilities and dedication to making a difference within organizations. In conclusion, Natasha Miller's extensive experience in marketing communication, event management, and administration combined with her strong communication skills make her an
exceptional entrepreneur who can bring success to any project or organization she works with. Her passion for people, social justice and events coupled with her educational background makes her a valuable asset in achieving strategic goals. With Natasha leading the way as Chairperson of the Board since 2021, she continues to demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to further success in all future endeavours.
Deidre Foster
Deidre Foster hails from Cape Town, in the Western Cape. She holds qualifications in foundation phase education, Public Administration as well as Public Relations. Deidre has worked for the Provincial Government in excess of 22 Years. Starting out with an entry level post and no experience, to holding a senior position, with experience in Communication and
Stakeholder relations. She notes that her understanding of brand development, brand positioning and developing her department’s Marketing and Communication strategies has prepared her for joining the Siyazana Team.
Deidre also enjoys public speaking and has emceed many official
events. She is currently the spokesperson for her office and her current portfolio sees her frequently travelling to the outskirts of the Western Cape often doing outreach in the poorest of rural communities.
Deidre has recently joined her community watch organisation where she acts as the secretary. It goes without saying that she loves communities, and believes that any small contribution will go a long way in achieving shared visions. Deidre has been serving as a board member of Siyazana YDF since 2021
Odifentse Lehasa
Odifentse (Odi) Lehasa has two Masters Degrees one in Information Systems graduate, her second in Entrepreneurship which she got from at the Wits Business School. She is an entrepreneur, focusing mainly on her two passions, food and technology, and has thus established The Rain Queen Company and Big Heart Technologies.
Through her time as Miss Commonwealth South Africa 2017, a lecturer and a computer literacy teacher in Grahamstown (Eastern Cape), Odifentse discovered her passion in education and her desire to serve the marginalised, deprived and under-resourced communities in Africa.
Her life mission (purpose) is to achieve sustainable poverty alleviation, through establishing technology-driven knowledge and leadership centres (schools and academies), to service the youth across the African continent.
Having broken several societal barriers and being the first and only one
in her generation to complete tertiary education, she lives by the following quote: “No matter how bad it is, or how bad it gets, I’m going to make it” (Les Brown). Odi has been serving as a board member of Siyazana YDF since 2021
Charney Jada Rooi
Charney Jada Rooi is an undergraduate student who hopes to graduate in March 2024. She did a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, specializing in Sociology, Linguistics and French at the University of Cape Town. She is conditionally admitted into the French Language and Literature Honours program in 2024. She joined Siyazana YDF in October 2023 as a board member.
Charney grew up in Cape Town, always passionate about people, loving people and believing in them. She always immerse herself into people’s lively conditions so she may understand life from their perspective. Thus, studying Sociology, Linguistics as well as French allowed her to embrace that process more. This made and continuously makes her to examine what her role in society is with all three of her specializations since all of them gives a sense of the world through the perspectives of society; the problems people undergoes and the languages used to communicate these problems.
Charney continues to have faith that these societal problems can be resolved. She is a new believer in Jesus Christ which is her pillar of strength in this journey. Charney is one full of ambition which is always ready for new adventures and challenges. She believes to be an entrepreneur in the hair industry and has always been passionate about starting up a business for others to have a job opportunity and that is still on her agenda. Charney possess great communication skills which made her thrive with her online marketing journey since 2020. This helped her to connect with others more, give more willingly and guide individuals on what might be best for them.
The aim is for individuals to get what they deserve by bringing an upstart to a new journey with someone by their side. Charney is a firm believer in carrying people along the way, continuously supporting and staying at the side of the individuals. Community is a key aspect, because we cannot find our true purpose when we are going through life alone. Positive and growing influence is what everyone needs in their life which will allow them to endure their circumstances in life with a little hope for a light at the end of the tunnel.
