OUR HISTORY
Fetola was started in 2006 by Catherine Wijnberg, a successful entrepreneur with experience in starting, growing and operating businesses in five different sectors across three countries.
Fetola has grown rapidly, from a small consultancy into a recognised SME specialist with a national reach. We endeavour to set the standards for others to follow, and create long-term relationships with clients seeking something out of the ordinary.
OUR STRUCTURE
The Fetola group comprises of our implementing agent Fetola Mmoho (Pty) Ltd (level four BEE rating), Fetola Foundation (NPC, 125% ED contributor) and newly formed Fetola Futures (Pty) Ltd (51% black female, employee shareholding).
Fetola is a commercially driven social enterprise, dedicated to making a lasting and positive difference to the nation.
Our Board of Directors provides strategic and programmatic guidance:
Ms. Cecelia Njenga, Chairperson of the Board, is an environmental and Green Economy specialist with many years’ experience in the United Nations system.
Dr. Gareth Haysom is a researcher and lecturer on sustainable cities and food security with an additional many years’ experience in South Africa’s hospitality sector.
Mr. Mkhululi Pakade is Group Executive Chairman of Kula Investment Group.
Dr. Lucy Welford is a marketing and inclusive value chain development specialist with experience in commercialising natural products throughout southern Africa.
Ms. Catherine Wijnberg (Executive Director), who founded Fetola based on her enthusiasm for growing small business.
ADDED VALUE
Fetola provides added-value to our corporate clients in the form of reputation and brand-building opportunities – using our in-house media team, sponsorship and advertising solutions. Youth, women, persons with disabilities, and SME audiences are a particular focus.
RESULTS
Our programmes achieve unmatched results. Legends (which we developed for Old Mutual as their flagship ED initiative from 2007 – 2013) delivered a 94% long-term business survival rate and 65% year-on-year growth per participant. The Tholoana programme, a national initiative that we run for the SAB Foundation currently delivers growth rates of 44% per annum. These results are significantly higher than leading competitors (April 2018).
Catherine Wijnberg
Director
Catherine started Fetola in 2006 after posing the question: “What can one person do to make a difference?”. Her vision is to contribute to the transformation of South Africa by growing the small business sector, for it is here that jobs are created, success is cultivated, and women, youth, and rural communities can create self-empowered futures. Catherine is an avid paraglider and when the weather is good, you’ll find her running off mountains to find the best views.
Chantal de Kock
General Manager
Chantal has over 15 years’ experience in the development sector and is passionate about people development and female entrepreneurship. She is an entrepreneur in her own right, with several business interests. Her role at Fetola is to provide strategic guidance to the Project Management team and ensure the successful roll-out of all projects. Chantal is the embodiment of a fierce female and in her spare time you’ll find her sharing her knowledge and love for female empowerment with a community dedicated to inclusivity and self-love.
Anton Ressel
Strategic Head: SME Support
Anton Ressel has more than 20 years’ experience as an entrepreneur, trainer, business developer, and mentor in the small business sector. He is also a published writer and the entrepreneurial specialist for Fin24. He heads up the Mentor Portfolio where he provides strategic guidance, input, and assists with facilitation at workshops. In his spare time Anton loves to find a good fishing spot to unwind. What many people don’t know is that Anton is the lead guitarist of the band A Murder of Crows.
Alexei McGregor
M&E manager
Like Fetola, Alexei shares a passion for questions pertaining to growth and job development. She recently completed her Masters in Developmental Economics at UCT and she is eager to take a hands-on approach to South African entrepreneurship and job creation. She is the Data Analyst and manages the Monitoring and Evaluation Portfolio (M&E) where she looks at the overall performance of SMEs in Fetola’s various programmes. Alexei is one of our resident craft queens – you’ll find her woodworking or print making in her spare time.
Amandla Mali
Project Manager
Amandla is a firm believer in the role entrepreneurship plays in supporting communities and driving positive change. She manages the GROUNDSWELL Programme, our green initiative and heads up the Selection Portfolio. Amandla holds her heritage and family close to her heart. She is also the go-to in the office for just about anything.
