New ideas combined with fresh energy are invaluable in an organisation. iThemba is delighted to welcome dynamic couple, Chris and Kerry Nel, to the team. Chris has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) as of 1 April. This challenging yet rewarding position will entail the implementation of the board’s strategic plan and managing operations, activities and staff. Other key focus areas will be overseeing marketing, fundraising and relationships with donors. The Nel family have recently moved to Hillcrest from Hout Bay in Cape Town and are optimistic about the change. The couple who have four children - Jordan (11), Erin (7), Bevan (6) and Brenna (3) and are pleased to be back in KwaZulu-Natal, where they have previously resided.

Chris and Kerry Nel have joined the iThemba family

“We have always been involved in the community,” explained Kerry. “We have a keen interest in education and family.”

Chris has a background in business, previously at OOBA (formerly Mortgage SA) and prior to that running his own company, whilst Kerry has recently been focusing her energy on motherhood, photography and community work. With experience in media correspondence and a background at Focus on the Family, Kerry will initially be involved at the iThemba Academy in a part-time administration role with a view to expanding this role in the future. The pair’s skills complement each other and they plan to contribute to iThemba as a team.

Chris has clear goals for his new position and hopes to make great strides in the near future. “One of my goals is to ensure that we deepen our relationship with our friends and donors highlighting that what they are giving is investing in people’s lives and restoring hope in people’s lives,” said Chris.

The couple expressed that their definition of hope was, “to have a reason to look forward to the future with an eternal purpose in mind.” With these powerful words the possibilities for growth for iThemba with this couple in the fold are profound.

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