About Us
TRUSTEES
The Makana Winds of Change Community Trust Board is comprised of representatives from the Community, the Project Company and Independent Trustees.
Bongile James – Project Company Trustee
Bongile is a Project Finance Associate at EDF Power Solutions. He has been with EDF Power Solutions since March 2023. His role involves supporting the structuring, analysis, and execution of energy projects that EDF Power Solutions invests in.
Having grown up in a mining community, he is committed to serving as a trustee because he believes in the upliftment and empowerment of communities.
As a trustee, this role allows him to contribute to decisions that promote equity, sustainability and meaningful, tangible change.
He strives to ensure the responsible and prudent management of the Makana Winds of Change Community Trust resources.
He is a Chartered Accountant by qualification and has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants since 2016.
Zamaswazi Luswazi – Independent Trustee
Zamaswazi serves as a Senior Engineering Manager, with over a decade of experience in engineering interface, infrastructure coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Her professional background includes involvement in renewable energy initiatives, particularly within the energy sector, where she has supported community liaison, and operational and maintenance planning aligned with sustainable development goals.
With a track record in managing complex infrastructure projects and leading diverse teams, she brings practical insight, strategic thinking, and governance capability to the Trust. She is committed to environmental sustainability and inclusive community development, which drives her passion for contributing as a trustee.
“Serving on the Trust provides an opportunity to align my professional expertise with my belief in renewable energy as a catalyst for lasting economic and social impact. I am also a proud parent and lifelong learner, committed to continuous growth and making a meaningful contribution wherever I serve.
Words I currently live by, “Be present, take responsibility, and be the change you want to see.”
Kabelo Setsiba – Independent Trustee, Trust Chairperson
Kabelo Setsiba is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and the founder of an independent accounting practice (Tubatse Chartered Accountants Inc) dedicated to serving small and medium enterprises. With a strong professional background in financial management, compliance, and advisory services, Kabelo brings extensive experience to the Trust.
He has worked extensively with community-based businesses and development initiatives across the Eastern Cape, offering strategic support to unlock growth, funding, and sustainability. His understanding of local economic challenges and opportunities equips him to contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s mission.
Kabelo is passionate about empowering communities through inclusive development and sound governance. His commitment to accountability and social impact aligns with the values of the Makana Winds of Change Community Trust, and he is honoured to serve as an Independent Trustee.
Siphe Mahonga – Project Company Trustee
Siphe Mahonga is a qualified Project Manager with over 7 years of experience in the renewable energy industry, primarily in project coordination and management during the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, and close-out process of projects.
Her role in project management involved in-depth stakeholder relations management and interactions with various stakeholders. Siphe has been involved in ensuring that the economic development obligations made by the project companies in relation to the communities are continually met, oftentimes over and above the commitments made under the implementation agreement. This has laid a solid foundation in terms of being able to bridge the gap between project company needs and of those who are meant to benefit both socially and economically from these projects. More importantly, it has provided the sincere appreciation of the impact of the Social and Economic Development initiatives brought about by our renewable energy projects, not only generating power to alleviate our national electricity crisis, but also to empower and improve the livelihood of the communities experiencing socio-economic vulnerability, and more importantly, to create a legacy of sustainable programmes of improvement through our projects to leave a lasting impact to the affected communities.
Being a Trustee for the Makana Winds of Change is an opportunity she takes very seriously,as it not only allows a space to use her expertise for the benefit of others, but it also aligns with her values.
Zephrus Molewa – Independent Trustee
Zephrus Molewa is a seasoned People, Culture, and Transformation professional with over 16 years’ experience across State-Owned Entities, the public and private sectors, and Higher Education. He has held senior leadership roles, including Senior Manager: Human Resources and Executive Manager: Corporate Services, overseeing portfolios such as HR, ICT, Legal, Communications, Facilities, Security, Risk, Compliance, OHS, and Records Management. His expertise spans Corporate Strategy, Governance, and Organisational Development.
Academically, he holds a B.Admin (Industrial Psychology & Public Administration), B.Admin Honours (HRM), LLB with PVT, Postgraduate Diploma (Organisational Development), MCom, and MBL (Corporate Strategy elective). He is finalising a Doctor of Commerce in HRM. He has also lectured in HR disciplines within Commerce and Management faculties.
Mr Molewa is Founder and MD of Afrisight (Pty) Ltd, a consulting firm specialising in HR, Strategy, and Governance, and has presented papers on leadership, organisational design, sustainability, and governance. He has served as a Non-Executive Director and committee member for organisations including NYDA, ICASA, SANAC, and TUT. He is a Master HR Professional (SABPP) and IoDSA member.
Manezi Mbeju – Community Trustee
Manezi Mbeju was born and bred in Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown) and still lives there. He has worked all over the Eastern Cape Province, both in the non-profit and private sectors.
Mr. Mbeju has vast community experience acquired from programs such as Love Life and Groundbreaker, which focused on HIV awareness and ran the Fingo Festival children program in Makhanda.
He served as a Board member at Jabez Aids Care Centre and Hobbiton in Hogsback.
Mr. Mbeju also spent two years working at Pine Lodge Resort in Qheberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) as the Operational Adventure Manager. Furthermore, he has worked as a Manager at Fairwood Outdoor Adventures Centre in Makhanda.
Mr. Mbeju is a passionate tour guide in and around the Eastern Cape and thoroughly enjoys hiking & climbing mountains. He is a very devoted member of the Zion Christian Church.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the Trust decide on who to fund?
The Trust opens up applications for funding on a yearly basis. The Trust decides on who to fund depending on how aligned the project/programme is to the Trusts Strategy and the impact that the project would have on the community.
How can I get in communication with the Trust?
You can contact the Trust via email on info@makanawindsofchangetrust.co.za or send us a message under our Contact us section *here*
Where does the Trusts get its funds?
How often does the Trust meet with the Community?
The Trust meets annually with the community at a local AGM. The date of the AGM is announced one month prior to meeting through local advertisements and the website. Please look out for the announcement under our News Section *here*
How is the Trust operated?
The Trust operates through its Deed. This legal policy prescribes the Trusts objectives and instructs on what is permissible within the operation of the Trust.