Ethelbert Team
Management
Vanessa Theophilus
Director
Vanessa began her career as a Social Worker at Johannesburg Child Welfare and continued to grow her experience at Child Welfare Agencies for the next 5 years.
With this foundation, she assumed her initial role at Ethelbert CYCC in 1995 as the resident Social Worker, establishing the framework which would later bolster the Child Care department. With a focus on growing a family of her own, Vanessa stepped away from the high demand of Child Care and pursued teaching where she would still be supporting children, just through a different approach. After years in education and moving abroad, Vanessa returned to her first love; and through voluntary efforts and serving on the Ethelbert CYCC board, immersed herself into Child Care once again. In 2014 Vanessa was appointed Director and to date continues to dedicate her life to the organisation; together with her family.
Marcelle Tantij
Social Worker
Marcelle holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work (Hons) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and began her professional career in 2013 at Child Welfare Durban and District.
Adrienne van der Watt
Child Care and Compliance Officer
Adrienne began her Child Care career at Ethelbert CYCC over a decade ago driven by her passion for assisting children in overcoming the trauma they experience.
During her tenure she assumed various roles making a significant mark on the operations of the Centre including the streamlining of policies and procedures. Adrienne has a BA (HSS) degree specializing in Psychological counselling; as well as a Diploma in Christian counselling, making her perfect in her current role as Child Care Manager. Ensuring the delivery of holistic child care, Adrienne is responsible for the implementation of best practices & treatment programmes for all beneficiaries, maintaining Occupation Healthy and Safety standards and managing all child care administration. In dedicating more than 10 years of her career to Ethelbert CYCC, seeing the children flourish while in our care gives Adrienne a lasting sense of hope and accomplishment.
Nazley Giquel
Funding Partnership Manager
Nazley graduated with a BSc degree in Biochemistry from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2009.
After serving an internship under the Department of Science and Technology’s graduate programme at a STEM NPO, Nazley found her niche in the Non-Profit sector where she gained over 10 years’ experience in project management, resource development and fundraising. With training in governance, social media management and proposal writing, she brings a valuable insight into her role of Funding Partnership Manager where she is responsible for establishing, maintaining and growing meaningful partnerships; and sourcing new funding opportunities towards Ethelbert CYCC’s sustainability. Nazley’s passion is building bridges between charitable causes and the For-Profit sector through innovative approaches to public relations and marketing. She believes that working within the NPO environment means that every investment has the potential to directly impact the lives of ordinary South Africans – giving them a hope for the future.
Themba Molefe
Senior Child Care Worker
Themba joined the Ethelbert family in 2003 and has since attained Basic and Higher qualifications in Child Care, and an NQF 4 certificate in Child and Youth Care Work.
Themba has a passion for creating awareness of the Child Care sector so that it gets the recognition it deserves for ensuring quality welfare for vulnerable children and youth. This is evident in his role as the Senior Child Care Worker where he is responsible for training, managing and mentoring the Child Care Workers according to Ethelbert CYCC’s norms and standards. Themba also enjoys grooming those Child Care Workers who are new to the field such that they are able to be good ambassadors for the sector. He facilitates the Adolescent Development Training workshops with our children transitioning into their youth, as well as coordinates the Children Representative Council within Ethelbert CYCC, providing our children with a platform where every voice and opinion is heard, free of prejudice – ensuring Ethelbert CYCC remains a place where love counts.
Child and youth care workers
Bonisiwe Shabalala
Mbali Dube
Nelisiwe Mthiya
Nokukhanya Magwaza
Nombulelo Mbambo
Nonhlanhla Mdlalose
Nosipho Mbamali
Ntuthuko Zulu
Precious Manyathi
Primrose Jeza
Professor Dlamini
Sphesihle Zondi
Ntombikhona Gamede – Assistant
Rebecca Zama – Assistant
Support services
Beverley Munian – Administrator
Michael Kenchenten – Facilities Supervisor
Rose Mkhize – ECD Practitioner
Stacey Govender – Education Coordinator
Dumisani Ngcobo – Driver
Cynthia Molefe – General Assistant: Cleaning
Londiwe Nxumalo – General Assistant: Cleaning
Ntombi Mdunge – General Assistant: Laundry
Thembeka Malunga – General Assistant: Kitchen
Doreen Ricardo – Healthcare Assistant; Storerooms
James Msizi – General Assistant: Facilities
Patrick Sokhela – General Assistant: Facilities
Themba Mngadi – General Assistant: Cleaning (Park Rynie)
Board Of Management
Kathryn Buchanan
Chairperson
Kathryn is a descendant of the founding Corbishley family and joined the Ethelbert Board about 15 years ago.
Kathryn’s background is in Human Resources management in the banking sector and as an Independent Consultant in Skills Development, Employment Equity and B-BBEE. Kathryn was instrumental in the evolution of Ethelbert CYCC through re-aligning Ethelbert’s constitution and internal policies with the amended legislation. Currently Kathryn’s goal is to ensure relevance and sustainability for the organisation ensuring her family’s philanthropic legacy continues.
Ernie Nightingale
Acting Vice-Chairperson
Ernie entered the field of residential child and youth care in 1973 as Principal of Ethelbert Children’s Home.
He obtained a Higher Certificate in Residential Child Care at Technikon Natal and a Diploma in Personnel Management before becoming a part-time child and youth care lecturer at the Technikon Natal and an external lecturer for Technikon RSA. Ernie was a founding member of the National Association of Child Care Workers and served as the National Chairman for 12 years. He is the first person to be officially recognised by the Comrades Marathon Association as a “charity runner” when running to raise funds for Ethelbert CYCC; and received recognition from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Service Awards from various Rotary Clubs for his contributions to the profession and to children in need of care. Presently, Ernie serves on the board in an advisory capacity and mentors the Director and other staff members with his wealth of experience. Ernie is recognised as a leading expert within the Child Care sector, therefore to have his expertise at our disposal is invaluable.
