Angela Larkan
Executive Director and Co-FounderAngela Larkan is dedicated to creating a better South Africa and believes that every child deserves an equal chance in life. Originally from South Africa, she returned home to start Thanda in 2008. She was awarded the Mzanzi Soul Award for her contributions to South Africa in 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Feather Awards for Community Building. She was the winner of the Southern Africa Trust Drivers of Change Award in 2013 and has consistently been chosen as one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Most Influential Young South Africans. Angela loves running on the beach in the mornings, is a loving mom to baby Sky and Brayden, she also believes that Cheese Curls are their own food group.
Tyler Howard
Programme Director and Co-FounderTyler Howard is passionate about developing a new education model for Africa, based on equality and community citizenship. He co-founded Thanda in 2008 and designed our unique staff training program, which is rooted in history, literature, art, psychology, and non-violent direct action. Tyler also designed Thanda’s Creative Learning Curriculum and assists daily with implementation and educational support. He is an avid surfer, has a mild obsession with used books, and is frequently seen flying past sugarcane fields as he cruises down the windy roads outside of Thanda on his skateboard.
Sibusiso "Raah" Msimango
Head of Programmes and Community RelationsRaah is passionate about building a better future for his community. He grew up in the rural community where Thanda operates, attended the local schools, and has been working for Thanda since our start in 2008. Beginning his career with Thanda as a Computer Teacher, he is now Thanda’s General Manager and oversees the day-to-day operation of all our Education Programmes, and coordinates five other community-based programmes. He is also a martial arts trainer and bodybuilder… no one messes with him!
Kirstin Nash
Head of Partnerships and CommunicationsKirstin joined Thanda in 2019 from a corporate background in Johannesburg. She is a happy, chatty, thoughtful, and organised person who finds joy in making a positive difference in the lives of others. She loves taking walks with her husband, baby boy, and beloved dogs on their small farm on the South Coast. “It's a wonderful way for us to spend time together as a family and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether we're taking in the fresh air, getting their hearts pumping for some exercise, or simply enjoying each other's company, walking on the farm is a special part of our routine.” “I am thrilled to work at Thanda, where I engage with a vast array of people from many different backgrounds. I love telling the stories of our community and sharing them with our global Thanda family.” Kirstin says it is incredibly fulfilling to use her skills and experience to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and she is dedicated to creating a brighter future for all.
Justine McCarthy-Martin
Head of Project SustainabilityGetting things done, keeping things moving. That's Justine. She's an open, friendly, DIY individual, with a bit of a creative flair. Justine is in her element when she’s active; from swimming, to gardening, to cooking, to yoga, to DIY home décor, if she can get her hands on it, she’s on it. At work, she loves interacting with people, being involved on the ground, and experiencing all the big and small parts of progress she helps implement, “Thanda is an environment that brings much happiness into my life”, she says. There’s always something to do!
Nokuthula Msimango
Early Learning ManagerNokuthula was also born and raised in the nearby community of kwaQwabe. She first joined Thanda as an ECD Facilitator and obtained the NQF Level 4 ECD certification from LETCEE. From a young age, she has been passionate about working with children and truly enjoys playing games with them - and it's evident they do, too! Nokuthula has an incredible ability to understand children and guide them through a positive learning experience. She has two daughters and one granddaughter, whom she loves helping with homework and reading.
Phakamani Xaba
Organic Farming ManagerPhakamani, commonly called “Phaks” by his colleagues, is a lovable good-hearted individual, with a bit of a fiery side when it comes to his work, since he is very passionate and knowledgeable about farming. Beyond farming vegetables and other types of food, Phaks enjoys gardening, nature and spirituality, and pours into his interests through his love for reading. “Nothing beats a beautiful day outside with a good book”, he remarks. His favourite part of his job is of course farming, interacting with the farmers, meeting new people, and apparently “the fresh smell of organic cow manure”.
Sinenhlanhla Mkhithi
Siyazazi ManagerSne is an outspoken, very goal-driven and caring individual. She believes in each child reaching their full potential and takes it upon herself to help them on their journey there. She’s their umbrella on a rainy day, and their ice cream on a hot day. Some of her interests are cooking and reading books, no wonder she has a recipe for every situation. As for what she loves about her job? From being a role model, to making a difference in the children's lives, and also helping them come out of their shell, Sne takes on every challenge with a positive outcome in mind.
Nokubonga Shozi
Umthombo ManagerMeet Nokubonga, most of us call her “Bonge”. She’s a happy soul, always with a smile and laughter to lighten anybody's mood. She is self-motivated, and adventurous, you should see her in action with the children, exploring every lesson with them just on their level. If they play, she plays, if they sing, she sings, if they paint, she paints. She expresses herself through spending time with the children, learning from people of different backgrounds, and just helping wherever she can. Always learning new things is her thing.
Nosipho Sithole
Creative Learning CoordinatorNosipho is committed to helping youth see that they can create a good future for themselves in their local community. She went to the city after high school and experienced the dangers of living in a township without work. She returned home and started working with Thanda in 2008. She coordinates our Creative Learning Training with other organisations. She has an uncanny ability to look glamourous all the time and is officially dubbed the community’s tomboy fashion-diva.
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