Meet The Team
The Faces of Our Organization
Since its founding in January 2020, Mind Matters has developed and grown in a positive direction. We’re very proud of the diversity of our team, and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success. Find out more about some of our team members below.
Bomikazi Lupindo
Founder
Bomikazi Lupindo is a dedicated clinical psychologist with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She is currently a Rhodes Scholar and Doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford. She has gained extensive experience working with children, families, and adults within general hospitals and clinics, psychiatric hospitals, correctional, and specialised eating disorder facilities. Her therapeutic work includes administering psychometric, neuropsychological and forensic assessments, employing play therapy techniques, providing family, couples, and adult therapy. Bomikazi is committed to mental health advocacy and community activism, and has been actively involved in campaigns against gender-based violence, anti-bullying and advocating for mental health awareness.
Tatenda Kaponda
Founder
Tatenda Kaponda is a dedicated advocate and scholar with a profound commitment to advancing social justice and human rights in Africa. He holds three qualifications from the University of Cape Town, including a Bachelor of Social Work, Honors in Social Policy and Management, and an MPhil in Human Rights Law. He is a recipient of both the Mandela Rhodes and Canon Collins Scholarships, and his passion lies in improving access to mental health services throughout Africa. He plays a pivotal role at Mind Matters, where he actively contributes to program design and spearheads the monitoring and evaluation processes. Additionally, he engages with matters pertaining to Refugee and Migration Law, serving as an advocacy officer for a non-profit organization based in Cape Town. With his exceptional academic achievements, his commitment to mental health initiatives, and his advocacy work in Refugee and Migration Law, Tatenda Kaponda is a respected and influential figure in the field of social justice.
Zamangwanya Mfubu
Board Member
Zamangwanya Mfubu is a Data Quality Control Officer at the University of Cape Town in the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV and AIDS Management from the University of Stellenbosch and an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences from the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP). During her academic journey, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in practical fieldwork at The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation in Masiphumelele. This experience allowed her to develop expertise in group facilitation and community development, skills that have proven invaluable throughout her career. Zamangwanya Mfubu is a dedicated professional who combines her passion for public health with her expertise in counseling and clinical research. She is engaged in a maternal and child health study called ORCHID, which operates from the Green Clinic within the Gugulethu Community Health Center-KTC maternity ward. Through her work, she strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of mothers and children, contributing to the advancement of healthcare in underserved communities.
Nwabisa Mlandu
Head of the Schools Program
Nwabisa Mlandu is a highly accomplished neuropsychologist with a strong academic background and passion for understanding the human brain. She completed her Masters degree in Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town, focusing on the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Nwabisa is currently employed as an intern neuropsychologist at a prominent private practice, working alongside experienced professionals to assess and diagnose neurological and psychological conditions. Her empathetic and compassionate approach to clients sets her apart, and she is dedicated to ongoing professional development and research initiatives. Nwabisa is also passionate about community outreach, volunteering her time to raise awareness about mental health and neurological disorders. With her extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and genuine dedication to improving the lives of others, Nwabisa Mlandu is a promising and influential figure in the field of neuropsychology, making significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurological and psychological conditions.
Naseeba Hoosen
Social Media Strategist
Naseeba Hoosen is an aspiring Industrial and Organisational Psychologist. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Naseeba has a strong passion towards the re-humanization of the workforce with a focus on career development and wellbeing in the workplace, by providing individual, group and organizations development solutions to human capital challenges and advocating for the inclusion of mental health in the workplace. She has gained extensive experience within the NGO sector, applying a solutionist approach to real life challenges, creating and coordinating meaningful campaigns which provided humanitarian relief, advocacy, research and facilitation on social issues. In addition to this, Naseeba works closely with likeminded individuals in identifying gaps within an unequal society to create resourceful solutions that motivate, inspire and educate youth in life skills and personal and professional leadership development to enhance their employability and become an agent of change. Naseeba is committed to working in various settings and socio-economic contexts with the purpose of assisting individuals to make occupational, educational, and developmental choices to manage their career and lives
Naledi Ngema
Social Media Strategist
Naledi Ngema is an aspiring clinical psychologist and a recent Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology graduate (Cum Laude). She is devoted to promoting inclusive mental health care platforms and elevating mental health literacy levels. With this devotion, she has been involved in the lay counselling programme hosted by the organisation and has branched into curating social media structures for the organisation. She also assists at a local psychiatric hospital with the intention of increasing mental health accessibility. She strongly believes in implementing cultural sensitivity to psychological and therapeutic interventions within contemporary South Africa. Additionally, she has a distinct interest in entering the master’s programme in clinical psychology under the mentorship of one of the founders of the organisation, Bomikazi Lupindo.
Samkelisiwe Mahlungulu
Trainer and Supervisor of Lay Counsellors
Samkelisiwe Mahlungulu is a clinical psychologist in private practice. She obtained her masters degree in clinical psychology from Sefako Makgatho Health Science University and completed her internship and community service at Klerksdorp/ Tshepong Hospital Complex. Her areas of interest are with individuals dealing with relationship conflicts, grief, workplace stress, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma related stress, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her objective as a supervisor is to create a nurturing atmosphere that fosters learning and development for aspiring psychologists.
