Meet our Team

Impact Area: Co-founder and CFO; Business Model, Business Development, Advocacy,
Expansion Location: Cape Town

Alana is a serial entrepreneur who started her first business in high school. After completing her Business Science degree with Honours in Finance from the University of Cape Town, she spent several years in management consulting with Accenture.

In 2012 Alana started her own consultancy to focus on impact, and has gained over 20 years of consulting experience in strategy, B-BBEE, economic development and social enterprise. After several years of exposure to youth development, she co-founded Lucha Lunako to focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of youth unemployability.

Alana’s focus is to strategically lead Lucha Lunako, build solutions for scale, grow partnerships and oversee all things financial.

I’m passionate about the incredible talent and potential of all South Africans, and want to contribute to solutions which give all young people the opportunity to build futures for themselves.

Want to establish how our organisations can work together
Want to leverage your B-BBEE contributions to deliver real impact on the ground
Have a vision for scaling youth development programmes affordably
Want to voice your opinions on policies and practices that are not delivering positive outcomes for young people

Impact Area: Co-Founder and COO; Programme Development, Measurement, Advocacy,
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Parkhurst)

Michelle Green is a fan of financial freedom for everyone and a passionate advocate for financial inclusion in our country. After achieving her Business Science (Hons) LLB degree from the University of Cape Town, Michelle gained 20 years’ experience in financial services, working in asset management, corporate and retail banking.

As director and head of programmes at Lucha Lunako, her behavioural science background and extensive corporate experience bring a wealth of insight into developing experiential courses that help young people to succeed in the workplace and to provide income for their future.

I believe that our youth are our future and that they should be given every opportunity to succeed.

Want to know which of our courses can be deployed in your business or non-profit organisation
Have courses of your own that you would like to deploy via Lucha Lunako
Would like to join our growing network of course facilitators
Are involved in financial literacy or advocacy work
Are interested in partnering for impact in youth development

Impact Area: Director Lucha Lunako NPC
Expansion Location: Johannesburg

Tumi has worked for two major banks as a Business/Process Analyst and has extensive experience in process mapping and documenting process manuals. She also has experience in Six Sigma and Operations management. Tumi successfully transitioned into BBBEE after joining Simanye in 2018 to document processes. She then realised that in order to ensure seamless processes, she would have to engage with clients and various stakeholders to ensure success.

Tumi is mostly interested in efficiencies in business operations and removing wasted activities to ensure that clients receive excellent customer service. Tumi enjoys engaging with various stakeholders and providing solutions that will work for both the client and the stakeholder. She is encouraged by creating a work culture that everyone can enjoy and at the same time produce results.

Her background in BBBEE funding led to an interest in joining the Non Profit Company that Lucha Lunako had launched which focuses on implementing the various youth development programmes and making a difference in the lives of young people.

To include the corporate perspective in the work that Lucha Lunako does to ensure we don’t forget that we have clients who are depending on us. To ensure clients that fund our youth initiatives get the service that they pay for in terms of Learnerships and YES Youth programmes that we run.

Impact Area: Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Expansion Location: Cape Town / Western Cape

Nigel is an entrepreneurial strategist and local economic development (LED) specialist with over 20 years’ experience. His primary focus is entrepreneurial development, spearheading Lucha Lunako’s “Street Smart Upstarts” programme. In addition to this, Nigel has a passion for driving new business opportunities and loves engaging potential partners on Lucha Lunako’s unique programme offerings.

His work focuses on empowering young people with an entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills, which helps them to build sustainable futures. Nigel also loves to provide strategic support and mentorship to small businesses.

I enjoy leveraging my experience in local economic development to create partnerships and new opportunities for our impactful solutions. I am passionate about supporting youth entrepreneurship and long-term community growth.

Impact Area: Programme Development, Victoria Yards, Expansion and Google platform
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Victoria Yards)

Robyn Clark is a passionate educationalist and innovator in South Africa’s education space. She completed her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education at Wits in 2013 and has a wonderfully diverse teaching history. As an advocate for access to quality education, she develops innovative and meaningful ways to impact the local youth ecosystem.

Robyn heads up Lucha Lunako’s training site at Victoria Yards, Johannesburg, where over 60 YES Youth are placed with host partners and participate in our foundational skills development courses.

I love leading our skills development ecosystem at Victoria Yards, where host partnerships and YES youth participants receive meaningful training. I devise creative and effective ways to upskill our youth, especially in the domain of practical mathematics.

Are interested in deploying Lucha Lunako programmes in your business or non-profit organisation
Want to join our network of hosts and facilitators at Victoria Yards, Makers Valley and Johannesburg surrounds.
Need insights into running mathematical skills development courses in the adult education space.