Anelia de Waal
Market research and data analyst
Anelia is passionate about creative problem solving. She heads up the Nip and Tuck Portfolio where she works closely with entrepreneurs, fine tuning their company branding and marketing tools. She achieved her Honours Degree in Social Anthropology. In her spare time Anelia can be found rock climbing or indulging in creative DIY projects.
Ayanda Magoqoza
Office Assistant
Ayanda values loyalty, family, and her friends which is why she forms part of Fetola’s backbone. She is the epitome of a true Fetola ambassador. What many people don’t know about Ayanda is that she is the OG of the office sneaker craze. In her spare time, you’ll find Ayanda spending quality time with her friends and her daughter.
Aretha Leukes
Investment Readiness Portfolio Coordinator
Aretha is Fetola’s IR Portfolio Coordinator with a background in science and experience in investments and financial analysis.
Aretha is passionate about helping people, entrepreneurship, and championing the upliftment of women. In her spare time, Aretha enjoys having a glass of wine while doing creative makeup and exploring new beauty trends. Her other hobbies include writing, playing games, and spending time in nature.
She has a curious mind with a willingness to learn about anything under the sun.
Azraa Noah
HR Manager
Azraa is a true brand ambassador for Fetola and builds valuable relationships with multiple stakeholders. She obtained her B-Tech Degree in Human Resource Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Azraa manages the HR Portfolio and takes pride in finding people who match our company culture and passion. We all know Azraa loves florals, but it’s her positive attitude and magnetic energy that keep us smiling!
Bongani Khuzwayo
Senior Project Coordinator
Bongani is a Senior Project Coordinator at Fetola who recently moved to Cape Town from Durban. He studied a Bachelors in Housing and later went on to study a Post Grad Diploma in Business Management at UKZN Graduate School of Business and Leadership. He realised that his passion lay in the ED space and working with entrepreneurs was a way to make a difference in our country. Bongani knows how to spot an excellent cup of coffee because he spent some perfecting the perfect cup of coffee as a Barista. Now you’ll find him either watching a soccer game or spending time with his friends.
Busisiwe Bebeza
Mentor Portfolio Manager
Busisiwe is an ardent supporter of small business development and would like to own her own business one day. She is the Senior Project Coordinator for the Mentor Portfolio and deals with all mentor-related queries, reporting, and administration. Busisiwe achieved her B-Tech Degree in Management in Entrepreneurship from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She’s Fetola’s very own fashionista - fashion is her passion.
Chenge Mutongwizo
HR Administrator
Chenge hails from Zimbabwe, but considers herself as a true Capetonian as she moved to the Mother City over 8 years ago for her studies. She holds an Honors in Organisational Psychology: Change Management from UCT and one of her passions is knowledge sharing, which is why she is the perfect HR Administrator. What many people don’t know about this talented woman is that she does a bit of singing from time-to-time. All she needs to do next is decide which instrument she should play!
Gerard Oliver
IT manager
Gerard Oliver is the company’s IT manager and has IT experience gained in the financial, management and pharmaceutical industries. Gerard is passionate about IT service management and strategic business alignment. You will find him spending quality time with his wife and 2 kids by the ocean side or mountain trails or you might by catch him cycling up and down steep mountains hills on his road bike.
Grant Prince
SME Investment Readiness Manager
Grant lives and breathes entrepreneurial development and is able to answer just about any question you have regarding market access and entrepreneurship. Grant manages the investment and market access opportunities across all projects. Grant obtained his BCOM law degree and is currently pursuing his CFA. He loves the outdoors and discovering natural gems, and values family and friends. What many don’t know about Grant is that he is a skilled drummer.
Janique Simrie
Senior Project Coordinator
Janique is passionate about Economic Development and female empowerment. What many don’t know about her is that is a risk taker and adrenalin junkie so don’t be surprised if you find her bungee jumping or heading to the nearest theme park. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and giving back to the community. Janique works in the Mentor Portfolio as a Senor Project Coordinator. She recently moved from Johannesburg and looks forward to exploring the beauty of The Mother City.
