strengthening civil society

Empowering communities

Strengthening
civil society

Promoting meaningful
social change

We’ve played a leading role in developing a home-grown model of development that has been recognised for being both empowering and sustainable, delivering real impact at grassroots level.

Founding SCAT – A Personal Reflection

In late 1984, Barry Streek introduced me to the vision behind the Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT). I immediately saw its value—an organisation rooted in action, not ideology. SCAT offered support based on community needs, without political or religious bias. My first encounter with its work was in Barry’s bustling home, filled with passionate people driving grassroots projects. Over time, I came to admire the integrity of those involved and the diversity of initiatives SCAT supported—from rural development to advice offices. More than just a funder, SCAT empowered communities through committed support and a firm belief in every person’s dignity.

Reverend Canon Dr Trond Bakkevig, Church of Norway

SCAT Trustees

SCAT Trustees are all volunteers who give of their time and skills to make sure our governance is in line with our statutes and NPO and PBO standards.

Lorenzo Wakefield

Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Lorenzo Wakefield has LL.B and LL.M degrees from the University of the Western Cape. He is currently employed as a program officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, where he manages a grantmaking portfolio on community justice in Africa. Previously he worked at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Open Society Foundation for South Africa. He also serves on the board of the Triangle Project and in 2012 was selected as the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans.

Valerie Jonathan

Trustee, Finance Committee

Valerie Jonathan is a SCAT trustee since 2013. She is a senior manager, customer relations at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) where she’s worked in both finance and customer relations for over 20 years. She has a post-graduate diploma in business administration from the UCT Graduate School of Business. Valerie is an entrepreneur, a wife, mother and grandmother.

Deena Bosch

Trustee, Chair Programmes

Deena Bosch has a long association with SCAT having started in the organisation as a fieldworker and what was then called the Development Fund Coordinator. Deena was one of the champions of the pioneering Fundraising Incentive Scheme. Deena is an activist and has worked for Women on Farms, the Treatment Action Campaign and most recently the Black Sash. She is also a board member of the Community Health Media Trust and HWB. She serves on the board of Ditikeni Investment Company.

Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka

Trustee

Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka is a peace and security practitioner and human rights activist, with a multi-disciplinary background in political science, international relations, gender studies, security studies and international law. She is the South Africa Researcher at Human Rights Watch where she provides human rights monitoring, research, and advocacy in South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.

Nomathamsanqa has published on a variety of human rights issues in Africa, including transitional justice, gender-based violence and women, peace and security. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, she worked for the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria, where she led and consolidated the Embassy’s strategic and policy engagement on human rights, gender equality, governance, sustainable development and peace and security. Nomathamsanqa holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Political Science and Public Policy Administration from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Stellenbosch University, as well as a Master of Science degree in Security, Leadership and Society (Cum Laude) from King’s College, London.

Lungisa Gwen Mvula

Trustee

Lungisa Gwen Mvula holds a master’s in environmental education from Rhodes University. The title of her study is “ How can development of a school environment policy contribute to active learning in the context of RNCS”. She also holds a bachelor’s in theology and is a teacher by profession.  Lungisa Gwen Mvula is a deputy principal in a primary school in Grahamstown since 1989 and an Anglican priest and Rector of St Phillip’s parish since 2017. A long-standing political and social activist she has been involved with community organisations such as Township Aids Project and GADRA Education since 1989.

Senzosihle Mavune-Mapisha

Trustee

Senzo has over a decade of experience in financial strategic analysis, product development, and research in the financial services sector. She has held various roles in major financial institutions and is committed to understanding and improving the financial landscape, from developing innovative investment products to uncovering insights through market segmentation and industry analysis.  

During her time at Eighty20 Consulting, she conducted in-depth analyses on diverse topics such as the South African mortgage and rental housing markets, as well as the mobile money sector in Nigeria. She later held product development roles at Allan Gray and PPS Investments, where she played a role in launching new investment products and improving efficiencies across business functions. Now working at Ninety One, she applies a global perspective to her work and continues her work in the South African investment and savings industry. Senzo graduated from Trinity College in Connecticut USA with a BA in Economics and a BA in Political Science and is a CFA Charterholder.

This video captures the SCAT story for our 40th anniversary. Thank you to our rural partners, former and current trustees and staff for your contribution to the SCAT story and to this video documenting the journey of 40 years

SCAT Staff

Joanne Harding

Executive Director

Joanne Harding’s journey with SCAT began in 1998 as a programme officer, rising through the ranks to become Executive Director. After a brief hiatus from 2010 to 2016 to complete her MSocSci in Social Planning and Administration—while freelancing for other NGOs and dedicating time to her children—she returned at the request of SCAT’s trustees to lead the organisation once again. During this period, she also earned a PhD in Public Law, further strengthening her expertise.

