HELPING, ONE community AT A TIME.
About Us
Swiss4Afrika is a non-profit organisation based in Switzerland.
Our Mission
We work in Switzerland and South Africa with minorities and the most vulnerable among us. We work to break the cycle of poverty in South Africa, addressing six of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We work with local not-for-profit organisations, focusing on
sustainable solutions that address needs for housing, education, and access to
healthcare (both physical and mental).
We provide skills, resources and know-how to help them better meet the needs of their communities and become self-sufficient in the long term.
We are committed to the reduction of inequalities within and between communities.
To achieve these goals, we work with partners.
Our Beliefs
No one should be left behind. This means that we typically work with smaller Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa who struggle to attract attention or assistance from other sources.
Solutions to poverty are multi-faceted. This means that we focus on 5 core-areas:
Community
We believe that solutions need to come from within. We work with the community leaders to identify their critical needs and to strategize relevant action plans so that they can eventually become self-sufficient.
Buildings
We believe that everyone has the right to safe, warm, and dry accommodation. This includes infrastructure facilities such as proper homes, kitchens, dining areas and ablution blocks.
Education
We believe that education will provide the means to a better life. We support children’s schooling that includes participation in academic, sport and cultural activities.
Skills-based educational programmes for adults are provided so they can contribute to the community and ultimately increase their employability.
Health
We believe that physical health care is critical, both preventative and treatment for illness. Equally important is access to resources for mental health care.
Sustainability
Together with the communities, we work towards sustainable self-sufficiency. With governance and accountability in place, we assist in execution of projects, gradually handing over to self-management and maintenance, while keeping the support channels open.
Why We Care
The founding team of Swiss4Afrika has a long-standing connection to South Africa. We are aware of the difficulties that many people are currently experiencing. We also believe that South Africa has great potential.
We are aware that there are numerous minority non-profit organisations operating within local communities that are facing significant challenges due to a lack of resources.
These non-profit organisations unfortunately find themselves in a position where they are unable to access funding due to the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) of the South African government
This policy which aims to facilitate broader participation in the economy by black people makes it challenging for minority group orphanages, homeless shelters and old age homes to apply for grants or social aid from the South African government, big South African-based corporates and even from locally registered Non-Profit foundations.
And yet they are the only hope for members of their communities.
By helping these local non-profit organisations to be more robust and self-sufficient, we believe they can make a real difference where it matters most.
Meet the Team
Randel van Heerden
Executive Director
Randel has extensive experience in community projects, having lived in several developing countries, Asia, Africa, and Central America. He has contributed to various initiatives, including building container schools in Tondo, Philippines, post-disaster recovery efforts, constructing
houses for the underprivileged with Constru Casa, Guatemala, and leading the construction team in rebuilding Abidjan zoo, Ivory Coast.
Randel received sponsorship from organizations such as the German and Swiss Embassies in Abidjan, San Diego Zoo and Calao Foundation.
He has extensive experience in both on-site project management and remote coordination of multiple projects concurrently.
He is known to be most content when fully engaged in hands-on work. Randel holds diplomas in International Marketing and Tourism, a Higher Certificate in Architectural Drafting, as well as
Project Management and Architecture.
Swiss based
Stephanie Perillard
Director of Finance
Stéphanie is a seasoned professional in the foreign services, with extensive experience in
international relations and community development. She excels in developing strategic
relationships, managing community projects, and ensuring effective organizational and
resource planning. Stéphanie represents Switzerland with distinction, spearheading innovative
projects and making a positive impact on local citizens. Her instrumental role in implementing
Swiss-sponsored micro-lending schemes in Sri Lanka is a testament to her expertise and
dedication.
Swiss based
Brigitte Lawler
Director of Marketing and Causes
Brigitte is experienced in collaborating with businesses to enhance their growth strategies,
streamline their operations, and optimize their processes. She has a passion for assisting startups in achieving their goals and supporting large corporations in improving their existing
practices. Brigitte is adept at facilitating idea-sharing, fostering collaboration, and executing
plans with precision.
Swiss based
Benise Botha
Director of Projects – South Africa
A university student, Benise juggles her studies, sports and volunteering in community projects. Like supporting our administration and operations. And leading the initiatives for the youth who want to build a better tomorrow. Benise can be found training in any number of her sporting activities, conducting research or being creative in the kitchen.
South African Based
Cecilia Laas
Director
With a wealth of experience in back office processes, Cecilia knows what is needed for any organisation to meet South African requirements.
Like finance, payroll and administration. Making sure that we are compliant and are operating with best practices. Cecilia can be found engaging with our local projects, mountain biking with her boys or busy with any of her creative projects.
South African Based
Fiona Wolfisberg
Outreach Programme Coordinator
A university student in Bern fascinated by cultures from all over the world. Fiona will initiate programs involving Swiss students in various projects in South Africa in order to support the local community. Fiona has a passion for languages and other cultures. Some weekends you can also find her with her nose in a good book.