Judah Kleinveldt
IT Coordinator
Judah Kleinveldt is passionate about music and finding great artists to listen to and new technology. He uses his knowledge of technology and IT to support the Fetola team and put new systems in place. Judah is a qualified Graphic Designer who hails from the Eastern Cape. In his spare time, you will find him reading or scouring bookstores for something different to read.
Khanyisa Tyelela
Media Coordinator
Khanyisa studied Journalism at CPUT because telling people’s stories is something that is very close to her heart. In her spare time though, you can find her binge watching anything crime related. Just like her film hero, Quentin Tarantino said, "A writer should have this little voice inside of you saying, Tell the truth. Reveal a few secrets here."
Kingsley Mpahlele
Project Manager: Sales, Supplier Development Awards & Stakeholder Relations
Kingsley is Fetola’s anchor in Johannesburg. He is passionate about job creation, poverty alleviation, and transforming Africa through entrepreneurship development. He has a Diploma in Entrepreneurship, a Degree in Business Administration, and a BCom Honours in Strategic Management.
He joins Fetola after four years with a global network of organisations that propel entrepreneurship in developing nations. He is also an entrepreneur, operating a small transport business. You can occasionally find him spending time advising youth entrepreneurs in townships around Joburg.
He enjoys playing action football, chess, scenic hikes with friends, and reading a book.
Kirsty Portelli
Digital Media Manager
Kirsty is the Digital Media Manager at Fetola, so you’ll more than likely speak to her on our social media at some point. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, telling entrepreneur’s stories and inspirational Nike ads. Kirsty loves a challenge, a murder novel and a cup of good coffee. In her spare time, you’ll find her on the jiu jitsu mat, outside or singing to her plants.
Lisa Pistorius
Business Analyst
Lisa champions Fetola’s efficiency by reviewing, updating systems and processes, and managing the change from start to finish. She is passionate about personal growth and empowering others. She has studied a variety of topics like Business Systems Analysis, Executive Coaching, and Digital Marketing. There are no limits to her skills. In her spare time Lisa loves a good book. Think along the lines of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
Lou-Anne Marshall
Head of SME Operations
Lou-Anne Marshall is the head of SME Operations and manages all operative factors within the SME portfolio, working closely with the Project Managers.
Lou-Anne has approximately 9-years of Operations experience, working in the FMCG industry for most of her career, and worked for companies such as Coca Cola, South African Breweries, and previously with Unitrade Management Services.
She loves the heart behind what Fetola does and is also passionate about “making a difference” in people’s lives. She is very excited about being part of the Fetola team.
Mandy Lategan
Senior Bookkeeper
Mandy is a Senior Bookkeeper at Fetola and studied financial management at False Bay College. With years of experience in finance, Mandy is passionate about numbers and is always willing to assist others.
Mandy’s mantra is “Just keep it simple as possible. Life is short, just enjoy every moment”. In her spare time, you’ll also find her sitting in her little corner with headphones listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with her family and daughter.
Mxolisi Nkabinde
SME Finance Support Project Coordinator
Mxolisi hails from the Welkom and recently moved to Cape Town to soak in the culture, people and of course the food. Mxolisi holds a Bachelor of Accounting as well as a Honours in Accounting and will be working closely with the entrepreneurs on Fetola’s various programmes. Mxolisi is a firm believer that education and a curious mind are vital for the betterment of all aspects of life. In his spare time you’ll find him watching thought provoking doccies or watching Chelsea games with friends and family. What many people may not know about this talented man is that he is fluent in Sesotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Xitsonga!
Nadine October
Project Manager - Business Incubation
Nadine is passionate about facilitating, supporting, and expanding human potential. Joining Fetola presented her with an opportunity to combine her love for enterprise development and social impact.
As the Project manager for the SAB Foundation Tholoana Programme. She believes that entrepreneurship has a vital role to play in the SA economy, uplifting our communities, and driving positive change.
