A team taking the lead
Merran Roy is stepping back from day-to-day leadership to focus on research, handing operational responsibility to the facilitators she trained. Operations Manager Madoda Mkalipi is driving the shift, building the HR, finance and administration systems Intlantsi needs to run independently — no small task, given that some managers started without computer skills and the organisation’s laptops are already more than five years old. The progress is visible all the same.
Handing over the reins
In 2025, every facilitator took on a management role, because ownership matters as much as skill.
Nomphelo Dumke — HR Manager-in-Training
One of Intlantsi’s first trainees, she joined unemployed and without an arts background, and now facilitates at two schools.
“I never thought I could stand in front of a classroom and support children, even my confidence in my own ability grew.” — Nomphelo Dumke
Zoleka Mabuyane — Centre Manager
A founding cohort member who joined with no prior experience, now facilitating at three schools.
“I came to Intlantsi knowing nothing, and it has changed my life. The training gave me real skills, the confidence to lead sessions, and the chance to make a difference for the children in my own community.” — Zoleka Mabuyane
Sinovuyo Ngcolomba — Finance Officer
Facilitating at Masibambisane since 2013, she stepped into finance in 2025 with no prior background — and ran payroll independently for the first time this year.
“It feels amazing to have supported someone’s growth, only for them to come back years after graduation to thank you.” — Sinovuyo Ngcolomba
Madoda Mkalipi — Operations Manager
Building the HR, finance and administration systems Intlantsi needs to run independently.
Nondumiso Mfabana — Administrator
Facilitating at Ntloko since 2021, she handled disciplinary processes independently for the first time this year.
“I like that I can just be myself while doing this job, and the children also reflect that as well.” — Nondumiso Mfabana
Bulelwa Ngesi — Child Protection Officer
Joined Fezeka in 2021; teaching was once an unfulfilled dream, and she now identifies learning barriers and connects children and families to support.
Nosiviwe Mgxwadi — Facilitator
Intlantsi’s newest facilitator, leading sessions at Zanethemba Primary since 2022.
“There is no such thing as a child that is wrong or right. Every child is equal and the same.” — Nosiviwe Mgxwadi
Merran Roy — Founder
A Fine Arts graduate and UK-trained art psychotherapist, now moving into research as the team she built takes on daily leadership.
Carried by the people we trained
What began in borrowed spaces is increasingly carried by the people Intlantsi trained. For Merran, that independence is the clearest sign that stepping back is working.
“That’s the beauty of me stepping back. The team is just doing things without first asking for permission, which is beautiful.” — Merran Roy
