Media Statement: Oxfam South Africa Welcomes New Board Members to Advance its Vision for a Fair and Equitable Future
Attention: Editors
Date: 6 May 2025
Oxfam South Africa (OZA) is an organisation committed to ending poverty and inequality. Rooted in African feminist values, OZA’s work spans four interrelated impact areas: Womxn, Justice and Power; Just Economies; Climate Justice; and Just and Accountable Governance.
Oxfam South Africa (OZA) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to our Board of Directors.
This expansion marks a pivotal step in OZA’s continued commitment to deepening the organisation’s impact, pursuing accountable governance, and aligning more closely with our values of solidarity, inclusiveness, justice, and dedicated feminist leadership.
The newly appointed board members bring with them a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to equity and social transformation. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding the organisation towards achieving its ambition.
“The addition of the new leaders signals our deliberate focus on reinforcing good governance and ensuring that Oxfam South Africa remains agile and responsive in the face of a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Their collective expertise will enhance our ability to fulfil our mission of building a just society, grounded in feminist principles and the redistribution of power and resources.” said Ms. Phelisa Nkomo, Chairperson of the OZA Board.
This milestone reinforces a commitment to the organisation’s bold 10-Year Strategy: Feminist Rebuilding for a Just, Democratic and Sustainable Future.
- Nozicelo Ngcobo – A Certified Director and seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership in corporate affairs, ESG, and public policy. Nozicelo has driven inclusive growth across leading organisations including Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), Tiger Brands, and SAB. She is known for shaping public policy and regulatory strategy with an inclusive development lens.
- Mmathebe Zvobwo – A Chartered Accountant registered with SAICA, Mmathebe is deeply committed to fostering socio-economic development through entrepreneurship. She has a proven track record in building ecosystems that support inclusive innovation and empower emerging entrepreneurs.
- Lindiwe Kabasa – A strategic professional with over 20 years of experience in Finance, HR, and Operations within international development organisations. Lindiwe brings deep expertise in aligning institutional strategy with policy implementation, ensuring organisational sustainability and efficiency.
- Michael Clements – Currently Director for International Programmes at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, Michael is a US-trained lawyer with prior experience in international arbitration and litigation. She holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law and a BA from Barnard College and brings a global human rights perspective to governance and accountability.
- Alex Area – A seasoned finance executive with over two decades of leadership across multilateral development finance and commercial banking institutions. Alex offers strategic financial insight, particularly in navigating complex markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, and supports value-driven growth in high-impact sectors.
This announcement comes at a critical juncture, as South Africa hosts the G20 Presidency under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. With civil society occupying an essential space in shaping these global conversations, OZA’s renewed leadership structure is readily positioned to amplify community voices.
“I am honoured to support the organisation through this exciting time of growth. With the guidance of our newly constituted Board and the dedication of our staff and partners, OZA is well-positioned to deliver on its mandate and catalyse meaningful, community-led change across the country and region”, said Nkateko Chauke, Interim Executive Director at OZA, in a statement released in OZAs latest publication of our WOZA quarterly newsletter.
The incoming Board members will work closely with our current leadership and stakeholders to uphold OZA’s mission, values and strategic goals, to foster an organisational culture that is authentically and undisputedly rooted in inclusiveness, accountability, and unity.
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