Ruan Schreuder
Head of Marketing, Sales and PR
Ruan has worked at several advertising agencies and on some of South Africa’s favourite brands. While he is born in Cape Town, he went to school and worked in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - his second home! He is passionate, energetic and loves playing football and watching Arsenal with his friends. Two things you might not know about him is that he and his friends started a now successful NGO and he is also currently learning French. Merci beaucoup!
Samantha Webber
Office Administrator
Samantha plays a key role in the smooth running of Fetola. She has experience in administration and provides support to the HR department. She holds a certificate in conveyancing. In her spare time, you’ll find Sam spending time with her family and friends or catching up on her favourite series. Did someone say Game Of Thrones addict?
Sibulele Samka
Senior Project Coordinator
Sibulele is another member of the Fetola staff that hails from the Eastern Cape, which some may say is the best province #JustSaying. Sibulele is passionate about growth and development and is excited to put her passion and skills to work in the Fetola team and one say hopes to open a youth centre in a rural area that focusses on educating the youth about entrepreneurship. What many people may not know about this firecracker is that she writes her own poetry.
Terence Visagie
Creative Manager
Terence is creative at heart and loves anything art! Terence manages the Visual Communications and Graphic Design Portfolio, providing support to the Tholoana participants. This is achieved by conceptualising, formulating, designing, and rolling out meaningful and effective visual layout and graphic content that promotes and encourages engagement of clients, stakeholders and the target audience. Terence’s is a talented painter and photographer and often exhibits his work at galleries.
Terrena Rathanlall
Media Officer
Terrena Rathanlall joined us from sunny Durban and took her place as our Media Officer. She is passionate about life and growth and everything in between! She is responsible for our SME Media portfolio and is determined to tell the stories of South Africa’s entrepreneurs. Terrena is a fan of music and on a good day you’ll find her singing.
Tsepo Ngwenyama
FNB SEIL Project Manager
Tsepo has obtained his Bachelor of Social Science from UCT. His skills and background include Community Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Marketing, and Communications, which makes him a great project manager for the FNB SEIL Programme. Tsepo has also developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship from a young age. He comes from an entrepreneurial family, with his mom and sister both being business owners and having co-founded his own businesses back in 2016. He is passionate about the ED space and is looking for an opportunity to grow and make an impact.On off days you will find Tsepo enjoying an occasional park run or brunch with friends.
Anna Harris Stone
Anna holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, B.A Honours in Industrial Psychology and is currently studying for her M.A. in Industrial Psychology at the University of South Africa. She is also registered with HPCSA as a psychologist intern. Anna has extensive experience in consulting within the Human Resources arena, including facilitating Change Management.
Brennan Williams
Brennan is highly passionate about the development of entrepreneurial and business skills and how this can help South Africa grow as a nation. He has worked with enterprise development incubators delivering training, mentoring entrepreneurs and managing teams of enterprise development professionals.
Bukelwa Nogoduka
With an academic background in Business Administration, majoring in Industrial Psychology, Business Management and Public Administration, Bukelwa started her career with Guardian National Insurance Co and ventured into VVSA taking the challenge of developing and coaching young graduates in the dynamics of the working world.
Busisiwe Godlo
Busisiwe is an Entrepreneur with 10 years business management experience within the experiential marketing and conference industry. Throughout the years, she has gained a vast knowledge of business operations and management, working with government, FMCG and corporate organizations.
Clifford Mokhuane
Clifford Mokhuane is a Professional Accountant and Tax Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in enterprise development. He has experience with business plans, farm business plans, feasibility studies, business skills training, functional manufacturing skills development, mentoring and coaching.
Corinne Clack
Corinne has been running her own business as a senior generalist business consultant specialising in small business development for the past 13 years. Their services include consultation, mentoring, concept development and growth strategies formulation and implementation.
Ernest Meas
Born and matriculated in Kimberley. Ernest studied afterwards and obtained his National Diploma in Chemistry, followed by a BCom Hon in Investment, Financial, Business Management.
He has worked in various industries, most notably Chemical Manufacturing and Technical Sales and business advisory and management with SEDA.
