REGIONAL HEADS

Dr Ganzamungu Zihindula is a Global Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity, an associate professor of public health epidemiology and a health promotion specialist with experience in running trauma-informed care (TIC) training programs in three countries to help health care workers identify and prevent risk factors for mental health. 

He has published more than 35 peer reviewed articles and has presented at more than 50 national and international conferences. Dr Zihindula’s work is influenced by his lived experiences of forced migration, his advocacy for inclusion of forcibly displaced persons in health and social care services.

His work is found at the intersection between access to care, health promotion intervention development implementation and evaluation, human resource for health, prevention strategies for NCDs (Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension & Mental health conditions), forced migration health. He is passionate about health inclusion, health equity and social justice for the socially excluded people. 

Dr Zihindula is the co-founder for South Africa Refugee-led network (SARLN), the Displaced Women Organisations Network (D-WONET), and the Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF).  He is the founder of Healthy rural Society Africa (HRSA), the Urban Refugee & Asylum Seekers Assistance (www.urasa.org), and Action de Transformation Social a Impact Durable (ATRASID). 

Dr Zihindula is a member of the steering committee, centre for forced migration studies at Trinity College Dublin, member of the Africa Brain Health Network (ABHN), member of Population Association of Southern Africa (PASA), and the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA).

He works as a Research Scientist at centre for Global Health, between the school of Medicine and School of Psychology, University of Dublin. He is implementing a Translational Simulation for Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) intervention in acute-setting hospitals, aimed at improving the quality of care for staff and patients who have experienced one or more traumatic events in their lifetime. 

Him and other global Atlantic Fellows are actively involved in prevention and promotion strategies of brain health for forcibly displaced persons in Bosnia, Ireland, South Africa, UK, and Uganda. On weekend, Dr Zihindula leads the rollout of  his current preventive initiative on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programme for refugees in Ireland, called MHPSS4RI.

Malipo Lundamiza Mbalanga is an asylum seeker from DR Congo with live experience. He was once arrested for four days for being an asylum seeker. He is Human Rights Defender and Activiste who advocate for migrants, refugee, asylum seekers and stateless people around the continent and beyond.

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga have published several articles relating to human rights violations in South Africa and Mozambique.  

Between 2006-2007, Vice-President & Co-founder of Hekima Salamu Club in DRC & Burundi. 2008, Teacher at Muungano Primary School at Musasa refugee camp Burundi 2012-2018, Spokesperson and co-founder of The Congolese Community of Refugee of Port Elizabeth (CCRPE)

Since 2015 – Present, Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga is Language Specialist and language Practitioner at Department of Justice and the Office of Chief Justice as FLI.

As from 2018 - Present, Founder, Chairperson and Executive Director of African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA)www.armahumanitarian.org 

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga is an Author of the Book “The Power of Understanding the Teachings” and other several articles relating to relationship.

Between 2020 – Present, Chairperson of Foreign Languages Interpreters’ Association “FLIA” South Africa

As a leader of the community and ARMA, Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga  was acting between 2022, May – 2022, August 13 as Provincial Chairperson of the South African Refugee Led Network Eastern Cape (SARLN EC)

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga was elected in 2022, August 13 - 10 July 2024 as a Provincial Chairperson of the South African Refugee Led Network Eastern Cape (SARLN EC)

2023, Co-author of the report of African Refugee Led Network summit held in Pretoria South Africa.

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga was appointed as University of People Ambassador.

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga is Co-founder of Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF).

Rev. MMASSA AUGUSTIN AMURI 

He is a recognized Refugee from the DRC in South Africa since 2010.

He holds a BTh degree  in Theology and he was awarded a certificate in Redio Communications in the ministry by the University of Pretoria. 

Holder of a certificate level 3 in Counseling and leadership 1.

Rev. Mmassa Augustin Amuri is the spokesperson of the Congolese Community of Refugees in Port Elizabeth (CCRPE) since 2018 to date.

By the grace of he was ordained and became a minister of the Gospel in 2017, later he founded the Christ's Glory Gospel Church (CGGC) in 2020.

He is the current (SADC) Regional Treasurer of The Southern Africa Refugee Organization Forum (SAROF).

Mr Mukandjwa Shomri is a dynamic and accomplished journalist, community leader, and passionate storyteller. 

