SOS Africa's South Africa Office

South African President: Henry Matthews

As SOS Africa’s South African President, Henry was jointly responsible for the setting up of the charity in January 2003. Since that day Henry has been incharge of the charity's South African branch. It is not hard to see why Henry is a father of three because of the love and care he gives each child the charity sponsors. For the past six years, not only has he supervised the administration at the South African end, but he has also supervised the day to day running of the charity, helping out with transport, tutoring, marketing etc. Henry provides an invaluable service to SOS Africa, which would not have come to be if it had not been for his determination to help the underprivileged children of Mafikeng:

"It's not just about giving money, it's about sharing the experience and the journey which each child goes through at such an important stage in each of their lives."

As well as his role with SOS Africa, Henry is also Head of Sport at the International School of South Africa, and has recently been appointed President of Mafikeng Rotary Club.

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South African Secretary: Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews, Henry’s wife was appointed as SOS Africa's South African secretary in January 2005. She has adjusted well to her new position, and continues to sucessfully handle an increasing workload as the charity expands. Her main tasks involve taking care of admistrative issues, supporting and caring for the charity's children, marketing and public relations in South Africa and reporting back on the charity's progress to the UK office. Without her support, the continual expansion of SOS Africa's South African office would not have been possible.

Jenny also works at the International School of South Africa as the Primary School secretary, the marketing secretary, and manages the school shop. Each of these skills have provided her with excellent experience when fulfilling her role as the secretary of our South African office.

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Child Mentor: Johanna Pienaar

Johanna has volunteered for SOS Africa as a mentor to its Preprimary School children, since its inauguration in 2003. She carries out probably the most important role of all of SOS Africa's volunteers: caring for the children we support. As a teacher at Mafikeng Preparatory School, the school where the majority of our children begin their educations, Johanna is in the best position to see that they settle into to their new lifestyles. Thanks to her expert supervision, we are kept updated with the progress of our new children. This is essential as the transition from township life to a preparatory school education is a significant one, and children often require extra support to help them through this process. The children of SOS Africa owe much to Johanna, whose love and support helps them through the difficult times:

"Education of the whole child is my passion. It is a privilege to be involved with learners from the previously disadvantaged community and to make a difference in their lives through SOS Africa."

As previously mentioned, Johanna is Head of Department at the Mafikeng Preparatory School. She is also a part-time music school teacher.