Elmarie Goosen
Elmarie has 18 years of experience working in a variety of Blue Chip organisations such as Virgin Media, Vodafone, British Gas and Barclays in Europe and South Africa. She has in-depth knowledge of Supplier Management, Contract Management and Governance and Project Management.
Eugenie Drakes
Eugenie has worked in the creative industries for over 35 years and had her own social enterprise focusing on the handcraft sector for 17 years. She’s learned many valuable lessons the very hard way and she willingly shares her learnings with others on a similar journey.
Gerhard van Deventer
Gerhard has twenty years’ Business Development experience at executive management level and has consulted to several major corporates and large enterprises. This includes three years’ experience in the renewable energy market, specifically wind energy and biogas applications. He has extensive experience in global marketing and contract negotiation in at least 45 countries.
Guy Rich
Guy has extensive background in national and international business management. He is an
accredited professional consultant with experience in industrial development, project
management, investment and trade promotion, public relations communication, resource and financial management and strategic business planning.
Hermanus Stevens
Hermanus has 20 years’ experience working in the banking industry, for Land Bank and Absa Bank as an Agricultural Specialist, Banker and Business Development Officer in Upington (Northern Cape Province and Rustenburg (North West Province).
Ismail Kajee
Ismail has over 30 years’ experience in the private and government sector. He completed articles with Ernst & Young and obtained further experience at various organisations in a senior management capacity. He was responsible for strategy, finance, auditing, risk management, information technology, and business development including staff empowerment and mentoring potential leaders.
Jeremy Barton
As an IIB Accredited coach using the ExecuCoach coaching model Jeremy uses; a structured approach with the ability to be flexible (free form) and a sophisticated diagnostic and development science based on the measurement of personal attributes.
Joff Wickins
Joff holds a Diploma in Marketing Management and BAdmin degree from UNISA, majoring in marketing, finance and development. In addition to his work with Fetola, Joff has 30 years’ experience in business financing and SMME consultancy, including business viabilities and SMME mentorship services in small industries, commerce, construction & housing.
John Mathews
With more than 25 years’ work experience and 15+ years’ experience in business management and consulting, Jogn aims to inspire others to achieve optimal results.
He gained experience from government, corporate and startup environments which serve as valuable references for the design of solutions and competitive advantages for customers in many different industries.
Laurence Woodburn
Laurence has two decades’ experience in a variety of commercial and industrial sectors including tech startups and the emerging markets. Added to this was exposure to commercial and domestic property, advertising and the digital realm. He has dealt with listed companies, the SME sector as well as the NGO world and Government Departments.
Lefentse Chapman
Lefentse is a seasoned enterprise development specialist with a career spanning over 15 years within UK and South Africa. She has worked for blue chip companies such as SAB and Absa. Her experience include enterprise and supplier development, business incubation, business funding, deal structuring, mentoring, training and business coaching.
Liziwe Bentswana
Liziwe is a Master’s graduate in Strategic Quality Management from Portsmouth University, England. She has lived, worked and studied in England for over 4 years. Liziwe also holds a B. Tech Degree in management, B.Tech Degree in Biomedical Science, a certificate in Advanced Business Programme, and other certificates in other courses.
Mike Patterson
Mike was born in Durban. He feels strongly about community involvement and has extensive experience in working with people. Mike has held leadership roles in community involvement initiatives such as the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and numerous other regional and sector development bodies. He is also a lifelong volunteer member of the NSRI, and a valued member of the Fetola mentor team.
Mohamed Majapa
Mohamed is an Entrepreneur and MBA Graduate with a background in financial economics, market research and strategy formulation. His current area of focus is developing growth strategies for entrepreneurs, businesses and corporations, particularly those looking to venture in new markets within Southern and sub-Saharan Africa.
Neo Lekaowa
Neo Lekaowa has overall combined experience of 20 years working in the banking and SMME Development Sectors. He contributed immensely to the growth and development of small medium enterprises and assisted them in participating in the main stream economy.