Impact Area: Impact Measurement Strategy
Expansion Location: Cape Town

Nicola is an inclusive systems change specialist with a background in social research and impact strategy. She is passionate about innovative and participatory approaches to impact strategy, design, analysis and communications. Nicola has extensive consulting and leadership experience in the development sector in South Africa and beyond, having worked with local and international NGOs, UN agencies, social enterprises, corporates and the public sector.

After earning her BA (Hons) in Critical Discourse Analysis at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2013, Nicola worked in the non-profit sector where she gained experience in strategic social research, data analysis and reporting.

After completing her PDM in Public and Development Management (Wits School of Governance) in 2016, Nicola began to work more extensively in the domain of impact assessment, research design and monitoring and evaluation. She is currently working on her MPhil with the topic of ‘Intergenerational Collaboration Towards African Food Systems Sovereignty’.

Lucha Lunako is both led and resourced by people who deeply care about the trajectory of youth and who are intensely committed to systemic change.

Impact Area: Programme and Product Development, Facilitator Development, Studio Management
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Parkhurst & Victoria Yards)

Mogomotsi (aka ‘Z_lus’) is a qualified sport manager who transitioned into entrepreneurship and music after graduating from the University of Johannesburg with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. While studying and managing his side hustles, he grew a passion for music and became a member of a contemporary South African faith-based music group.

Having worked in the sports industry as a youth development specialist, stadium hospitality manager and sports coach, Z_lus now brings his extensive skills and experience into youth development. At Lucha Lunako, his key impact areas include product and program development, mentorship, facilitator development and the transformation of youth programmes into video content.

Every young South African has a gift that needs nurturing and I believe that being part of Lucha Lunako gives me an opportunity to plant a seed in the lives of our young people.

Impact Area: Project and Operations Management
Location: Cape Town

With over 20 years of experience in project and operations management, Mary has worked across Africa, the Middle East, and the UK, engaging with government bodies, suppliers, network agencies, entrepreneurs, and funders. As Head of Operations in entrepreneurial development, she ran incubation and business development programmes in FinTech, BioTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. She also led a women-in-business programme focused on tech enablement for previously disadvantaged female entrepreneurs in the greater Cape Town area and Khayelitsha. Additionally, Mary has supported entrepreneurs across nine African countries in developing go-to-market strategies in water and food sustainability, biotechnology, and waste management. She also contributed to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize, helping African engineers bring their innovative solutions to market. Most recently, Mary led the SA Climate Change Champions project, advocating for youth participation in climate action and promoting just transition initiatives in South Africa. A proud Capetonian with a passion for nature, she volunteers as a firefighter with the Volunteer Wildfire Services, and enjoys stand-up paddleboarding and visiting the many beautiful tidal pools along the coast.

Having worked with local youth and communities for the past five years, and with entrepreneurs across Africa for six years before that, I have witnessed their passion for learning, collaboration, and developing innovative solutions to local challenges with global impact. I am committed to making a meaningful difference in this development and growth, and Lucha Lunako provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Impact Area: YES Youth and Learnership Implementations
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Parkhurst)

Nonsikelelo is an empathetic and diligent person who is motivated to do her best. Her outlook on life is always positive, believing that each and every person on earth has the potential to be their very best when opportunities are available.

She completed her BCom (Hons) in Economics at the University of Pretoria in 2016 and has worked in various industries, such as public administration and international English teaching. At Lucha Lunako, Nonsikelelo is responsible for the placement of YES Youth and Learnership Implementations at host sites across the country.

I am passionate about seeing the youth of South Africa make it out of poverty.

Impact Area: Accounting and Human Resources
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Parkhurst)

Jalene has been part of Lucha Lunako since its inception in 2019. She is focused on the numbers and has over 10 years’ experience in accounting.

Key to her superpower of taming finances is her superb attention to detail and determination to get things right. Jalene relishes tackling complex challenges, analysing data, finding creative solutions, and ensuring that the question has always been answered. The secret to her success is coffee. ;)

I believe in helping others and assisting colleagues and clients. Jalene adapts very well to changing situations and always aims to ensure operations run seamlessly.

Impact Area: Office Manager, HR & Recruitment
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Parkhurst)

Thabang is a dynamic and detail-oriented professional with more than 3 years’ experience in administrative management. Dedicated to fostering positive workplace cultures and streamlining operations, she is driven by the belief that efficient offices and strategic recruitment unlock team potential. Thabang is excited to support Lucha Lunako’s mission to impact youth development in South Africa.

I love ensuring that our well-organised office and strategic recruitment contribute to Lucha Lunako’s mission to make a meaningful impact in youth development.

