Our People

Trustees

Meet JDI’s eleven trustees:

Mark Allen
Mark Allen (C.A. (SA)) is the financial director of a group of minerals consulting and exploration companies. "I believe strongly in South Africa and her people, and JDI is a powerful way for all South Africans to get involved and make a difference to our country."

Kate Clayton
Kate Clayton (B. Bus. Sci (Hons)) is a director and shareholder of Burns Strategic Planning, an empowered marketing consultancy. "I have been a member of JDI for six years and believe strongly in the concept. I have always believed that it is important to actively make a contribution to South Africa."

Adam Kane-Smith
Adam Kane-Smith is a property development consultant. "For me, the JDI Foundation provides an ongoing reminder of the difference the energy of a group with a desire to mobilize resources can make to the lives of others.  Not only are the projects one gets involved with extremely rewarding, but they provide a great sense of community and perspective."

Caminey Kuropatwa
Caminey Kuropatwa (LLB, BA Hons.): is the JDI administrator. "I started working with JDI as a volunteer because I was looking for a way to become more closely involved with this amazing country and the different societies within it. The various projects and people I have come across are inspirational in the way they overcome obstacles to create a positive change, and it is seeing this change that makes me so excited by JDI and the simple yet effective way in which it works."

Robert Macdonald
Robert Macdonald (BA, MA, MPhil) is an independent consultant who works with organisations primarily in the area of balancing strategic imperatives with human behaviour demands. "I have been a member of JDI for three years. I am passionate about South Africa and I am inspired by JDI's rationale for 'just doing it' - hence my willingness to act as a trustee for JDI."

Barry O'Mahony
Barry O'Mahony runs Veritas Financial, a financial planning business. "Every single time I have gone to a project, I get an incredible rush. I get a glimpse into the depth of the human spirit and as I turn for home, I realise how lucky I really am. What is cool about JDI's structure is that if you don't do it, then it is your fault! So as I always tell people: 'don't just think about it, don't just talk about it, Just Do It!'"

Mkhize Sandile
Mkhize Sandile is a software programmer at Nedcor where he maintains and develops applications for the Homeloans Product/System. "I have been a member of JDI for two years and have been entrusted with the development of new groups in Jo'burg. It is important for the young generation to get involved with community upliftment projects to assist in alleviating the many challenges facing our country."

Herman Wessels
Hermann Wessels (BA(Hons) MA LLB) is an attorney at the law firm Sonnenberg Hoffmann Galombik. "I have been involved in JDI since its inception because I believe the principle and philosophy of JDI is unique and enables it to fulfil the dual function of making a welfare and social contribution, and establishing connections between various sections of our society, benefiting both the sides."

Kate Wentworth
Kate Wentworth is an international personal banker with Barclays Bank in Joburg. "I first got involved in JDI about six years ago while living and working in London because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of South Africans back home and realised the power my pound could have in achieving that. JDI was the perfect organisation to make that happen because no matter where in the world you are, it's easy to get involved. Now, back in South Africa I have the opportunity to actively participate in projects and meet the people whose lives we've made a difference in - it's an incredible experience."

Next Page >