Theresa grew up in the rural Eastern Cape in a family that strove to live a lifestyle friendly to the planet and accessible to all. From a young age she was exposed to a diversity of realities that created the foundation for her deep love for people, the land and the relationships between them.

She has over 15 years experience in the communications industry where she used her powerful visual storytelling skills to distil complex information into compelling content to make it accessible to much wider audiences. She believes that in order to overcome many of the barriers that are stacked against the majority, we need to remember old ways and create new ways that allow for each other to be authentically seen and heard, and this is what drives her passion in the communications field.

Marliese has had an interesting and varied career, from investment administration, to shoe-making, cheffing, natural house building and facilities management. But the highlight of those years for her was working in the NGO sector educating scholars and assisting schools in establishing viable permaculture practices and food forests. When she heard about Amava, she recognised a similarity in their ethos and vision, in the work of educating, uplifting and enriching communities. She is currently furthering her studies in accounting and in this role is able to use her skills to contribute to Amava by assisting with financial administration, planning, and management processes.

Zaid Philander is a passionate social entrepreneur who trains people from under-resourced communities how to design, sew and make upcycled products under the brand I Scream & Red. Zaid works as a Community Art Counsellor, aimed at empowering adults how to implement healing art classes in under-resourced communities with traumatised individuals whilst working directly with youth and children through creativity and art. He is passionate about networking and as a result of the Pollinating Pride in People Programme at Amava Oluntu, he also coordinates the Vrygrond Community Peace Garden at the Vrygrond Community Centre.

Claire collaborates with Amava in various forms: project management, creative facilitation, graphic harvesting, illustration and participatory mural painting. She draws on her experience of working over the years within Muizenberg and the various community projects that she has created or been a part of.