Directors
Randel van Heerden
Executive Director
Randel has 15+ years leading community and development projects across Asia, Africa and Central America. Highlights include building container schools in Manila’s Tondo slums, post-disaster recovery, constructing homes with Constru Casa in Guatemala, and managing the rebuild of Abidjan Zoo (Ivory Coast). Sponsored by German and Swiss Embassies, San Diego Zoo and Calao Foundation. Expert in on-site and remote project management. Diplomas in International Marketing, Tourism, Project Management and Architecture.
Swiss-based
Stephanie Perillard
Director of Finance
Seasoned Swiss foreign service professional with deep expertise in international relations, community development and resource planning. Led Swiss-sponsored micro-lending programmes in Sri Lanka and represents Switzerland in innovative impact projects across Africa.
Swiss-based.
Brigitte Lawler
Director of Marketing and Causes
Business strategist specialising in growth, operations and process optimisation for startups and large corporations. Passionate about collaboration, idea-sharing and precise execution of impact-driven initiatives.
Swiss-based
Benise Botha
Director of Projects – South Africa
Dynamic university student balancing studies, competitive sport and youth-focused community projects. Drives initiatives that empower South African youth to build a better future while supporting Swiss4Afrika’s local operations.
South Africa-based.
Cecilia Laas
Director
Expert in South African compliance, finance, payroll and administration. Ensures organisational best practice and regulatory excellence while actively engaging in local projects. When not working, you’ll find her mountain biking or on creative pursuits.
South Africa-based.
Fiona Wolfisberg
Outreach Programme Coordinator
University of Bern student passionate about global cultures and languages. Coordinates programmes connecting Swiss students with community projects in South Africa. Equally happy organising initiatives or lost in a good book.
Swiss-based (Volunteer).
Volunteers
Nomsa Mokoena
Dietitian
Dedicated dietitian (BDietetics, University of Pretoria) who integrates cultural background, budget and personal stories into nutrition planning. Experienced working independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
South Africa-based (Volunteer).
Dr. Sandro Monti
Volunteer Fundraising Ambassador.
has an extensive background in business, social work, sociology, and education, holding a doctorate from the University of Basel.
He has served in senior management within the Swiss public sector, including the Swiss Federal Administration, and is a passionate advocate for social justice, human rights, and good governance.
Active in international social work through AvenirSocial, he brings valuable expertise in social policy, governance, and community development to Swiss4Afrika.
As a volunteer advisor, Sandro is committed to supporting the organisation’s mission of creating sustainable opportunities for disadvantaged communities through education, development, and compassionate action.
Advisors
Mike Gloyne
Advisor ∙ BA Business Studies
Transformation and FinTech leader with 20+ years delivering large-scale programmes in financial services. Brings rigorous project management and finance modelling expertise to maximise Swiss4Afrika’s impact.
Peter Wilburg
Advisor ∙ Director, Wycliffe Switzerland
Holds degrees in Bible & Mission, Public Administration and International Relations. Experienced in intercultural leadership, strategic planning and HR. Thrives helping non-profits and startups succeed through hands-on, values-driven guidance.
Sophie Decelle
Advisor ∙ President, League for the Protection of Animals Senegal
20+ years in wildlife conservation and welfare worldwide. Former Ambassador of the Great Green Wall Senegal and Co-Founder of Calao Association. Trained ranger who champions community-led education and conservation strategies: “Education = Conservation”.