Impact Area: Course Development, Training & Facilitation
Location: Pretoria

Themba Skosana has over 8 years of experience in the EdTech industry, and is deeply passionate about transforming teaching and learning through the power of technology.

He is an excellent communicator and is able to speak in several languages that enables him to connect with any cultural group. Themba is also pursuing accreditation as a financial advisor and is focused on helping individuals better understand their relationship with money.

His experience in the financial sector provides unique insights that help individuals safeguard their financial futures and secure the legacy they’ve worked hard for to build. Themba’s financial expertise in financial planning, client management and wealth protection has allowed him to guide his clients toward a more secure and prosperous future. Outside of the office Themba is a clothing brand owner, close friend and loves hitting the gym as often as he can.

I saw a perfect opportunity where I can combine my passion for young people, my facilitation expertise with financial education and provide an experiential learning course to best equip and motivate young adults and professionals to see money differently. Because I believe that; “it’s one thing to be educated and it’s another to be financially literate”.

Impact Area: Sustainability, Advocacy, Research
Expansion Location: Cape Town

Louise is a traveller at heart with an abiding curiosity in people and the world around her. Between travels, her work life has spanned chapters in customer service, learning & design, freelance writing, and corporate social investment focusing on youth development.

This has led her to where she is now happiest, working in sustainable development. Louise completed her MPhil in Sustainable Development through Stellenbosch University, focusing on responsible corporate engagement with social justice advocacy. Her passion now is to help integrate an advocacy mindset into business strategies. When she is not thinking about all things sustainable, Louise can be found hiking on the mountain and planning her next travel adventure.

As a sustainability consultant, I bring a wealth of corporate experience and insight into youth development and sustainability thinking.

Impact Area: Social Media Management
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Remote)

Nkululeko (aka ‘Lolo’), is a dedicated digital marketing professional and social media strategist with a strong passion for creative visual arts. With five years of experience in brand marketing and content creation, Lolo has successfully managed digital strategies for various organisations, including SMMEs and non-profits.

His ability to blend creativity with data-driven marketing has been key in amplifying organisations’ messages, increasing engagement, and fostering collaboration within the youth development ecosystem. Lolo’s achievements include growing online engagement, developing tailored content strategies, and ensuring that marketing initiatives align with organisational goals.

I’m deeply passionate about youth development and financial inclusion. I thrive on creating meaningful online content and interactions that drive both awareness and action for important causes.

Impact Area: Business Development Coordinator, Office Manager and Project Management
Location: Cape Town

Thobeka Nkosi is a skilled business development professional with over 7 years of experience in driving growth, optimising operations, and managing projects across various sectors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for creating impactful solutions and fostering collaborative work environments. With a background in both project management and office operations, Thobeka brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution to every role she undertakes.

Thobeka is passionate about helping businesses and organisations achieve their full potential through innovation and strategic planning. Currently, she is with Lucha Lunako, where she plays a key role in enhancing business operations, managing projects, and contributing to the organisation’s mission.

After several years in business development, I realised my true passion lies in creating meaningful change through the work I do. At Lucha Lunako, I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that not only fosters growth but also plays a role in making a positive impact on the South African youth. Here, I focus on optimising workflows, managing projects, and developing strategies that contribute to the success of the organisation and the people we serve. It’s a fulfilling journey, and I’m excited to continue making a difference.

Impact Area: Project Management and Company Operations
Expansion Location: Zagreb, Croatia (Remote)

Tina is a seasoned operations and creative professional with over 14 years’ experience in video production, including 6 years in leadership and 4 years in operations management. Born in Croatia and raised in Canada, her unique cultural background has shaped her global approach to work.

After years living abroad, she has returned to Croatia to be near family and the calming influence of the sea. Tina’s passion for innovation and growth drives her to excel in leadership roles, blending creativity and efficiency in every project she undertakes.

After years in marketing agencies, I sought more meaningful work. I want to make a tangible impact and found myself drawn to non-profit and socially responsible organisations. I’m excited to be collaborating with Lucha Lunako, where I am streamlining operations to better support the youth of South Africa.

Impact Area: Host Manager (Victoria Yards) and Impact Management Champion
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Victoria Yards)

Thembelihle is a dedicated project coordinator and impact management champion, serving as the vital liaison for our Johannesburg-based Victoria Yards hosts to connect with the Lucha Lunako programmes. As a former YES Youth participant, Thembelihle understands first-hand the transformative power of youth development programs and is passionate about helping young people like herself gain access to meaningful opportunities.

Her role involves ensuring that our key host organisations receive all the necessary information and resources needed to ensure participants thrive in the programmes that are offered.

I am passionate about supporting both youth and hosts in our network. This position allows me to help other youth plug into opportunities, just as I did, and ensure that hosts are prepared to help them succeed.

