Phadiela Cooper resigned as the principal of the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT), a high school in Khayelitsha, in December 2021. COSAT specialises in teaching science, maths and technology, and was the first township school in the history of the province to make the top 10 schools in the province in 2012. She was also featured in a TEDx talk on what makes her school so successful. She has a Bachelor of Social Science degree (UCT), a Higher Education Diploma (UNISA) and a Bachelor of Education Honours and a Masters degree in Education (UWC).

She is currently the Operations manager at the HCI Foundation. Phadiela has joined the Edufundi board in 2016 to provide us with strategic educational support for making our project a success.

Palesa is an independent professional working in a consulting and advisory capacity in the social and public sector, with a strong bias for education and youth related work. Prior to this, her career has spanned a variety of sectors including investment management, energy and philanthropy. She holds qualifications in Business Finance and Investment Management from the University of the Witwatersrand and RAU (now University of Johannesburg). She is currently pursuing Futures Studies with the University of Stellenbosch. Palesa is energised by opportunities to conceptualise and drive high impact programmes towards solving development and societal challenges. Palesa joined the board of directors in 2019.

Hazel has a B.Comm from the University of Stellenbosch. She has experience in financial and project management, event logistics and staff development. Hazel has worked in the hospitality industry for 5 years, in financial services for 5 years and in the non-profit sector for 15 years. She is currently employed by the SA Labour Research Institute and has been seconded to work at SACTWU (South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union) since 2007. Hazel has provided valuable support to Edufundi since 2009 as the assigned SACTWU liaison for the project and was appointed as a director in August 2011.

Sharlene has dedicated 36 years to education, serving as the Head of Bishops Pre-Prep and the Foundation Phase Academic Head at Reddam House. Throughout her career, she has been deeply involved in all aspects of education, with her most rewarding experiences centered around leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. Sharlene’s strong educational background and valuable insights make her a welcomed addition to the Edufundi family.

Sanele is a financial services practitioner with over 17 years of experience in institutional fund management. He currently leads an advisory business he founded. Throughout his career, Sanele has held various executive roles in large corporates, as a business advisor, and as an investment advisor. Recently, he has worked on projects related to transport economics, local economic development, and government business. Additionally, Sanele has served and continues to serve as an independent trustee on multiple boards.