Nomvuyo Bengane
After running her own branding company for 25 years, Nomvuyo founded BizOil Institute. She is enthusiastic about Personal Development, Business Coaching and Entrepreneurship. She also gives her services as a Mentor to companies in the Enterprise Development space. Companies she works with include SAB Foundation; GIBS Enterprise Development Academy, Diageo, JP Morgan; TechnoServe South Africa; and the International Coaching Federation of SA ICFSA team.
Ntando Maseko
Ntando is a motivated business consultant and has a Masters Business Administration degree and is currently working towards his PhD in Innovation Management. He has a successful track record in management consultancy, training SMEs in various management disciplines and developing internal controls and performance review systems.
Ntokozo Biyela
Ntokozo comes with 10 years’ experience in the FMCG sector, working for companies such as National Brands Limited as a Quality Control Supervisor and Unilever SA as a Process Optimisation Manager. He has been self-employed for 14 years as an entrepreneur with 1 year as a the owner of a Cell C franchise and 9 years as a Director at Mzansi Mobile Units.
Ockert Fransch
Ockert is passionate about contributing to the country’s growth by empowering entrepreneurs. He has more than 20 years’ experience as an entrepreneur in various sectors. Ockert has managed to achieve a 95% turnover within 14 months. He has transfered relevant business skills to SMEs.
Patricia Dlamini
Patricia Dlamini is the Founder & Managing Director of Innovation Led Development Projects (“InnoDev”), a consultancy firm providing leadership and development services to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities. Her passion for entrepreneurship and SMMEs has been the defining feature of her 16-year legacy in the development arena.
Peter Kramer
Peter is an Enterprise Development specialist who has been involved in several start-ups and who has been instrumental in the growth and development of various businesses and BEE entities. Peter’s SME-Development journey has taken him into many urban and rural areas of South Africa, training and assisting aspirant entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in their quest for success.
Ramarumo “Oupa” Lebepe
Ramarumo is a Bachelor of Commerce (B.COM) economics graduate from University of Limpopo. He graduated in 1999 and immediately started a consultancy company that ran the Business Development Service Voucher Programme for Umsombovu Youth Fund now called National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Reuben Rammbuda
Reuben Rammbuda is the Director of Zwazwiremi (Pty) Ltd, a company registered in 2012. The company specialises in Financial Management, Business Development and Coaching and Mentoring. Reuben has extensive experience over the years as an entrepreneur and businessman.
Robynne Erwin
Robynne ran her own IT business and successfully sold it to Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers). She then worked as an executive consultant on large development projects with National Government and large corporates such as Nedbank, Vodacom, and the Bytes Group.
Rusty Hugo
Rusty has a Diploma in Engineering and many years of management experience. Apart from being a long-standing Fetola mentor, he is accredited with numerous business development agencies nationally. His mentoring strengths lie in problem-solving and business planning.
Sezanele Zondi
Sezanele has 16 years’ experience in enterprise development obtained from her previous and current employment at Land Bank, ABSA and Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA). She also has experience in conducting due diligence, business plan analysis, stakeholder relations and management, market linkages, financial analysis, and business aftercare and support.
Simon Kerr
Simon is an accredited, qualified chef. He has run his own award-winning restaurants and guest houses since 1985. As a Fetola mentor, Simon brings years of experience in people management, brand building and systems to the team, and is our hospitality and tourism specialist.
Simon Ramonyai
Simon is a seasoned enterprise development specialist, and is fiery about development, especially in rural communities. Simon has a background in the public and private sector; and more than ten years’ experience as a mentor and business consultant.
Steven Francis
Steven commenced his career with Yum Restaurants International (KFC & Pizza Hut) in the early 90s in the capacity of HR and Training Manager. He was later promoted to National Operations manager, managing 408 franchise restaurants in South Africa. Steven’s strong leadership ability was demonstrated by implementing world class operations systems that have made Mugg & Bean the Proudly South African brand and popular household name it is today.
Sueneil McLeod
Sueneil has implemented strategies to drive transformation (enterprise development, skills development, and socio-economic development) and assists SMME’s in strategic business planning and execution, as well as growth opportunities through one-on-one coaching and mentoring.