Team

Olmo von Meijenfeldt

Executive Director - ex officio

Olmo von Meijenfeldt, DWF’s Founding Executive Director, continues to serve as a board member in an executive role. He spearheaded the organisation’s establishment, securing seed funding and guiding its growth with the support of the DWF team. His passions include international solidarity, the African Renaissance, and addressing non-profit financial sustainability while ensuring DWF’s relevance in democracy development.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Olmo has overseen the investment of half a billion Rand in governance, democracy, and human rights initiatives in South Africa and the region. He has also fostered DWF’s growth as a diverse, multi-national African team, emphasizing gender balance and women’s leadership.

Democracy building is and must be an ongoing process, whether in South Africa or the EU. It is never ‘finished’, as older democracies show. Investing in democracy takes time, vision and long-term commitment. The returns don't necessarily show overnight, perhaps not even in our lifetime. It is a political development process that should involve all sectors of society.

Sandra Mutyambizi

Director of Finance and Operations - ex officio

Sandra Mutyambizi – ex-officio. Sandra Mutyambizi, DWF’s Director of Finance and Operations, joined the board in an executive role after rising through the ranks since 2018. A seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience, she has managed complex financial operations and implemented robust financial policies and controls.

Sandra has successfully led audits and compliance exercises with international donors like USAID and the EU. Her expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting has ensured sound financial management at Democracy Works Foundation and the Southern Africa Trust. She also has a strong background in operational management, overseeing human resources and contributing to strategic planning. Sandra holds a Postgraduate Certificate in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool and leverages her financial and operational expertise to ensure organisational success.

Liz Letebele

HR & Administration Manager

Liz has worked at ActionAid South Africa (AASA), at Australia Awards for Africa (AAA) program, with nine years at the Department for International Development (DFID-SA). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), a Pan-African and feminist-led initiative that aims to contribute to the development of jurisprudence on sexual rights and women’s human rights on the continent by providing expertise on strategic litigation.

Patience Hwenha

Senior Manager in the Executive Office

Patience Hwenha has dedicated over two decades to the field of development, democratic governance and peacebuilding. Her expertise includes research, grant-making, leadership development and capacity-building initiatives for political parties and civil society organisations. She holds an advanced Master’s qualification in Mediation Studies and a Master of Management in Public and Development Management. She is an avid follower of history, which enriches her understanding of socio-political dynamics and informs her approach to conflict resolution and peace promotion in countries like CAR, DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Raisa Cole

Organisational Business Development Manager

For the past 11 years, Raisa Cole has worked as a sustainable development practitioner, focusing on climate change adaptation policy. Her academic research and consulting projects have centered around this area. Throughout her career, Raisa has held various business development roles, focusing on strategic planning and resource mobilisation. She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Cape Town, an MSc in International Cooperation and Urban Development from the Technical University of Darmstadt, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Governance from the Wageningen School of Social Sciences.

Lerato Maloka

Communications Coordinator

Lerato Maloka is Corporate Communications Specialist with over 14 years of expertise in 360 communications, specialising in strategic communication, digital media, stakeholder management and project management. Certified in Digital Marketing and Research, she is currently pursuing her BCom Degree in Corporate Communications while leading the strategic communications of various programmes in several African countries. She has agency, Public Relations and Content Development experience. During her tenure as PR Manager, she has conceptualized captivating digital media campaigns and bespoke events, building solid relationships with key stakeholders, media, and content creators. Passionate about leveraging digital technology to amplify citizen voices, Lerato also advocates for people living with mental disabilities, human and climate justice.

Boitumelo Setlhaku

Finance Manager

Boitumelo has Over 15 years of experience in the finance space having started in advertising and branding. She then went into the commercial media space, starting at Multichoice and then progressed to KayaFM where she worked as an accountant for nine years before moving to Media 24 as a senior accountant. Highlights of her career include serving on the Employment Equity Committee while at Kaya FM.

She has a CIS Professional Qualification – Corporate Governance and Administration from WITS University (Fasset). She also completed the Management Development Program (PMD) at The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Boitumelo has a passion for women empowerment and early childhood education as she believes that a solid foundation is essential for a child's development.

Busisiwe Masha

Finance Assistant

Busisiwe is a seasoned professional with 6 years of working experience in the banking industry and customer liaising roles. She has long-standing experience working as a finance consultant in the bank and began her career as an front-line officer and progressed to customer consultant. She also has bookkeeping as well as finance assistant experience.