A visionary strategist, dynamic leader, and accomplished fundraiser, she has transformed SCAT’s reach and impact. Under her leadership, the organisation’s income has grown from R5 million to over R50 million, staff numbers have tripled, and the network of supported community-based organisations has expanded from 20 to over 50. She has spearheaded SCAT’s engagement in the climate change sector, driven by her deep commitment to justice, gender equality, and environmental resilience.

With extensive global experience, she has represented SCAT at conferences worldwide, showcasing its groundbreaking work. Passionate and results-driven, Joanne continues to push boundaries, ensuring SCAT remains at the forefront of community-driven change.

Seth Tladi

Programme Director

Seaitsiwe (Seth) Tladi is the Programme Director at SCAT. He joined as programme manager in 2011 and has 28 years of experience in the development sector, particularly in supporting SMMEs. He studied in Mafikeng and earned a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and management.

With a strong background in community development, he has served on various structures and organisations dedicated to this cause. His expertise in economic development has led to presentations on the SMME sector. Additionally, he has co-authored articles and documents on best practices in SMME Business Development services.

Widely travelled, he draws from global experiences to create meaningful change. His guiding philosophy is: “Empowering a generation to impact a nation.”

Hishaam Nordien

Finance Manager

Hishaam Nordien began his journey at SCAT in 2001 as a Bookkeeper, progressing to Senior Bookkeeper, then Senior Finance Officer, before assuming his current role as Finance Manager. As SCAT’s longest-serving employee, he brings extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience from various financial roles across industries such as property development and manufacturing and financial services. He holds a National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He is an analytical and results-driven finance manager, skilled in optimising financial operations and translating complex data into actionable insights to support strategic organisational goals.

Nokukhanya Mchunu

Programme manager

Nokukhanya Mchunu began her journey with SCAT in early 2019 as a Programme Officer and later advanced to her current role as Programme Manager. While she has been with SCAT for just over six years, her career in the NGO sector spans more than a decade. Throughout this time, she has gained extensive experience in community development and social justice, working with both urban and rural communities on a range of issues, including land and housing, education, and, more recently, rural social justice in South Africa.

Holding an undergraduate degree in Town and Regional Planning, Nokukhanya continues to advance her academic career and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation at the Stellenbosch University. Her growing passion for organisational development and sustainability inspired her to specialise in M&E, recognising its vital role in strengthening the NGO sector.

With a deep commitment to youth and women’s empowerment, Khanya firmly believes in integrated solutions that enable communities to find their own voices, develop local solutions, and build sustainable futures.

Vuyo Msizi

Senior Programme Officer

Vuyo Msizi is a senior programmes officer at Social Change Assistance Trust. He has 34 years of working in the civil society sector as an activist and education, training and development practitioner.
He joined Social Change Assistance Trust in 2011 as a field worker for Eastern Cape Migrants and Refugees Programs in the Eastern Cape, advocating for the rights of the migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
He started working as an adult education practitioner at grassroots level, learning how to facilitate the process of learning and development. His rarity is that he has worked as a paralegal in a SCAT funded local development agency in the Eastern Cape. He honed his skills and knowledge working at Ikhala Trust mentoring emerging community based organisations in rural communities. He discovered his passion for mentoring and support when he was working as coordinator at the Community Development Unit of the Nelson Mandela University. He has completed strategic management studies at UNISA Centre of Business Management. He completed Bachelor in Education Honours degree with specialisation in Adult Education and Training.

Jonathan Walton

SAAC Programme Coordinator

Jonathan Walton has more than 30 years of experience as an advocate for the realisation of social and economic rights human rights. He has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in social justice, evidence-based advocacy, capacity building methodologies, and training in social assistance and social insurance for the poor, just administrative action, social accountability and holding local government accountable.

He has worked for the Black Sash Trust in the Eastern Cape Province for more than 30 years as a senior paralegal-caseworker, regional director, regional advocacy coordinator,

He is the Project Coordinator, Strengthening Action Against Corruption Project (SAAC) for the Eastern Cape Province. He is responsible for the overall implementation of the SAAC project in the Eastern Cape. Whilst implementing the SAAC project, Jonathan developed collaborative relationships with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and Auditor-General of South Africa and other specialist research institutions.

