Team
Anne Shongwe - Founder and CEO (MA International Development)
Prior to establishing Afroes, Anne has been an International Development professional with over 20 years of social and economic development experience working with the United Nations and Management Consulting firms across Africa, Asia and the United States.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Lawrence University, New York, a Masters degree in International Development from The American University, Washington DC and a post-graduate Certificate in Management Development from Jones International University in conjunction with the UNDP. |
|
Tom Kabuga - Strategy (MBA)
Tom is a finance and business strategy professional with hands-on experience in structuring and portfolio management. Tom has vast experience in various markets in the execution of business plans as an entrepreneur, strategic consultant and board level director. Tom has identified, evaluated and executed profitable investments in China for SMEs as well as advise small start-ups in innovative areas in Kenya and South Africa. Tom has also worked as a Consultant on the integration of operations across leading telecommunications companies in the US.
Tom holds an MBA from the SAID Business School at University of Oxford, a BA from Middlebury College in Vermont and a certificate in economics, international trade and mandarin from Harbin Institute of Technology, China. |
|
Sipho Ngwenya - Chief Technology Lead (MBA)
Sipho has experience with leading web applications, design and development, work-flow, usability and quality assurance. His past work includes designing communication tools for multi-site collaboration; prototyping an internal artificial intelligence (AI) support tool to assist customers with technical tax questions, along with multiple productivity and information tools.
He has experience with user interface (UI) and web application design as well as testing and quality assurance. His entrepreneurial ventures include an online video platform, a venue booking solution as well as a mobile and web job site. Sipho has an MBA from the University of Liverpool (UK). |
|
Nathan Masyuko - Business Development and Product Manager (BSc) Nathan is co-founder of NexGen. He organizes video game events and tournaments, and retails electronic and computer products. | |
Dzino - Content & Media Lead (MBA) Dzino is cofounder of three media and entertainment companies and has consulted for several media organizations. He is involved in researching and creating new digital content formats and platforms. | |
Phil Groman - Innovations (MA in progress)
Phil Groman is a writer and technologist, with a background in European politics and international relations.
Phil is a specialist in development technology and education. Prior to joining Afroes, Phil worked for some years at one of the leading European think-tanks, engaging governments and civil society in a series of policy, educational and cultural programmes addressing European stability and community cohesion. Prior to this Phil was based in Beijing as a writer and editor for a series of publications, including the major English language newspaper and TV channel. |
|
Mxolisi Xaba - Creations (BA and LLB in progress)
Mxolisi is a trained graphic designer with experience in art research and curatorship. He has worked with numerous young South African artists requiring him to conduct extensive research in communities across South Africa. Mxolisi has had experience in managing heritage projects in partnership with national museums that required project management and coordination skills as well as knowledge and research on African history. Mxolisi is a gamer and is familiar with the trends and habits of other casual gamers in the South African market.
Mxolisi has a Bachelors degree in Technology & Fine Arts from Tshwane University of Technology where he focused on graphic design and heritage management. His role is to assist in the creative design of game concepts and art assets as well as to facilitate the interface between Afroes and the end user in generating content, testing games and designing peer-to-peer distribution networks. |
|
Hazel Sibanda - Finance and Support (BA in progress) Hazel is a competent Finance and Project Administrator for Afroes. Prior to joining Afroes she worked for 4 years for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as Project Assistant for several projects that required her to manage the overall project planning, communication and reporting. She was also responsible for grants administration which required meticulous record keeping. Hazel was responsible for the budget administration and financial management of the various projects for which she was an Administrator. Hazel has a diploma and is working towards a Bachelor of Administration degree. | |
Jovana Korac - Digital Strategist
Jovana has a keen interest in political and developmental anthropology, social entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development. As a consultant for various organisations through two of Africa’s premier digital agencies - She has given in to her her passion that lies with people and development. And with how new media, particularly mobile, is being appropriated for sustainable and on-the-ground solutions in emerging markets. |