She holds a National Diploma in Auditing and a Certificate in Accounting from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her interests include early childhood development as well as creating safe spaces for young women and other underserved minorities in educational institutes.

Mogale Mashiapata

Programme Manager (PPES Regional Program)

Mogale Mashiapata is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of technical and leadership experience in governance, public health communication and development programs. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional technical and leadership abilities, serving in various key positions. His professional journey includes roles at the Institute for Multi-Party Democracy, the Policy Project, and the Health Policy Initiative. For over a decade, Mogale has contributed significantly at the Johns Hopkins Health and Education SA now Centre for Community Impact. He is committed to working on programmes that promote human rights; democracy through evidence-based and accountable interventions.

Sheleen Mberi

Finance Officer

Sheleen Mberi has worked in the Accounting and Finance space going on 8 years. She has worked with and for different sized organisations from sole proprietors to multi-national companies. She has held different positions from Administrator, Finance Clerk, Accounts Controller and Assistant Accountant. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Regent Business School as well as a BCom Accounting from Rhodes University, and is a certified Business Analysis practitioner. She has previously participated in funding projects for Greenpeace, Save the Children and was a volunteer tutor for special needs children at GADRA in Grahamstown and Sparrow in Melville, Johannesburg. Sheleen was a Science student all through her schooling years but changed to study Accounting at University level. She is passionate about Finance and her key interests lie in financial planning and analysis.

Loulou Phiri

Executive Assistant

Loulou Kholeka Phiri is the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director. She has about 30 years of experience in Administration, Stakeholder Relations, Training, Executive Assistance, and Board Secretariat. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Social Behavioural Studies. Loulou also holds an Honours in Social Behavioural Studies, a BA Communications Degree, a Public Relations Diploma, and a Secretarial Diploma.

She started her career trajectory working as a clerk leading to her promotion to a trainer and supervisor and the growth she now enjoys. She has a wealth of experience working in corporate (local and multi-national organisations) and NGOs. Loulou brings her diverse industry experience, professionalism and friendly demeanour to the DWF team.

Rhulani Ramela

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Rhulani Ramela is a seasoned Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist with over seven years of experience in youth employment, health, skills development, and gender. She is passionate about advancing evidence-based decision-making to inform policies and programmes that promote sustainable development.
Her professional journey includes impactful roles at GIZ, FHI360, and Tshikululu Social Investments, where she supported initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and developed M&E frameworks that enhanced programme outcomes and policy impact. Rhulani holds an MSc in Emerging Economies and International Development (Distinction) from King's College London and enjoys baking and watching movies.

Ujen Dookie

Programme Administrator

Having lived and worked in the UK, India, China and Uganda with a work experience spanning over 20 years in over 15 countries, Ujen's diverse expertise and skill set includes governance, leadership development, climate action, Executive Office Management, programmes, report writing and fundraising. He has an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology and Psychology and an Honours Degree in Social Development, and he is a Certified English teacher through Cambridge University. Ujen is passionate about human rights, international development, and philanthropic work in the Global South. He has worked at Action Aid International and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and, most recently, on the Free the Children Campaign.

Mmathapelo Raphetane

Office Assistant

Mmathapelo Hellen Raphetane is a passionate Office Assistant with four years of hands-on experience. Specialising in administrative support and team management, she possesses a track record of optimising office operations and workflow processes for enhanced efficiency. Mmathapelo is adept at fostering a positive work environment and providing comprehensive support to executives and staff. She holds a Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, further enhancing her proficiency in organisational dynamics and resource management.

Dr Augustine Magolowondo

Regional Director - Chief of Party

Augustine has over twenty years experience in international development cooperation particularly in the fields of governance, democracy, human rights, with most of these years spent in the field of political parties’ strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. Previously he worked with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) as the Africa Regional Representative. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science focusing on democratisation aid and development cooperation and an MA in Development Management from the Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.

Fannie Nthakomwa

Deputy Regional Director - Deputy Chief of Party

Fannie is a multi-disciplinary expert with more than 17 years of experience in the development and governance sectors. As the Deputy Regional Director, she is responsible for overseeing the management and operation of programmes implemented at the country level within the southern African region for improved programme performance and coherence with organizational and donor objectives.

