Behind Potential Africa is a dedicated team of core employees, contractors and subject specialists. Meet them:
Afif
Afif Say - CEO, CTO
Afif is originally from Istanbul, Turkey. He is a Medical Doctor – though he is not practicing today. He has been in the ICT industry for over 20 years, with a focus on Knowledge Management. Previously worked for Microsoft in the internal communications area where he was responsible for managing communications programs for the sales force. He then moved to Africa with Kimber where they started Potential Africa. Afif despises interventionist methods imposed on developing countries, and instead believes in facilitating them to find/develop their own solutions.
Kimber
Kimber Dodge - CFO, COO
Kimber grew up in Reno, Nevada in the U.S. From as early as she could remember, she was constantly bothering her family and friends with stories of far away places – and dreams of working in Africa. In 2005, Kimber and her family relocated to South Africa to work on that dream. Kimber has a dual undergraduate degree in Economic & Psychology, and a Master of Science in Management Degree from Baker University. With over 20 years experience around the world, Kimber spent ten years working for Microsoft in various international, marketing, and business development roles, and helped develop Microsoft’s presence in Africa. She then moved into marketing for non-profit organisations. Kimber speaks German, French, and a little bit of Turkish.
Heather
Heather Good - Office Manager
Heather is a native of the Helderberg, where Potential Africa is based. She has worked as an Office Administrator for the last 20 years in various industries; building, security, wine and now the NGO/IT industry. She is a huge animal lover, an avid reader and keen sportsperson, even though the last two activities have taken a back seat since the arrival of her two young children. She now spends all her spare time with her family and loves it. She is the backbone of the office and the smile when you walk in the door.
Colin
Colin Hooper - Programme Manager
Colin Hooper joined Nedbank’s Training and Development department in his mid twenties and discovered his passions. Training & IT! Since then, Colin has spent most of his career in a class room, mainly teaching IT. As a result he has held several industry certifications including; Enterprise Certified NetWare Engineer (ECNE), Certified Netware Instructor (CNI), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Colin is also a member of the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA). After a stint of working for Microsoft as Education & Certification Manager, he relocated to Australia in 2000 where he ran his own company for 8 years in Human Resources Development. But, he is glad to back in Africa now, because once an African always an African. Colin is happiest when he is in front of a crowd, whether in the class room or in an auditorium. Colin loves to play a social game of squash, and to work out periodically.
Willie
Willie Ward - Programme Manager
Willie is a specialist in the field of programme and project management, development management, social research relationship management and business development. He has extensive experience through working in NGO networks as a senior programme manager, the corporate sector as a business consultant, small business as owner manager and academic environment as part time lecturer and examiner. He has received a Bachelor of Development Management and Planning, A Honours degree in Development Management and Planning and a Master of organisational theory and design from the University of Stellenbosch. He has a wife and twin boy and girl and is a keen surfer.
Pieter
Pieter Meiring - Project Manager
Pieter is an experienced project manager who has worked extensively across the software and advertising/marketing industries, thus giving him the ability to both understand technical systems and design and the ability to translate these into normal language! After spending 7 years in the UK, Pieter packed up and headed home to pursue his passion in the development arena in Africa. He is currently doing his Masters in Sustainable Development. Pieter greatly appreciates living between the mountains and sea, loves cheese and spends too much time on his trusted laptop.
Kim
Kim Lindeboom - Content Manager
Kim grew up in a small town and prides herself in not being a city kid! She graduated with an Honours degree in English from the University of the Western Cape in 2003 and gained her first experience as a writer while interning for the university’s publication, Career Update. She spent 3 years working for the South African government but her passion always lay with writing and communications. Kim joined Potential Africa in April 2008. She takes a keen interest in the environment and participates in projects that benefit children in her community. She enjoys writing short stories and reading South African literature of which her favourite authors include JM Coetzee and Rayda Jacobs.