Exciting changes are taking place at MIET AFRICA this year.
After 16 years at MIET AFRICA, eight of them as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lynn van der Elst will be relocating to the Western Cape in January 2013. This has necessitated her relinquishing her leadership role at the end of 2012. We shall find another time and space to pay tribute to Lynn for her magnificent role as leader and one of the founders of MIET AFRICA. However, we are fortunate that we do not have to bid her farewell at this stage as she will continue with MIET AFRICA on a part-time basis, providing support and assistance to the leadership team.
Given these developments the organization’s Board put plans in motion for the appointment of a replacement CEO. After a long and intensive recruitment process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Thobile Sifunda, who will join us as CEO designate from 1 September 2012 and then as CEO from 1 January 2013.
Qualified as an educational psychologist,and with her more recent experience as Chief Director for Institutional Support and Capacity Development in the Department of Women Children and People with Disabilities,the Board is confident that Thobile has the qualities and competencies necessary to take the organization to the next level. She is also no stranger to MIET AFRICA. In her former position as Director:Special Needs Education Services, responsible for the HIV and AIDS/Lifeskills programme, Psychological Services, School Guidance and Counseling and Special Education in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE),Thobile was instrumental in the long-standing and strong relationship the organization enjoys with the KZNDoE.
MIET AFRICA is fortunate to be in the enviable position of welcoming a new, highly competent and passionate leader while at the same time retaining the experience and support of the outgoing CEO.
Prof John Volmink
Chair: MIET AFRICA Board of Trustees
July 2012