Jonathan has also advised municipal councillors in the Eastern Cape from different political parties on municipal finance management, monitoring municipal budgets, analysing municipal audit reports, consequence management and preventing and combating corruption in particularly in supply chain management.

Claire Tapscott

Climate Change Programme Coordinator

Claire holds a Master of Social Science degree specialising in Global Studies from the University of Cape Town. She joined SCAT in late 2020 as an intern and was appointed as the EU Climate Change Champions Programme Coordinator in mid-2021. Claire is committed to advancing the capacity of rural community-based organisations to respond to the climate emergency and to building their resilience to the anticipated socio-economic and ecological challenges. She is also passionate about environmental advocacy and promoting animal welfare.

Kholofelo Kate Kolotsi

Programme Officer 

Kholofelo Kate Kolotsi joined the Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT) in September 2022 as a Program Officer based in Limpopo. She is assigned to the Limpopo CBO Capacity Building Project, which supports communities around the Mogalakwena Mine.
Kate holds a degree in Community Development from UNISA and just completed a BA in Governance, Administration, and Development. She is passionate about sustainable development that empowers communities and strengthens grassroots organizations.
With over 10 years of intensive experience in non-profit operations and organizational development, Kate’s journey began in 2014 when she founded Kholofelang Youth Empowerment Organisation, giving her firsthand grassroots experience. Over the years, she has worked with various organizations, further deepening her expertise in community development.
At SCAT, Kate has successfully coordinated multiple projects, including the CBO Development Project in Mogalakwena, the Sustainable Livelihoods Project in Mogalakwena and Polokwane, and the Community Grants Project in Thabazimbi, Musina, and Blouberg. Her deep understanding of local dynamics, strong work ethic, and commitment to community development have been instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives. Kate remains dedicated to fostering impactful and sustainable change in the communities she serves.

Brigett Siphosethu Matomela

Programme Assistant

Brigett Siphosethu Matomela is an Assistant Programme Officer at SCAT. Her main focus is on the Anglo-American Sustainable Livelihoods Project as well as the Capacity Building Project for CBO’s based in Limpopo. She is a registered Candidate Scientist in the field of Geoscience with an honour’s degree in BSc Geohydrology from the Institute of Groundwater studies at the University of the Free State and is currently pursuing her post graduate qualification in Data Science. Brigett is passionate about development and promoting a sustainable future for rural communities.

Indiphile Matini

Programme Assistant

Indiphile Matini, they/them, is currently employed as an Assistant Programme Officer at SCAT. They hold an honours degree in Social Policy and Management from the University of Cape Town. Indiphile’s involvement in the Rural Action for Climate Resilience project, the GBVF and YouthBank programmes have allowed her to broaden her skillset and continue to make an impact in society. When not at work, Indiphile enjoys walking in the forest and the occasional concert at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Indiphile attends and participates in open mic poetry nights. Their ability to communicate has been honed not only on stage, but in workshops rooms and through online facilitation, through their work at SCAT.

Thembi Tshongoyi

Programme Assistant

Thembi Tshongoyi is a Programme Assistant at SCAT. She works in the Strengthening Action Against Corruption project with Jonathan Walton. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Fort Hare. Thembi appreciates the opportunity to work at SCAT because of its promotion of social equality which is in alignment with her values. She enjoys listening to jazz, watching documentaries and taking pictures of her surroundings.

Anastacia Pila

Data Officer

Anastacia recently joined SCAT as a Data officer, working within the programmes team under the supervision of the Programme manager. She holds a Master of Social Sciences in Sociology from Rhodes University, as well as a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Sociology from Rhodes University and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology and Sociology from the University of the Free State.

Anastacia is passionate about driving meaningful social change. She believes that true transformation happens when communities are empowered to take the lead in addressing their own challenges. This perspective aligns closely with SCAT’s mission to strengthen civil society, support community-led initiatives, and promote sustainable social development. She looks forward to contributing to this vision and making a lasting impact. 

Nicole Ross

Executive Assistant  

Nicole holds a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Information Administration, graduating cum laude. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in the same field at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She also served as mentor for the university and was a class representative. Nicole began her journey with SCAT as an intern in 2024, quickly proving her commitment and capabilities, which led to her transition into the Executive Assistant role in 2025.  

Nicole’s dedication to the non-profit sector is closely connected to SCAT’s mission and stems from her own educational journey—having benefited from a full scholarship at a non-profit organisation school from Grade 1 to Grade 12. This experience inspires her commitment to making a difference through impactful, purpose-driven work in the philanthropic field.