She also serves as the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the Southern Africa Political Parties and Dialogue (SAPP&D). Prior to this, she served as the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and DWF Country Director for Zambia. She has hands-on experience in grants management and setting up grants-making systems having worked as Deputy Team Leader and Head of Operations for a £19 million multi-donor (DFID, Royal Norwegian Embassy and Irish Aid) pooled grant-making facility in Malawi (the Tilitonse Fund). Her academic background, in which she holds an MSc in Agriculture Economics from University of Malawi, and her practical experience in governance provides the much-needed nexus between politics and development.

Tadala Chumachiyenda

Regional Program Officer

Tadala has previously worked under USAID Fisheries Integration of Society and Habitats Project with Pact Malawi and Emmanuel International. She has experience in project implementation and Monitoring and Evaluation. Working with local communities in governance, livelihoods and climate change adaptation interventions she was responsible for managing M&E systems, capacity building of local governance structures and reporting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Malawi and has undergone training in gender mainstreaming for project planning and implementation.

Augusto Santana

Country Director

Augusto Santana is a former Angolan army captain, journalist, and teacher. Enthusiast, scholar, trainer, and activist on issues related to democracy and governance, especially in the areas of elections, political parties, human rights, and gender, he has worked in these areas for over 23 years. In the field of ​​elections, has engaged and observed electoral processes in more than 50 countries in Africa and abroad. During that period, he has worked with several electoral institutions including National Electoral Bodies in SADC and beyond.

He has published books on elections and political parties and cooperated with some specialised magazines and newspapers. Before joining DWF he worked with the Norwegian Peoples Aids, National Democratic Institute, Electoral Institute of Southern African, and the United Nation Development Program. During the Angola 2017 elections was the main advisor to the National Electoral Commission president.

Augusto holds a BA in Public Policy, from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Liverpool as well as postgraduate degrees in Human Rights from the Universities of Sao Paulo, and Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo, both from Brazil and Columbia, USA.

Lucas Jaoa

Project Manager

Lucas João has more than 25 years of experience in fields such as education, peacekeeping, reintegration of ex-combatants, social action, local development, fight against poverty, child protection, gender equality, mine action, democracy, and local elections. He has worked with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Angola, the World Bank, the Institute for Socio-Professional Reintegration of Ex-combatants, the Ministry of Social Action, Family, and the Promotion of Women. Lucas holds a BA in Education Sciences with a focus on English Language and is currently studying Law, Public Management, Social Protection, and DDRR. In his free time, he enjoys music, travelling and exploring different cultures, and he is passionate about social and human social development.

Sheila Da Silva

Project Officer

Sheila Da Silva is a highly skilled marketing professional with over 14 years of diverse work experience across various industries. She has held positions in sales, tourism, hospitality, oil and gas, public sector, sports marketing, activations, and events nationally and globally. Sheila holds a degree in Marketing and a certificate in Organizational Consulting. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in Project Management from MBAUSPESALQ. She is a quick learner and team player, making her a great asset to the team.

Joao Miguel

Project Officer

João Miguel is a highly experienced professional with 19 years of experience in various fields. He has been involved in philanthropic work with CSOs, and has extensive experience in international trade and customs procedures, as well as business management. Jao’s expertise also includes market research, customs operations and inspections before his current role at DWF. He holds a higher education degree in Business Management and Public Administration and has received training in analysis and customs inspection.

Alberto Kanguenha

Finance Officer

Alberto Kanguenha possesses a wealth of experience, with seven years working in the fields of Finance and Accounting, as well as five years in Procurement and Logistics. He has a strong level of knowledge and skill, achieving various objectives and successful outcomes. Alberto's educational background is vast, earning a Diploma in Accounting and Finance, a CIPS Level 3 certificate, a General Accounting Certificate, a Basic Statistics Certificate, and a Manager ToolKit Training Certificate. In addition to his career and educational achievements, he is passionate about learning through travel while enjoying writing and sports. His diverse skill set and accomplishments make him a valuable team player.

Ana Mateus

Office Assistant

Ana Mateus has gained professional experience in office maintenance, cleaning, and supplies support for a period of two years. Furthermore, she has two years of experience in the restaurant industry and two years in the early childhood development sector. An ambitious go-getter, Ana is pursuing a degree in Law with a desire to use her skills for social change and women and youth empowerment. Outside of work and studies, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and attending church.

Kahisano Kolobe

Project Manager

Kahisano has 10 years of experience in the development sector where she has served as a Human Rights activist and youth development worker. She also has experience in projects of governance, enterprise development, civic education, leadership, youth development, health, public policy and education.

