WE ARE…
a group of passionate nation builders who long to see deep and lasting transformation in our land. We choose to see and activate the possibilities rather than becoming overwhelmed by the stark realities. To this we bring faith, courage, integrity, curiosity, grappling, intentional and rapid action, meaningful connection, and adventure…
Meet the Team
Our staff, board of trustees, finance team and board of community advisors work together to ensure the ReStory Foundation is impacting lives in a sustainable way, with strong accountability to all donors.
Staff Team
As far as possible we empower people within the community to be the primary sources of help and hope. In our Bhambayi hub, our social workers and youth workers all live in the community, and most were on our programmes before joining the staff.
Mandy Pearson
Founder and CEO
Zama Zikhali
Operations Manager
Natalie Naude
Empowerment Partner
Simangele Mlawu
Social Services Manager
Ernest Mngomeni
Young Adults and High School Co-ordinator
Sinethemba Mdibi
Youth Development Worker and Admin Support
Sinamandla Mgcisane
Youth Development Worker
Thulisile Mngadi
Youth Development Worker
Alice Fabian-Williams
Communications and Partnerships (part time)
Ntethelelo Khumalo
Social worker
Phumlani Zungu
ICT Thinking skills & Homework club Coordinator
Tasha Thornton
Administration
Abbey Padayachee
Administration
Board of Trustees
The ReStory Foundation is overseen by a strong and active diversified Board of Trustees of 7 individuals, with both the range of skills and experience needed to support and grow the work. The Founder and Executive Director, Mandy Pearson, has worked extensively in the development and corporate world, both locally and abroad.
Mandy Pearson
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Executive Director and Founder of the organization. Experience ranges from corporate spaces in Europe and locally, in business, strategy and finance, to development, including unsettled times in townships during unrest, both pre- and post- Apartheid. Masters in Economics of Developing Countries from Cambridge, a 7 year season of leading in church spaces and founding and running the Bhambayi Project part time since its beginning in 2007, and now full time. Mandy is passionate about justice, dignity and empowerment.
Sbonelo Mbatha
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Sbonelo Mbatha is the co-founder and director of PetroCONNECT Holdings and Divine Inspiration Holdings. He worked his way from petrol attendant to service station manager and ultimately to owner of multiple service stations. His vast experience includes business development, stakeholder and relationship management and strategy development, and he is a valued mentor to many young entrepreneurs.
Lindiwe Mzaidume
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Lindiwe Mzaidume is an accomplished financial executive with over two decades of experience across finance, accounting, supply chain, and post-acquisition integration. Currently CFO of IHS Towers South Africa, she plays a strategic leadership role in financial direction, cost efficiency, and governance. Her career spans multinationals like ATC and Ernst & Young, where she led teams, improved business processes, and implemented complex systems. Lindiwe is a Chartered Accountant with expertise in IFRS, SOX, and business transformation. She brings a collaborative leadership style and a passion for driving value through innovation, efficiency, and strategic alignment across diverse sectors.
Kevin Robertson
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Focus of working life has been on high school learners, as a teacher, school chaplain and leadership facilitator. He is passionate about growing and empowering youth and coaching people to help them discover and unlock their strengths. He is currently the rector at St Martin’s Anglican Church.
Mark Tucker
Tony Mthethwa
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Tony is a dynamic business leader currently working at Microsoft. With a diverse background spanning retail, technology, telecommunications, and mining, he brings a strategic, client-focused approach to innovation and growth. His passion lies in using technology to drive meaningful impact, and his career reflects a commitment to building solutions that transform industries and empower communities.
Tom Butterworth
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Currently managing the Blue Roof Life Space, a holistic development space for vulnerable youth in the communities of south Durban. Tom holds an Urban Design and City Planning masters’ degree. He has wide ranging experience in community development, city planning, urban design and landscape architecture.
Board of Community Advisors
In addition, the ReStory Foundation’s board of community advisors is comprised of highly respected, apolitical community leaders living in the Bhambayi Community. This body plays an important role in advising on matters as they relate to work within, and development of, the Bhambayi community.
Finance Team
Our finances are managed by Shirley Holmes and our annual financial statements are independently compiled by Guy Brazier, an experienced chartered accountant.
Guy Brazier
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In his professional capacity as a Chartered Accountant (SA) is the Independent Compiler of the annual financial statements of Bhambayi Project Trust, a position he has held for the last two years. Guy was the Managing Partner of Deloitte, KwaZulu-Natal for 12 years. He elected to take early retirement in 2018, after 38 years with the firm, to pursue his dreams; as well as spend more time with his family. Guy continues to play an active role in the business community as a director on a number of boards.
Shirley Holmes
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With an ACIS, manages the finances of the Bhambayi Project Trust. She has experience in finance locally and in London at a top international retailer. Currently self-employed. Passionate about building the future of the country through giving back and investing in the environment.