Pro bono

The board of Stichting Projecten Zuid-Afrika (SPZA) - South-Africa Foundation consists of five members, who all work pro bono.  The board is supported by the founders, and a number of specialists and socially-committed entrepreneurs, all of whom also work pro bono.  In compliance with statutory provisions, SPZA does not cover the expenses of its board members.

100% of your donations

Board members and founders cover the organisation’s overhead costs.  This way, the South-Africa Foundation is able to guarantee that your donations will directly and solely serve the projects in South-Africa.

Knowledge of South Africa

Since they live(d) or work(ed) there, the founders and board members know South Africa well. We select projects and (partner) organizations based on a thorough knowledge of the country, the people and the culture. And our network is extensive.

Board members introduce themselves

Riekje de Vries-Pels, president and responsible for of the Out-of-school Child Care Programme. Arrived somewhat late to the development sector, but took a keen interest as a sponsor for SPZA and has been closely involved as president since 2008.  Riekje has been to South Africa twice and has visited several of our partners and project sites.

Martje Nooij, secretary and co-chair of all of SPZA's programmes. Has been active in South Africa since 1997. Initiated and developed the holiday schools model, among other projects. Took up the presidency in 2000, and has been secretary since 2004. Lives in South Africa since 1996 during 6 months each year and has an extensive network.

Petra Lasschuit, treasurer and responsible for SPZA's Scholarship Programme. Worked in sustainable development in southern Africa between 1989 and 2001. Treasurer since 2006.

Diet Grosheide, member and co-chair of the Out-of-school Child Care Programme. Spent a month in South Africa as a volunteer for one of our local partner organisations, and has since been involved in several projects on children and youths’ schooling and development. Board member since 2004. Visits South Africa regularly.

Chris Maas Geesteranus. Has always taken a keen interest in the SPZA and became a board member in October 2009. Has considerable expertise in environmental education, in The Netherlands and in Africa.

Specialists and Socially-committed Entrepreneurs

• Rachel Walraven, CEO-owner Walraven Webwerk, webmaster www.walravenwebwerk.nl
• Ruud Wilbrink, CEO-owner Ruud Wilbrink Visuals & Design, designer Ubuntu 2005 till 2009
• Dennis van den Brink and Chiel Weverling, CEO-owners De Hazen, design corporate identity www.dehazen.nl Here is why De Hazen supports SPZA >> to Why businesses
  
• BDO Audit & Assurance BV Rotterdam, balancing annual accounts www.bdo.nl/rotterdam
• Hilde von Michaëlis, editor-in-chief quarterly newsletter Ubuntu. Here is why Hilde assists SPZA >> to Why specialists
  
• Nicky Ruisch, editor flyers and other documents. Here is why Nicky assists SPZA >> to Why specialists
• Clem Herman, principal The Word Counter translation agency, www.thewordcounter.eu Here is why The Word Counter supports SPZA >> to Why businesses