The highlights of her work include being a member of the Local Education Group, a National educational planning team, co founding the Accessible Education, Development and Leadership – an organisation that promotes access and equity to health and education. She also won the 2020 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer by Genderlinks Barometer awards and serves as the Secretary General for the Common Wealth Young Women in Local Government Network Lesotho Chapter.

Kahisano’s key interests lie in youth development and access to education for marginalised groups.

Katiso Mosoeunyane

Monitoring and Evaluation

Katiso has over eight years of experience working in civil society organizations, through research and electoral management. He has experience in various projects including Lesotho’s bulk water supply, electoral management cycles, youth and women initiatives, and capacity building programs for political parties, CSOs, and other stakeholders. He has contributed to national studies in Lesotho aimed at poverty alleviation and participated in the China-Lesotho bi-lateral relations on trade, culture, and technology and written work published by the Chinese Embassy.

He currently provides monitoring and evaluation of a DWF European Union-funded project. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the National University of Lesotho. He is passionate about community and skills development and the development of women and youth, and describes himself as an advocate for good governance and the building of just and inclusive societies.

Belinah Kose

Finance Officer

Belinah Kose has over four years of experience in both the accounting and audit fields. She started her career as a Junior Auditor at Newdawn Chartered Accountants and was promoted to Senior Auditor after just six months. She was later promoted to Audit Supervisor after 11 months and held that position for two years until her position at DWF. Belinah is a hardworking Chartered Accountant with experience in various industries. She is a professional with the admirable ability to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.

Dalitso Kubalasa

Public Resource Management Expert

Dalitso Kubalasa has over 22 years of experience in Economic Governance and Public Policy Development & Analysis. He has been working as an economist, human rights advocate, and public finance management expert, focusing on policy development and connecting agency for policy change and development results. Dalitso holds an Advanced Master of Science Degree in Development Evaluation and Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics.

Tamika Nyirenda-Banda

Project Coordinator

Tamika is a project management specialist with over 15 years of experience in areas of administration, Parliamentary Strengthening and Project Management. She has also been a part of various consultancy teams in areas of Gender Equality, Women and Youth Empowerment, Livelihoods, Socio-economic Empowerment and Development.

Soon after graduating, she volunteered for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta, Georgia and contributed to their newsletter before joining Aetna Health as a Provider relations officer. She then relocated back to Malawi where she worked as the Project Officer for the Institute for Parliamentary Support in Africa (IPSA), and later its Project Manager.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from United States International University (now Alliant International University) in San Diego, California.

She has a passion in Women and Youth empowerment, Girl Education and writing.

She also just loves to make a difference and bring a smile to others.

Tryphena Milos

Office assistant

Tryphena has over 7 years of experience in the NGOs sector. She is highly organized, productive, skilled, and experienced in the administrative field with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. In 2014 she joined Goal Malawi, a humanitarian organization that was funded by Irish Aid as an office assistant.

She is trained as a Peer Educator, motivating peers to adapt and adopt positive behavior change, and has worked as a data entry Conducting field assessment and surveys.

In 2017 she Joined Nation Registration Bureau (NRB) which was funded by UNDP as a registration officer during the Malawi mass citizen registration by explaining the process and helping the applicants to fill the form, conduct interviews with the respondent.

She holds a Malawian Certificate of Education and a certificate of a peer educator.

Mira Dutschke

Programme Manager

Mira has 15 years of research, advocacy, capacity building, media production, and programme management experience and has worked across Southern Africa, in Northern Ireland, and the United States. Her work is focused on good governance and community-driven accountability and has covered areas such as children’s rights, human rights-based budgeting, and government spending, extractive industries and environmental rights as well as fundraising and grant. Her work has been published in books, peer-reviewed journals, and popular media outlets. LinkTV, MNet, the UK Guardian, the Mail&Guardian, and others have published her media work. She has an LL.B (bachelor of law) and an LL.M - Masters in International Human Rights law. Mira is passionate about social justice, human rights, and sustainable development and continues to explore new and innovative approaches to bring about positive change.

Lesego More

Project Coordinator

Lesego has a background in governance, policy development, and research. He previously worked at the North West University in Student Life, where he focused on student leadership development and training. His academic highlights include being part of the Linnaeus Palme International Exchange Programme in Sweden. He holds a BA Law and BA Honours in Political Studies and is currently studying towards his MA with a research focus on Legislatures and Democracy in the continent at North West University.