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-Sentane
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
Funding Partnership Manager
Adrienne has been an integral part of Ethelbert CYCC since 2004, dedicating her career to improving the lives of children who have experienced trauma.
Throughout her tenure, she has taken on various roles, significantly shaping the Centre’s operations, including streamlining policies and procedures. With a BA (HSS) specializing in Psychological Counselling and a Diploma in Christian Counselling, Adrienne has applied her expertise to ensure the highest standards of child care.
Now, as Funding Partnership Manager, Adrienne channels her passion and experience into securing vital resources and building strong partnerships that support Ethelbert’s mission. Her dedication to the well-being of children continues to drive her, and after more than two decades, seeing them thrive remains her greatest source of hope and accomplishment.
Beverley Munian
Administrator & Facilities Supervisor
Beverley’s journey started at just 18 when she stepped into the world of shoe retail. She spent over 40 years with the same company, working her way up to managing 23 stores and overseeing a team of around 50 staff.
When the company liquidated, she channeled her energy into something close to her heart—starting a small Non-Profit Organization (NPO) in 2020, dedicated to organizing events for children with special needs.
Now, as an Administrator & Facilities Supervisor, Beverley keeps the office running smoothly, making sure everything is organized and efficient. She takes pride in creating a workplace that functions well and supports the team. One of her standout achievements is the Barnyard Event, a project that highlighted her knack for putting together large-scale events with great success.
Beverley isn’t just about getting the job done – she brings warmth, dedication, and a real passion for both her work and her community. Whether it’s managing operations or making a difference in the lives of special needs children, she does it all with heart.
Ropafadzo Mashoko
Child Care Manager
Having started her journey in childcare in 2002, Ropah is committed to nurturing the well-being of children and young people.
She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Child and Youth Development and is a certified Assessor (TLN – Human Performance Systems), ensuring that quality standards in childcare are upheld.
Her journey into childcare was inspired by the need to provide love, care, and guidance to vulnerable and at-risk children. She believes that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Her greatest joy comes from making a meaningful impact—whether big or small—in a child’s life.
Guided by the principle of “Do not cause secondary trauma”, Ropah ensures that every action taken is in the best interest of the child. She fosters emotional, social, and cognitive development by validating children’s emotions, encouraging healthy relationships, and providing opportunities for independence and community engagement. With her extensive experience, deep passion, and strong leadership, Ropah continues to be a beacon of hope and guidance for children, ensuring they grow in environments that support their holistic development.
Child and youth care workers
Bonisiwe Buthelezi
Thulisile Buthelezi
Mbali Dube
Ntombikhona Gamede
Precious Manyathi
Nokukhanya Magwaza
Nombulelo Mbambo
Nonhlanhla Mdlalose
Sabelo Mthembu
Nelisiwe Mthiya
Sizwe Sangweni
Ntuthuko Zulu
Support services
Dumisani Ngcobo – Driver
Cynthia Molefe – General Assistant: Cleaning
Patricia Soni – General Assistant: Cleaning
Ntombi Mdunge – General Assistant: Laundry
Thembeka Chiliza – General Assistant: Kitchen
Doreen Ricardo – Medical Attendant
Patrick Sokhela – General Assistant: Facilities
James Msizi – General Assistant: Facilities
Makhosi 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.
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 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.
Dr 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-Crowe
Since graduating, Joanne has been teaching English and History at a special needs high school in Cape Town. Witnessing the devastating effects of gangsterism in the lives of many of her pupils led Joanne to begin working part-time towards an Honours in Education Policy and Law degree from the University of Pretoria. In her research, Joanne has been working with formerly incarcerated men to better understand the school-to-prison pipeline and expose opportunities for policy change to prevent at-risk youth from getting caught up on pathways towards incarceration. Growing up in KZN, Joanne was always aware of the incredible work of the staff at ECYCC. It gives her great joy to now contribute to the organisation as a board member, sharing her passion for youth-work.
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 Dlungwane
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.
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.
Khutso Ntseki
Khutso is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
As the CEO of Zenco Energy, he has led impactful sustainability projects, stakeholder engagements, and large-scale initiatives—skills he now brings to his role at Ethelbert Children’s Child & Youth Care Centre.
Khutso believes that every child deserves a fair chance, regardless of their background. His work on the board is driven by the conviction that long-term impact comes from investing in potential—helping young minds realize their worth and build futures filled with possibility, independence, and success.
Ziphelele Ngubane
Ziphelele’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children is underscored by a career in legal practice.
With extensive experience in contract drafting, compliance, and risk management, her professional journey has been marked by a deep dedication to safeguarding the interests of those in need.
In addition to her legal acumen, she brings a background in nonprofit governance and financial oversight. Her vision in being a board member is for the children’s home to continue being an innovative facility offering expanded educational, vocational, and therapeutic programmes—an environment where every child is given the opportunity to succeed.
Ernie Nightingale - Non-executive Member
Ian Corbishley - Non-executive Member
Ethelbert Village
“After climbing the mountain, you can finally enjoy the view.”
Our Retirement Community
Nestled next to the main Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre campus, the 32-unit complex forms an integral part of the Centre’s broader mission. Offering a choice of one or two-bedroom units, The Village provides a secure, independent lifestyle for residents enjoying their golden years. This life-rights facility is self-sustaining, funded through monthly levies contributed by its 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.