Swiss Based
Volunteers
NOMSA MOKOENA
Dietitian
She is a driven dietitian who puts a lot of pride and effort in her work. Her past leadership roles taught her versatility through working independently, and within multidisciplinary teams. The food we eat carries some emotional connection to our memories and therefore she feel it is important to always consider an individual’s cultural background, budget and their life journey when helping them adjust their diet.
BDietetics, University of Pretoria
South Africa Based
Our Advisors
mike gloyne
Ba. Business Studies
Mike is experienced in leading large-scale transformation programmes in major organizations in financial services sector and FinTech. Mike designs future business models and also manages to keep complex streams working together and on track to deliver.
Bringing his professional project management skills and expertise into Swiss4Afrika, Mike helps to plan and structure our project planning and project finance models, to help ensure that our valuable resources have the most effective impact where they are needed most.
Peter Wilburg
Master’s Degree in Bible and Mission – Scripture Engagement
Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) Public administration and Management
Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations
The Wycliffe global alliance is a community of more than 100 diverse organisations and networks serving together in bible translation movements around the world.
Peter Wilburg has experience in intercultural relations, strategic planning and personnel management. He also believes in leadership by example and has excellent human resources skills. Peter is a problem solver who is equally at home in a non-profit organisation as well as the business world.
He comes alive when he can help others succeed, be that with start-up’s, non-profits or interactive initiatives.
Sophie decelle
President: LPA – League for the Protection of Animals Senegal
Former: Ambassador of the Great Green Wall of Senegal
Co-Founder & Secretary General: Calao Association
Passionate about wildlife and their habitat, Sophie Decelle has achieved more than 20 years’ experience in the conservation area and wildlife welfare.
She studied wildlife ranger and wildlife conservation and was trained in animal parks, reserves, sanctuaries and zoos around the world; this passion benefits as well of 22 years’ expertise in the international organisation.
She believes in the involvement of local communities and in the implementation of education programmes which leads to conservation strategies. Her moto has always been education = conservation
Accountability & Transparency
We are committed to being fully accountable and transparent to the communities we work in, our donors, supporters and the people and organisations that make our work possible.
Donate Now
Join us in making a difference, there are several ways to participate.
What People Are Saying
Director of Katoen Outreach
“We as Katoen Outreach just want to thank Swiss4africa for all their help and support. Our admin can work properly after a donation of a Laptop. They also helped us financially to cover some of the expenses.Swiss4africa also guide us with difficult problems by giving us good advice. They are always there for us in any situation. They also fight poverty to give people a better life. Thank you again to all the Swiss4africa personnel.”
— Willemien R.
Great Initiative
“It is great to see this new initiative in Switzerland. Swiss4Afrika is gaining the much needed support required to make a difference and help a lot of young people”
— Bruce A.
Director of BRH-Architekten
Thank you very much for your tireless commitment in the service of the needy in South Africa. BRH-Architekten Basel actively supports Swiss4Africa with conviction.
– Georg Hammann, Managing
Fantastic
“Hi Randel, hope this message finds you well. Your homepage is fantastic. Thank you for your engagement to make this crazy world to a better place.”
— Marco Z.
I am, on behalf of Swissential, writing to offer my enthusiastic and wholehearted recommendation for Swiss4Afrika, a nonprofit organization that Swissential had the privilege to collaborate with. This organization has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly in their efforts to provide homes for the homeless through charitable initiatives.
Here are a few key reasons why I believe Swiss4Afrika deserves strong support and recognition:
Transparency: Swiss4Afrika maintains a high level of transparency in all their operations and financial dealings. They provide regular updates and reports on how donated funds are utilized, ensuring donors are fully informed and confident in their contributions.
Commitment to Impact: Swiss4Afrika’s focus on providing both education and homes for the homeless underscores their deep commitment to creating tangible and lasting positive change in the communities they serve. They understand the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness and work tirelessly to provide sustainable solutions.
Caring and Compassionate Approach: What truly sets Swiss4Afrika apart is their genuine care for the individuals and families they serve. Their team goes above and beyond to ensure that those they help not only receive shelter but also the support and resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Efficient Use of Resources: Swiss4Afrika demonstrates a commendable efficiency in managing resources. They maximize the impact of every dollar donated, ensuring that the majority of funds go directly toward their mission of providing education, housing and support services.
I wholeheartedly endorse Swiss4Afrika and encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider supporting their vital mission. Their dedication to creating a world where everyone has a safe place to call home is both inspiring and deeply impactful.
Many thanks
Stephen Fyfe MSc, FPFS – Swissential SA
Swiss4Afrika Financial Disclosure
At Swiss4Afrika, we are committed to full transparency regarding our finances and expenditures.
- None of Swiss4Afrika’s board members receive a salary from our fundraising efforts.
- 95% of all funds raised go directly toward our projects, ensuring maximum impact. The remaining 5% covers essential banking and international transfer fees.
- Our Executive Director, Randel van Heerden, works full-time on Swiss4Afrika without compensation.
- All other team members are dedicated volunteers, contributing their time and expertise to further our mission.
We take pride in maintaining a lean operational structure, ensuring that the vast majority of donations directly benefit the communities we support.
For any further financial inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Member of:
