Our board brings diverse experience and a shared commitment to craft education and youth development in South Africa.
Founder
Interior and furniture designer with 25+ years in design. Born and educated in Cape Town with degrees in English, Politics, and Interior Design. Creative Director at Nicky Haslam before opening his eponymous brand on London's Pimlico Road. Leads Africa furniture collections (Safari, Cape Weaver) and the Cape Looms project showcasing heritage weaving talent in South Africa. Manages outreach to philanthropic enterprises and family offices.
Director, Student Affairs
Over a decade of higher-education finance experience. Previously worked with Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape, overseeing financial operations, fund performance, compliance frameworks, and strategic decision-making. Supports governance, academic oversight, and strategic planning at Craft School South Africa.
Director
Strategy, education and programme development leader with extensive experience working with young people. Previously headed the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurship and Personal Development at the UCT Graduate School of Business, overseeing curriculum, recruitment, teaching, funding and alumni relations while mentoring young entrepreneurs. Her career spans banking, market research and academic research, including leading the Modelling and Simulation Hub Africa at UCT, alongside several leadership and governance roles at the University of Cape Town. Holds an Executive MBA from the UCT Graduate School of Business and a BSocSci from UCT.
Industry leaders, philanthropists, and educators guiding our work.
Head of Operations
Professional background in finance, operations, and project management with a Bachelor of Commerce from Stellenbosch University. Worked at Goldman Sachs and Ernst & Young. Managed multiple London properties while raising a family. Joined a South African software company overseeing payroll, accounts, operations, and project management.
Chairwoman, Michaelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship
Founded the acclaimed African design store Merchants on Long (2010). Trained as a painter at Wimbledon College of Art. Nominated to BOF 500 (2013, 2014) and Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum (2014). Sits on the Tate International Council and Zeitz MOCAA Global Council. Trustee of IMIBALA and Chairwoman of the Rupert Museum.
Advisor
Retail and nonprofit sector leader with a distinguished career at The Foschini Group (TFG) in senior executive roles and as MD of Merchandise Procurement. Actively supports charitable initiatives including the Jacques Kallis Foundation and GolfRSA boards. First appointed Craft School board member. Co-partnered and launched the Nordee padel clothing line in 2024.
Chartered Accountant
Partner at Stonehage Fleming Group advising international families, leading the Business Development and Philanthropic Division. Qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001 with Deloitte's Financial Institutions Team after three years at Credit Suisse. Also Chair of Afrika Tikkun UK and Honorary Treasurer of the Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund.
Attorney
Cape Town native with a BA (LLB) from UCT. Served as a Military Law Officer at the Castle after SA Defence Force training. Founded the law firm Henkes Nolte-Joubert with 25+ years of practice. Expert in commercial work, High Court and Magistrates Court litigation, sale agreements, leases, shareholders agreements, franchising, and labour issues.
Education Principal
Founder and director of Design Time (PTY) Ltd, a School of Interior Design established in 1987 with international renown. Recognised for developing an exceptional alumni network with national and international acclaim. Known for operational excellence, strategic vision, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams collaborating with industry leaders.