Throughout his academic journey, Shomari actively engaged with various community organizations, fostering meaningful connections and cultivating valuable experience. Key roles include:

- Founder and President of Islamic Movement for Empowerment and Development "IMED" (2006): IMED is an Islamic refugee community organisation whose main is to look after abandoned refugee children. IMED has looked after 20 abandoned refugees children and   sent them to schools and vocational training centres, learning practical skills despite financial constraints.Shomari was secretary of  Refugee Welfare "RWC in 2005. Under his tenure of secretary, RWC successfully fought and won against ALERT security company that exploited refugees and asylum seekers by making them work under inhuman conditions as security guards...and ALERT security company was subsequently deregistered and ceased its operation after RWC has layed complaints to relevant government departments and institutions.

Shomari has been the chairperson of the Movement of Development for Congolese in South Africa, MODECOSA since 2016.  MODECOSA is a self-help organization with the main aim to supprting members financially in terms of boosting small businesses. Every member of MODECOSA has equitably benefitted from this programme.

Shomari is also the co-founder of the Voice of Azania since 2019, an organisation whose aim is to bring locals and non-locals together.

Shomari's professional endeavours have equipped him with:

- Strong research and interviewing skills,

- Effective communication and teamwork abilities,

- Proficiency in editing and content management systems, and 

- a keen understanding of journalism ethics and law. He has thus far written numerous articles on the refugee situation in South Africa, including: The Voice of Voiceless Refugee in South Africa, in 2004, where he talked about xenophobia and ill-treaments of refugees by government and the total absence of humanitarian organisations; he also wrote "The Categories of Xenophobia in South Africa", in 2017, defining types of xenophobia,using for the time, terms like community,and administrative or bureaucratic xenophobia

As a dedicated community advocate, Shomari continues to contribute to local initiatives, leveraging his journalism skills to amplify marginalized voices.

Currently, Shomari serves as the Chairperson of Emo 'ya M'mbembe M'mbondo "EMMSA," where they produce compelling work and drive community engagements. His passion for equality and human dignity propel to enroll for a free online human rights course starting soon.

Shomari commitments to community service and social responsibility make him a valuable asset to any organisation."

Dr. KM Kandolo is a distinguished scholar holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration, with a focus on digital and financial literacy, gender equality, poverty alleviation, women's entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. 

Driven by a commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting socio-economic development, Dr. Kandolo's research emphasizes the empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly women, through entrepreneurship and financial education initiatives. Proficient in English, French, Swahili, and Lingala, 

Dr. Kandolo is dedicated to overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers to facilitate inclusive economic growth and prosperity. Through an interdisciplinary approach and a strong commitment to social impact, Dr. Kandolo aims to contribute significantly to the field of women's entrepreneurship and foster positive societal change. Additionally, he serves as the president and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Union for Integral Development in Africa (UDIF).

Mr. Willy Mena Musenge holds an Honours degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor's degree in General Management. He is currently the Director of the Refugee Children’s Project (RCP) and serves on its Board of Directors. The Refugee Children’s Project is a relief and advocacy organization that assists migrants, as well as vulnerable, destitute, and marginalized children, women, and families in and around Johannesburg, South Africa.

Before being appointed Director in February 2020, Mena served as RCP's General Program Manager, overseeing all of the organization's strategic programs for over 15 years in South Africa. He also led RCP’s provincial office in Limpopo, where he played a key role in the expansion of RCP's work into other provinces, supporting refugees and migrants throughout South Africa.

Prior to joining RCP, Mena was a Project Director at the South African Refugee Action (SARA), where he managed major research projects, advocacy efforts, and evaluations. He has also been involved in various initiatives focused on crime prevention among children and youth in South Africa..

Mr Eric Butoke Jean Madel is a refugee from Burundi living in SA since 2008. Bachelors in Community Development studies at ISGM (DRC ) 

Senior Certificate in Civilian Peace Building management ( St Augustine College of South Africa Johannesburg)

Doing Honors of Theological   Philosophy at Mukhanyo Theological University ( SA Pinetown Campus) 

Passionate in Refugee affairs since 2009.

Project director at Durban aid foundation 2016-2022.

Secretary General at Africa Refugee Social cooperation 2017-date.

Provincial Project Manager at Afrika Awake 2020-date

Mr Eric Butoke Jean Madel is a refugee from Burundi living in SA since 2008. Bachelors in Community Development studies at ISGM (DRC ) 

Senior Certificate in Civilian Peace Building management ( St Augustine College of South Africa Johannesburg)

Doing Honors of Theological   Philosophy at Mukhanyo Theological University ( SA Pinetown Campus) 

Passionate in Refugee affairs since 2009.

