Who we are
Our Staff
Meet the people bringing AFRA’s work in land rights, agroecology, advocacy, communications, finance and organisational support together.
People. Purpose. Progress.
Laurel Oettle
Executive Director
Laurel is an adaptive and values-driven leader committed to advancing sustainable social change. Her areas of expertise include land tenure and food security, gender justice, community and economic development, and climate change adaptation. She is particularly passionate about strengthening the impact of partnerships, networks, and alliances through effective collaboration, collective learning, and joint advocacy.
Laurel brings extensive experience in organisational development and leadership, human resource management, network development, financial management, and fundraising. Throughout her career, she has supported organisations and communities to build resilience, strengthen governance, and enhance their capacity to achieve meaningful and lasting development outcomes.
She holds undergraduate and Honours degrees in Gender Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has completed a wide range of professional development programmes. These include advanced coaching training focused on equipping leaders, managers, and practitioners to facilitate transformative workplace conversations that unlock the potential of individuals and teams and contribute to organisational effectiveness.
Her work is grounded in a commitment to social justice, inclusive leadership, and collaborative approaches that enable communities and organisations to thrive.
Tom Lebert
Agroecology Manager
Tom has over 30 years of experience working in land reform and rural development in Southern Africa as both a researcher and programme manager. His specific interests include integrated rural development, natural resource management, and farmer support. Agroecology is a particular passion of his, bringing together land, environment, and food system transformation under an environmental and social justice lens. Through this work, he seeks to advance human rights for all and fulfil the promises of the South African Constitution. Tom holds a BSc in Zoology and Geography, an Honours degree in Development Studies, and an MPhil in Land and Agrarian Studies.
Siya Sithole
AFRA Strategy Manager
Siya Sithole is a passionate community development practitioner. He joined AFRA in 2010 as a paralegal and has grown with the organisation into his current role, where he is responsible for aligning AFRA’s programmes and strategic objectives. He leads engagements with government departments, municipalities, courts, beneficiary communities, legal representatives, and AFRA’s team. His approach is grounded in collaboration and accountability, with a strong commitment to advancing social justice, land rights, and community development. He believes: “We can only truly say that we are free once we are all free!”
Luyanda Ncengwa
Land Rights Officer
Drawing on experience in the higher education sector and her current role as a Land Rights Officer at AFRA, Luyanda advances land rights through stakeholder engagement, research, facilitation, project coordination, advocacy, and partnership building. She is driven by a passion for rural development and community empowerment.
She holds a Master's degree and a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Community Development and Development Studies, and a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Community Development and English Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Recognised for her academic excellence, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Khombi Mkhize
Communications Intern
Khombi specialises in strategic communications, media relations, digital content, and stakeholder engagement. At AFRA, she supports communications, storytelling, social media, publication design, and advocacy. She is passionate about land justice, community development, and using branding and design to drive social impact. Khombi is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner accredited by PRISA. She holds an Advanced Diploma and Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management from DUT, NATED N6 from uMgungundlovu TVET College.
Nondumiso Zondi
Administration Officer
Nondumiso has experience in reception, administration, and office support, with a focus on maintaining efficient and organised office operations. Her interests include administration, team support, finance assistance, and creating welcoming and professional environments for visitors and clients. She is committed to continuous personal and professional development and is passionate about learning new skills, taking on challenges, and contributing positively to organisational effectiveness and growth. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Computer Certificate.
Phumelele Mkhize
Assistance Finance Officer
Phumelele’s role is to enable efficient and effective organisational function through provision of bookkeeping and finance administration support, committed to good governance and helps in ensuring that AFRA remains accountable to donors and communities we support. Phumelele holds a Diploma in Business Management, and is currently studying Accounting Sciences.
Lusanda Zondo
Land Rights Intern
Lusanda supports land rights advocacy, policy reform, and initiatives that advance tenure security for vulnerable communities. Passionate about social justice and sustainable development, Lusanda also contributes to the agroecology movement by promoting equitable access to land, ethical governance, and community led development. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Government, Business and Ethics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Nokuthula Mthimunye
Community Organiser and Communications Coordinator
Nokuthula has over 10 years’ experience in communication, community mobilisation, advocacy, and programme coordination within the land sector. She works closely with labour tenants, farm dwellers, and small-scale farmers, supporting grassroots organising, storytelling, and community-driven initiatives that strengthen land rights and improve farm dweller livelihoods. Through her work, she seeks to amplify rural voices and advance social justice and human rights. Nokuthula holds a BTech Degree in Public Relations Management.
Sithokozile Ngcobo
Agroecology Officer
With seven years of experience in teaching and facilitation, Sithokozile is passionate about empowering rural communities through agroecology, sustainable livelihoods, and food sovereignty. She facilitates farmer training, supports community learning sites, and promotes climate-resilient farming practices. She is committed to helping small-scale farmers improve productivity, strengthen food security, and build resilient, sustainable livelihoods while caring for the environment. Sithokozile holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in the Senior and FET Phase, which she achieved cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, both from the University of South Africa, as well as a National Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Zanele Mhlongo
Admin Intern
Zanele provides administration and logistics support by coordinating travel, accommodation, workshops and meetings. She also handles minutes, procurement quotations, finance paperwork, requisitions, payment processing, filing, and monthly timesheet management. Zanele is detail-oriented and committed to efficient, accurate administrative and financial services. She believes that behind every great organisation is great administration team that ensures the smooth and accurate functioning of the organisation. Zanele has a BAdmin in Administration, majoring in Public Administration and Industrial Psychology, graduated cum laude from the University of the Free State and an Honours in Administration.
Razia Karrim
Finance Officer
Razia has been a dedicated member of the AFRA team since 2000. She has developed extensive expertise in finance administration, bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting, and compliance within the non-profit sector. Razia has also worked with various NGO organisations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her role. She is committed to ensuring sound financial management that supports AFRA's mission and organisational sustainability.
Nasreen Vandayar
Finance Manager
Nasreen has over 26 years of experience in accounting, auditing and financial management. She completed her articles at KPMG in 2005 before working in the retail and auditing sectors. In 2010, she established her own accounting practice and later moved into freelance financial management consulting, supporting various organisations. Nasreen has found a particular passion in the development sector, where she continues to contribute her financial expertise while seeking to make a meaningful and positive impact.
Fezile Zondi
Agroecology Hub Assistant
Fezile is a farmer from Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg. At the AFRA Agroecology Hub, he supports practical agroecology activities, including food production, composting, seed saving, soil health, permaculture and community learning. Through Kufeziwe Agro Farming, Fezile practises permaculture, worm farming, broiler production and organic vegetable growing. He also shares agroecology knowledge with community members and supports local food markets.
Lungi Mbatha
Cleaner
Lungi is a valuable member of the AFRA team who helps maintain a clean, welcoming and organised working environment. She takes pride in her work and in ensuring that the AFRA office is a comfortable space for staff, partners and visitors. Lungi is committed, hardworking and dependable, and contributes to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organisation.