Impact Area: Course Development, Facilitation
Location: Johannesburg

Tabea Mngadi is a Developer! Not of software programs but of the software in the minds of people. A people developer because she believes in the inherent potential and ability of and that sometimes unlocking can lead to success. Tabea has always been intrigued by the human mind and behaviour hence her academic background is in the Human Social Sciences (BA Honours in Industrial Sociology and BA Psychology and a certificate in Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) Life Coaching.

To pursue my passion for personal development and dispense healing, hope, inspiration and renewing of the mind using my experiences, and skills to participate in the holistic development of youth.

Impact Area: Facilitation, Facilitator Training
Expansion Location: Johannesburg (Victoria Yards)

Thabiso is a young man who is aiming high in life. He started out on a YES Youth programme and quickly discovered his skill for facilitation. With an aspiration to become a teacher, Thabiso experiences his role as facilitator to be excellent preparation for his career.

In addition, Thabiso has taken on the role of accrediting “M is for Money (not Maths)” facilitators on our mathematics platform and is gaining a lot of experience in teaching and facilitating. Thabiso is intentional about finding and creating opportunities and making the most of them.

I am here to gain work experience and learn more about the world of work. I want to grow as a person, and facilitating in front of various people helps me gain confidence, be more well-spoken and better prepared for my future.

Impact Area: Convenor of the Lucha Lunako Facilitation Network
Location: Johannesburg

Zandile is a passionate youth and skills development practitioner, as well as an entrepreneur. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Amherst College in Massachusetts, USA, where she majored in Political Science, Theatre, and Dance. Zandile has run projects in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, using the arts as a tool for social change, working with focused on the arts, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and education as avenues for empowering young people. Furthering her studies, Zandile, has also furthered her studies and qualified as a Skills Development Facilitator, and has more recently pursued entrepreneurship, founding a media, communications, and training agency that focuses on innovative storytelling. In her spare time, she DJs under the name DJ FREE and also plays indoor netball.

After spending over 5 years of running her own business, Zandile realised she missed the immediacy of working directly with young people and facilitating their growth. Discovering Lucha Lunako was a perfect fit for her, as it offered the opportunity to return to development work while allowing her to continue her entrepreneurial journey. She is thrilled to join a vibrant and diverse team and, most importantly, to work more closely with the vibrant youth of South Africa.

People who empower people

ALANA BOND

Co-founder and CFO; Business Model, Business Development, Advocacy, Expansion

MICHELLE GREEN

Co-Founder and COO; Programme Development, Measurement, Advocacy, Expansion

Boitumelo Mmuntle

Director Lucha Lunako NPC

NIGEL MERCUUR

Entrepreneurship and Business Development

ROBYN CLARK

Programme Development, Victoria Yards, Expansion and Google platform

NICOLA COUNDOURAKIS

Impact Measurement Strategy

MOGOMOTSI “Z_LUS” NTSIMANE

Programme and Product Development

MARY FAULKS-FAIRWEATHER

Operations Manager: Western Cape

NONSIKELELO MNGUNI

YES Youth and Learnership Implementations

JALENE REDDY

Accounting and Human Resources

THABANG MOCHITELE

Office Manager, HR & Recruitment

THEMBA SKOSANA

Course Development, Training & Facilitation

LOUISE JONES

Sustainability, Advocacy, Research

NKULULEKO “LOLO” PHAKATHI

Social Media Management

THOBEKA NKOSI

Business Development Coordinator, Office Manager and Project Management

TINA LOVASIC

Project Management and Company Operations

THEMBELIHLE VILAKAZI

Host Manager (Victoria Yards) and Impact Management Champion

TABEA MNGADI

Programme and Product Development

THABISO TSOTETSI

Facilitation, Facilitator Training

ZANDILE BEKWA

Coordinator, Lucha Lunako Facilitators Network

Join our team

ALANA BOND

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Alana if you:

MICHELLE GREEN

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Michelle if you:

BOITUMELO “TUMI” MMUTLE

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Tumi if you:

NIGEL MERCUUR

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Nigel if you:

ROBYN CLARK

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Robyn if you:

NICOLA COUNDOURAKIS

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Nicola if you:

MOGOMOTSI “Z_LUS” NTSIMANE

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Z_Lus if you:

MARY FAULKS-FAIRWEATHER ​

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Tumi if you:

NONSIKELELO MNGUNI

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Nonsikelelo if you:

JALENE REDDY

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Jalene if you:

THABANG MOCHITELE

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Thabang if you:

THEMBA SKOSANA​

Why I’m at Lucha

Contact Themba if you:

LOUISE JONES

MARY FAULKS-FAIRWEATHER

THEMBA SKOSANA

TABEA MNGADI