David Cory
Treasurer
David has a BCom degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, with an Honours degree achieved through UNISA.
He began his career as an auditor and subsequently grew his experience in various managerial roles within the banking sector. This, together with a Banking Diploma CAIB (SA), and his time abroad in the UK resulted in his current role as Head of The Debtor Management business at Nedbank. Whilst David has served on various boards, today he serves on the Ethelbert board as Treasurer offering his astute financial expertise to ensuring governance, transparency and sustainability within the organisation’s operations. With familial ties to life within a Children’s Home, David views his service to Ethelbert CYCC as a way of giving back in the best way he knows how – ensuring a stable financial future.
Karen Corbishley
Secretary
Karen holds a DPhil in Management Sciences (Marketing) from the Durban University of Technology.
Prior to that she achieved a Masters in Marketing and a BTech (Marketing) at the Durban University of Technology, as well as a BComm (UND). Karen began her career in 1980 at SA Wimpy in the Marketing Department. After 5 years she chose to focus on her family and dedicate her time to her school-going children for a while. It was at this stage that an invitation to participate in the academic world as a part-time lecturer began her academic career 24 years ago. She is presently employed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marketing and Retail Management; enjoying the challenge of working with young people that often require help beyond that of academics. Married to a descendant of the founding Corbishley family, Karen has a vested interest in the future of Ethelbert CYCC and the beneficiaries this legacy supports.
Joanne Pitchers
With an Honours degree in Theology, Rev. Casper served as a lecturer for Theological Education by Extension College with involvement in the education of Ministers and Preachers. Casper measures his achievements differently. He has been in positions of oversight, but considers the highest achievements to be acts of service on behalf of those who need affirmation. It is with this mindset that Rev. Casper serves as religious counsel for Ethelbert CYCC.
Dr Melissa Chettiar
Melissa graduated as a medical doctor in 2006 from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Her love and passion for working with children motivated her to pursue a specialization in Paediatrics in 2011. Melissa obtained her Masters in Medicine (Paediatrics) in 2018 and further to this, is a member of the Allergy Society of South Africa. Although she currently works full-time in the private sector, Melissa makes time to serve on the Ethelbert CYCC board, providing medical expertise and counsel to the Child Care team for effective healthcare management of the children, especially that of acute and chronic illnesses. Melissa also conducts monthly life and leadership skills workshops with the Ethelbert CYCC girls as a young female in Science role model.
Mongezi Dlungwana
Mongezi obtained his NDip in Information Technology from the Durban University of Technology (formerly Natal Technikon)…
Project Management from Varsity College, Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA) and Oracle Certified Professional in OBIEE from Oracle University. With over 22 years of IT experience, Mongezi has worked for various institutions as a Developer/Analyst and Database Administrator, designing, implementing and supporting database systems and Business Intelligence solutions. Currently he works as a Database Administrator for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in General Cargo Operations Systems Enterprise (GCOS3) servicing multiple port operations. Since growing up in a household that valued supporting those in need, Mongezi has been involved in various charity projects and now serves on the board as another way of giving back. His expertise in IT offers great value to the organisation.
Jesinda Sagadevan
Jesinda graduated with a BA Degree with English and Legal Studies majors from University of Natal in 1996. She achieved her HED at UNISA in 2002 and later graduated with an LLB degree from the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2006.
After leaving school and the home, Lionel started his apprenticeship at Lucas and qualified as an A grade auto electrician. He eventually grew into the Service Manager role of a multi dealer auto franchise, overseeing all their workshops, and winning awards for his exemplary capabilities. With aspirations of being an entrepreneur, Lionel started his own auto electrical business, with his wife Cheryl. Mr and Mrs Baney have always been philanthropists and upon retiring, Lionel re-established his connection with Ethelbert CYCC serving on the board, supporting the estate maintenance; and contributing annually to the organisation’s fundraising efforts.
Rev Kym Bishop
Reverend Kym Bishop is an ordained minister of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, conducting religious worship in various contexts since 2007.
She began her journey into ministry as a youth Pastor, and after completing her Degree in Theology (Hons Dev.) entered the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Kym furthered her studies, completing her Masters in Narrative Therapy and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Currently, she is stationed as the Chaplain at Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill. As a faithful representative of the Methodist Church community and Kearsney College Chaplain, Kym offers a strengthened connection to the long-standing partnership shared by Ethelbert CYCC and the Methodist Church and Kearsney College family respectively.
Ethelbert Board of Management
- Kathryn Buchanan - Chairperson
- Karen Corbishley - Secretary
- Ian Corbishley - Vice Chairperson
- E. Nightingale - Honorary Advisor
- David Cory - Treasurer
- Weekend Ngubane - Board Member
- Lionel Baney - Board Member
- Melissa Chettiar - Board Member
- Casper de Villiers - Board Member
- Mongezi Dlungwana - Board Member
Ethelbert Village
“After climbing the mountain, you can finally enjoy the view.”
Our Retirement Community
The 32 unit complex adjacent to the main Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre campus sits under the broader mission of the Centre. Comprised of either one or two bedrooms, each unit has residents taking up occupation and enjoying this life-rights facility in their ripe age. The Village is self-funded through monthly levies paid by residents.
Disclaimer: Life-Rights occupation is available to persons over the age of 60 years – all enquiries can be made through the Ethelbert Child and Youth care Centre office.
