mission

The SOMAFCO Trustees are young individuals who, of their own volition, decided that the ethos and principles of Somafco, the communities of Mazimbu and Dakawa and the exile experience in general, can play a role in amplifying South Africa’s vision and democracy.

Underpinning the progress of the Somafco Trust to date, is a collective effort not only by the Trustees but the support extended by individuals and organizations that share in the experience of Somafco, ethos and principles that anchored the communities of Mazimbu and Dakawa.

Friends who are sympathic and understanding of Somafco’s history, its relevance to modern day South Africa, have also made various forms of contributions to ensure the success of this initiative to date.

The Somafco Trust Executive Team

Mr. Oupa Mahlatsi- Together with Mr. Motsamai Maleka ( Thathe). Mr. Mahlatsi co-founded the SOMAFCO X initiative which later became the SOMAFCO X Trust and now the SOMAFCO Trust. Mr. Mahlatsi’s selfless contribution and commitment has helped the SOMAFCO Trust to grow in leaps and bounds. He is currently responsible for administration and some operational issues. Mr. Mahlatsi has been designated to the SOMAFCO Trust’s social mobilization and facilitation programme commonly referred to as the asset based community development programme.

Mr. Ntokozo Thusi- Mr. Thusi is former student of Somafco and brings a wealth of experience having worked for the government and fulfilling some responsibilities as Deputy Chief Director in government. Mr. Thusi has emboldened and strengthened the human resources of the Somafco Trust. He is currently the Chief Operations Officer and programme manager for the SOMAFCOTrust. This responsibility entails ensuring the smooth running of the SOMAFCO Trust on compliance matters and oversight of SOMAFCO Trust projects.

Mr. Tlholo Mohlathe- Mr. Mohlathe is also a former SOMAFCO student. Upon joining the SOMAFCO initiative, he steered it towards its formalization as a legal entity in the form of a public benefit organization ( Trust). He subsequently assisted with developing a basic strategy for the Trust and later introduced a number of other initiatives to enable the Trust achieve visibility. He has overseen the refocusing of the SOMAFCO Trust through numerous consultations with key stakeholders. Supported by the SOMAFCO Trust team he has also overseen the formation of key partnerships and is currently steering the implementation of SOMAFCO Trust programmes and policies.

The Somafco Team Members

Ms. Nomafa Matlou- Is former SOMAFCO student and holds a diploma in business management. Ms Matlou has been with the Somafco Trust from inception and has played a very critical role at important junctures to assist the Trust towards new plateaus.

Mr. Motsamai Maleka Thathe Without Mr. Thathe, co-founder of the Somafco X initaitve, the Somafco Trust as it is now or how far it came, would not be possible to speak about. Mr. Thathe was the spark of the Somafco X Initiative drawing in the support of the alumni of Somafco.

Every organization goes through change but the people who pass through it sometimes leave major contributions which deserve recognition. In the case of the SOMAFCO Trust, these people made their contributions as former trustees and as part of the team:

1: Mrs. Ingrid Ndlovu
2: Ms Khotatso Monnakgotla
3: Ms Zamo Nkatshu
4: Flora Marutle

In general, the network of former students and Mazimbu community members, have lived up to the vision held by the ANC for its students…”

• “prepare cadres to serve the national struggle of the people of South Africa in the phase of the struggle for seizure of political power and the post liberation phase”; and
• “produce such cadres as will be able to serve the society in all fields i.e. political, economic, socio-cultural, educational and scientific..”.

In essence, these statements demonstrate that the purpose their lives in Somafco was for the transformation of South Africa from a pariah state to a fully fledged democracy. To this extent, we salute the spirit demonstrated by former students when called up and in their individual endeavors!

We encourage all committed South Africans to join the Somafco Volunteer network to participate in our social efforts when they arise.