Nosimilo Filita

Finance Administrator

Nosimilo Filita-Kukhala started working for SCAT in June 2018 as a part time Finance Assistant. She also worked for Philanthropy Leadership Network as an Administrator until December 2019. She was previously employed by Ikhala Trust in Port Elizabeth as a Grantee Administrator for 10 years. Nosimilo values working in the NGO Sector as it is all about making a difference in people’s lives and admiring the good things that the people are able to do using their skills and talents.

Ngesipho Sifanelo

Bookkeeper  

Ngesipho Sifanelo is a self-motivated and detail-oriented bookkeeper with over seven years of experience in the finance industry. She holds a BCom in Accounting Science degree in which she also majored in Economics and Business Management from Nelson Mandela University. Since 2017, Ngesipho has built a successful career in finance, gaining certification as a Business Accountant in Practice with the Chartered Institute of Business Accountants (CIBA) and as a Certified Tax Practitioner with the Institute of Accounting and Commerce (IAC). 

Her expertise lies in processing monthly bookkeeping and reporting, as well as overseeing comprehensive financial data management and reporting. Ngesipho is committed to delivering excellent services and contributing to the financial success of the organizations she works with. 

Abigail Steedsman

Administrator

Abigail Steedsman joined SCAT in 2014. Her strong interest in Rural Development led to her becoming a permanent member of staff in 2015. Currently managing the administration of the Cape Town office as well as assisting the LDA’s with all admin queries, she believes in building good relationships, operating at a quick pace and providing excellent service. Abigail’s ambition lays in wanting to gain more knowledge about capacity building and field work.

Thandi Hogana

Housekeeper

Aphile Madela

Intern

Aphile recently joined SCAT as a Programmes and Finance Intern, working within both teams under the supervision of the Programme and Finance managers. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Politics & Governance, Sociology and Gender Studies from the University of Cape Town.

Aphile is passionate about social justice and policy analysis, with a particular interest in how policy interventions can drive sustainable development in under-resourced communities. She is committed to the reduction of poverty in rural South Africa and believes that short-term grants and community capacity building can lead to goal. She looks forward to continuing to contribute to SCAT’s mission.

Hilda Gertze

Communications Coordinator

Hilda Gertze has worked in community philanthropy and the philanthropy support sector for 27 years. Her role in SCAT for the last 7 years has been focussed on managing its communications which includes content development for the website and social media platforms, the production of annual reports, rural voice publications as well as marketing materials which include written and video content. As part of her communications portfolio, she coordinates key SCAT events which marks important milestones, such as the 40th celebration in November 2024. Her experience, knowledge and relationships in the sector is an asset to the team.

Our work

SCAT provides financial support, fieldwork and capacity building to organisations who are located mostly in rural communities in the provinces of the Western, Northern, Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo. 

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SCAT Founder Trustees

Barry Streek

Founder Trustee

Barry Streek was a founder trustee of SCAT and convenor of the Trust. He worked for many years as a political writer for the Daily Dispatch, Cape Times and the Mail & Guardian. He was the former chairperson of the Parliamentary Press Gallery association.

Barry was passionate about SCAT and it’s purpose. He was not one to follow rules, especially unjust rules, and encouraged SCAT to support activists and to be on the side of justice and human rights. He motivated the team, read every report and knew every LDA. He was one of a kind and a man of principle.

Barry passed away on Friday 21 July 2006 after a brave battle with cancer.

Di Oliver

Founder Trustee

Diana (Di) Oliver has a long and distinguished service in the non-profit sector. She trained as a social worker. Her principles for justice and human rights led her to join the Black Sash as a member from 1978 to 1995. She was a trustee of the Black Sash for 22 years and served a term as it’s chairperson. She was also a trustee of the CDRA (Community Development Resource Association) for many years. As a founding trustee of SCAT, serving the organisation for more than two decades, she helped to build SCAT into an accountable, developmental grantmaking organisation that had the empowerment of human beings as a principle.

Gordon Young

Founder Trustee

Gordon Young is the reason SCAT built a funding reserve, purchased a building in the inner city when it was not fashionable and encouraged the organisation to build some financial independence. He promoted the Fundraising Incentive Scheme (FRIS) as a vehicle that could help empower SCAT partners to build their own skills in fundraising and to be rewarded for successful fundraising activities. He is a visionary and pioneer of empowerment ventures like the Ditikeni Trust.