Our Team

Karen Ross
Karen RossActing Chief Executive Officer
Karen Ross is the Acting CEO at Mikhulu Trust. She holds an Honours degree in Sustainable Development Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor’s in Arts with a focus on social sciences. With extensive experience in education and social development, Karen is passionate about turning evidence-based research into practical tools for parents. Her work supports Mikhulu’s mission to empower parents as their children’s first educators, fostering a systemic, community-driven approach to ECD. As Head of Programmes, she continues to champion holistic child development at Mikhulu Trust.
Nandipha Ganya
Nandipha GanyaHead of Programmes
Nandipha is a compassionate Social Worker committed to supporting strengthening community-based care. She combines hands-on experience with a strong background in programme operations and systems design, helping organisations run smoothly while keeping people at the heart of the work. Nandipha is passionate about knowledge sharing, strengthening and advancing social work practice, and building sustainable models that ensure services truly meet the needs of communities. Guided by a vision of resilience and empowerment, she strives to create safe, responsive, and inclusive services where individuals and families can heal and thrive.
Thandokazi Tabata
Thandokazi TabataProgramme Manager, Partnerships
Thandokazi is passionate about social change and community empowerment. With a background in Social Work and a Master’s in Development Studies, she has built strong skills in partnerships, training facilitation, and developing practical materials that support learning and growth. She is dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire positive and lasting change for individuals and communities.
Ntombozuko Mabutyana
Ntombozuko MabutyanaSocial Worker
Ntombozuko is a qualified Social Worker with six years of experience. She has worked with children, families, and senior citizens, specialising in psychosocial support, counselling, and community development. Passionate about empowerment and advocacy, she is committed to promoting well-being and social justice.
Chwayita Mbambo
Chwayita MbamboProgrammes/Office Coordinator
Chwayita is a dedicated young lady who brings a dynamic blend of academic prowess and hands-on experience. She is a graduate with an Honours degree in Developmental Studies and a B-Tech degree in Public Management from the University of Nelson Mandela. She specialises in project management, strategic planning, and programme evaluation. With a keen understanding of the pivotal role training plays in organizational success, Mbambo excels in analysing needs, crafting effective training materials, and ensuring compliance with precision. A self-starter known for meticulous attention to detail, Mbambo’s commitment to excellence is underlined by the belief that leadership is fundamentally about helping others—a philosophy embodied in the favourite quote: “I’ve never thought in terms of being a leader; I thought very simply in terms of helping people.” – John Hume