Project director at Durban aid foundation 2016-2022.

Secretary General at Africa Refugee Social cooperation 2017-date.

Provincial Project Manager at Afrika Awake 2020-date

Mukandjwa Shomri is a dynamic and accomplished journalist, community leader, and passionate storyteller. 

Throughout his academic journey, Shomari actively engaged with various community organizations, fostering meaningful connections and cultivating valuable experience. Key roles include:

- Founder and President of Islamic Movement for Empowerment and Development "IMED" (2006): IMED is an Islamic refugee community organisation whose main is to look after abandoned refugee children. IMED has looked after 20 abandoned refugees children and   sent them to schools and vocational training centres, learning practical skills despite financial constraints.Shomari was secretary of  Refugee Welfare "RWC in 2005. Under his tenure of secretary, RWC successfully fought and won against ALERT security company that exploited refugees and asylum seekers by making them work under inhuman conditions as security guards...and ALERT security company was subsequently deregistered and ceased its operation after RWC has layed complaints to relevant government departments and institutions.

Shomari has been the chairperson of the Movement of Development for Congolese in South Africa, MODECOSA since 2016.  MODECOSA is a self-help organization with the main aim to supprting members financially in terms of boosting small businesses. Every member of MODECOSA has equitably benefitted from this programme.

Shomari is also the co-founder of the Voice of Azania since 2019, an organisation whose aim is to bring locals and non-locals together.

Shomari's professional endeavours have equipped him with:

- Strong research and interviewing skills,

- Effective communication and teamwork abilities,

- Proficiency in editing and content management systems, and 

- a keen understanding of journalism ethics and law. He has thus far written numerous articles on the refugee situation in South Africa, including: The Voice of Voiceless Refugee in South Africa, in 2004, where he talked about xenophobia and ill-treaments of refugees by government and the total absence of humanitarian organisations; he also wrote "The Categories of Xenophobia in South Africa", in 2017, defining types of xenophobia,using for the time, terms like community,and administrative or bureaucratic xenophobia

As a dedicated community advocate, Shomari continues to contribute to local initiatives, leveraging his journalism skills to amplify marginalized voices.

Currently, Shomari serves as the Chairperson of Emo 'ya M'mbembe M'mbondo "EMMSA," where they produce compelling work and drive community engagements. His passion for equality and human dignity propel to enroll for a free online human rights course starting soon.

Shomari commitments to community service and social responsibility make him a valuable asset to any organisation."

Belinda Lwaboshi is a Health Promotion and Community Development Practitioner (Masters) with experiences in Public Health Programming, Health promotion intervention development, implementation and evaluation to promote rural development.

She is interested in maternal and child health,  youth and adolescent health and refugee health services research.

Her focus areas include health and social sciences research in reproductive health, social change and access to healthcare services. 

 She has been participating  in project providing technical support and implementation of appropriate health programs in both public and private sectors in South Africa.

Mr. Willy Mena Musenge holds an Honours degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor's degree in General Management. He is currently the Director of the Refugee Children’s Project (RCP) and serves on its Board of Directors. The Refugee Children’s Project is a relief and advocacy organization that assists migrants, as well as vulnerable, destitute, and marginalized children, women, and families in and around Johannesburg, South Africa.

Before being appointed Director in February 2020, Mena served as RCP's General Program Manager, overseeing all of the organization's strategic programs for over 15 years in South Africa. He also led RCP’s provincial office in Limpopo, where he played a key role in the expansion of RCP's work into other provinces, supporting refugees and migrants throughout South Africa.

Prior to joining RCP, Mena was a Project Director at the South African Refugee Action (SARA), where he managed major research projects, advocacy efforts, and evaluations. He has also been involved in various initiatives focused on crime prevention among children and youth in South Africa.

Zaina Ramadhani is a vibrant and determined young woman originally from Congo DRC, but South Africa has been my home since the age of three. With the weight of being the third-born in a family of eight, I have embraced responsibility from a young age, nurturing my siblings as soon as I was tall enough to reach my mother's stove. Despite growing up in a financially unstable environment, I have never let that define my limits. Instead, it fuels my drive to build a life of purpose and success, not just for myself, but for those around me.

Currently an undergraduate, I do my best to balances my studies, work, and entrepreneurial pursuits, all while keeping an eye on the ultimate goal: uplifting herself and her community. 

PIERRE BUSIME KARUS

MALAWI Steering Committee Member 

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Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.