Kelebile Kele Sebitlo
Trainer and Supervisor of Lay Counsellors
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Kele, a clinical psychologist, earned her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Stellenbosch University. She completed her internship at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital and her community service at Losperfontein Correctional Centre. With extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, her areas of interest include mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse. Kele currently serves as a sessional psychologist at a district hospital, conducting neurological and risk assessments, and providing psychological services to children, and adults to maintain their mental health and well-being. She is dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness and increasing access to mental health care services in low-income communities.
Jacquire Molefe
Trainer and Supervisor of Lay Counsellors
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Jacquire Molefe is a clinical psychologist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of South Africa.
She is currently volunteering as a lay counsellor supervisor with Mind Matters, an NPO organization. She is also working as an E-tutor for UNISA, tutoring undergraduate psychology students online.
Jacquire has gained experience working mostly with adolescents, adults, and the elderly, within psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, and private practice. Her values are creating a safe space for clients that is free of judgement, filled with compassion and helping clients discover their authentic selves. She finds a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment working in the realm of identity work with clients; supporting and guiding clients towards understanding who they are and how this can propel them into experiencing a purposeful and full life.
Nosiphiwo Ntweni
Trainer and Supervisor of Lay Counsellors
Nosiphiwo Ntweni was born and raised in Tsolo, Eastern Cape province of South Africa. She holds multiple post matric formal qualifications inclusing a National Diploma in Financial Information Systems, a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology. Nosiphiwo is a Counselling Psychology holds experience as lecturer and training in Special school for autistic children, several mainstream schools, orphanage, NPO -people with disabilities, rehab for substance abuse, student counselling unit (UFH). She has also worked with NPOs (Women's shelter, youth coaching programme, orphanage), boy's group programme at a local school, and within private practice.
Gina Pierini
Lay Counsellor
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Gina Pierini has recently completed her honours degree in psychology and will continue to pursue her career in psychology as she applies for masters in clinical psychology.
Psychology is a dynamic field with incredible opportunity for growth, challenges and learning how to navigate the world. She has a keen interest in walking this journey alongside others through volunteering at Mind Matters as a lay counsellor.
She believes that we all have something to learn from one another and that the therapeutic journey highlights the uniqueness of each individual.
Nokuthula Ntuli
Lay Counsellor
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Driven by a passion for promoting mental health equity, Nokuthula Ntuli is dedicated to creating culturally sensitive and inclusive spaces where individuals can feel heard, supported, and empowered to navigate their mental health journeys. Through her work as a lay counsellor, she aims to contribute to the broader goal of dismantling barriers to mental health care access and promoting holistic well-being within diverse communities.
Bulelani Makhubela
Lay Counselor
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Bulelani Makhubela’s desire to learn more about the human mind motivates him to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. With the hopes of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. He has an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Zululand, in which he has obtained skills which allow him to better understand Human beings and having empathy towards others. He believes that hr was put on this earth, to be a catalyst of change and to be a compassionate individual to Humans that have mental health issues. His goal in Lay counselling is to make a positive impact in the live of others.
Landa Sicwebu
Lay Counselor
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Landa Sicwebu is a dedicated lay counsellor with a passion for helping others navigate their emotional well-being. Armed with an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA), she brings a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to her work.
Landa's journey began during her undergraduate studies, where she developed a keen interest in understanding human behaviour, cognition, and emotional processes. Her commitment to making a positive impact led her to pursue further specialisation in Psychological Counselling at Honours level.
As an aspiring clinical psychologist, Landa is currently job shadowing at a private practice. Here, she observes seasoned professionals, gaining insights into therapeutic techniques, client interactions, and the intricacies of mental health assessments. Her eagerness to learn and her empathetic nature make her a valuable asset to the team.
Her ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health, one counselling session at a time.
Milisa Kom
Lay Counsellor
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Milisa Kom loves working with people, learning about their different backgrounds and cultures and contributing whenever possible to their growth and positive development. She has an educational background in Social Sciences with an Honours Degree in Social Development and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She has worked in various roles including student support roles such as a tutoring, mentorship, lecturing, exam invigilation and a research admin assistant. She has also worked as an intern in both the NGO sector and the corporate. Her ultimate dream is to leave the world a better place than I found it.
Samkelisiwe Madonda
Lay Counsellor
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As a dedicated student registered counselor, Samkelisiwe Madonda brings a passion for supporting individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Counseling and Therapeutics from UKZN, she has honed her skills in providing compassionate counseling, psycho-education, and community intervention. Her experience spans working with diverse individuals from all walks of life, offering basic psychological assessments, trauma debriefing, and facilitating group therapy sessions. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges. Together, you can embark on a transformative journey towards healing and growth.
Bea Cherian
Lay Counsellor
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Bea Cherian began her journey as an occupational therapy student eventually finding her passion for psychology two years in- better late than never! She managed to complete her undergraduate degree (BA Gen) in two years with distinction and is currently pursuing her honours in psychology. She is passionate about helping people better understand themselves and others and creating a safe environment characterised by compassion and understanding.
Mpho Gazi
Lay Counsellor
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As an aspiring Clinical Psychologist, Mpho Gazi is deeply committed to addressing childhood trauma and advocating for marginalized communities.
Armed with an Honours degree in Psychology, her academic journey has been marked by dedication and excellence, reflected in her membership in the Golden Key Honour Society.
She is driven by a profound desire to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities through compassionate and evidence-based psychological care.