Skills &
structure,
to deliver
the vision

Structure & Team

The Kwano Academy Board of Directors has been established with the structure and team skills to ensure strong governance and to deliver the vision. The Executive Team will be recruited as the expansion of the academy requires and sustainable funding permits.

Board of directors

BOD Sub-Commitees

Executive Organisation

Meet Our Team

Our Directors and Executive Members

Colin Shave

CEO

Colin was born in Cape Town in 1950. After graduating with a BSc and MBA he was recruited by GE where he enjoyed a long and varied career with assignments in South Africa, UK, Venezuela and USA. In 1985 he moved to GE Corporate Headquarters in Fairfield Connecticut, where he was a financial analyst in the office of CEO. In 1988 he joined GE Capital as the CFO of a start-up business in Chicago and in 1991 was appointed CFO for GE Card Services in Connecticut. In 1995 he was appointed Senior Vice President and General manager of the Southern Business Group located in Atlanta and served as Chairman & CEO of the Monogram Credit Bank of Georgia and on the Board for the charity, Habitat for Humanity.

In 2003 he moved to London as Chairman and CEO of GE Money Home Lending. Since 2006 he has been a director of the Habitat for Humanity GB and served as Vice Chairman of the UK Council of Mortgage Lenders in 2010.

Colin is retired and enjoys, travel, reading, mountain biking and golf.

Mike Brierly

Facilities

Mike qualified as a Civil engineer from UCT, and worked for only two years in the construction and consulting profession before moving into the IT industry.

He worked for a number of companies as an IT manager, including Dow Chemical (both abroad and locally), Cargo Carries, Sappi and Times Media. While at Johnnic he acquired a small start-up ISP business, and Mike was appointed as CEO for this business. The business was later moved into MTN SA and after 8 years had become one of the top 3 ISPs in SA.

After completing the acquisition of Verizon SA, Mike left the company and has been consulting in the Telecoms industry and has also been involved in numerous Competition Commission projects.

John Armstrong

Communications

John was born in 1960 in Johannesburg and graduated from University of the Witwatersrand with a .B Sc Chem Eng in 1981 and an MBA in 1989. He spent his career in the business side of Chemical Engineering and retired from Sasol as a Vice President in 2022. He was based mainly in Johannesburg but had the opportunity of an international role and lived in Beijing China for three years.

John is a keen participant in endurance sport activities including Trail Running and Mountain Biking. In 2019 he completed his tenth Comrades marathon earning his Green Number. John is an avid photographer and uses his photographic skills to create lasting memories of his travels. He is a keen wildlife enthusiast and birdwatcher. John completed a certified Coaching Program through the Wits Business School and has some experience coaching MBA students.

Paul Owen

Cycling

Paul Owen, born on September 16, 1953, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, completed his matriculation at Prince Edward High School in 1972. From 1973 to 1975, he pursued his artistic interests at Durban Art School, culminating in the acquisition of a diploma in Art and Graphic Design.

With a desire for broader experiences, Paul spent five years working in the United Kingdom before returning to his roots in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1980. In 1982, he ventured into entrepreneurship, becoming the proud owner of Pro-Graphics Printing.

In 2008, a new chapter in Paul’s life unfolded when he relocated to Plettenberg Bay. He chose to sell his shares in Pro-Graphics and officially retired in November 2016. Beyond his professional life, Paul Owen finds joy in various hobbies such as mountain biking, sailing, paddling, hiking, birdwatching, photography, and extensive travel.

Paul Owen’s extensive background in art and graphic design, coupled with his international experience and entrepreneurial acumen, positions him as a versatile candidate with a broad skill set, ready to contribute to diverse endeavors.

Mike Biesheuvel

Finance

Hailing originally from Johannesburg, Mike Biesheuwel relocated to Plettenberg Bay in 2020 after a successful career in the chemical industry. In 1983, he earned his BSc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand. Mike commenced his professional journey at NCP and later transitioned to Sasol, where he held diverse roles in general management, frequently involving Joint Venture Management. Notably, Mike spent seven years in Germany during an overseas assignment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike is a seasoned endurance athlete with a passion for various disciplines, including mountain biking, trail running, and paddling. As a proud member of the coveted Amabubesi Club, he has completed over three Cape Epic events and boasts medals from the Comrades, Dusi, and Two Oceans events. Embracing an active lifestyle, Mike finds joy in travel, overland camping, hiking, and gardening.

Rob Masefield

Education

Rob was born in Johannesburg. After graduating with a B.Com, he started a career as a software developer. Rob worked as a consultant in many industries including finance, government and United Nations.

Following an MBA, Rob served as IT and Marketing executive for logistics and retail companies. Having started his own education company, he now heads Europe, Middle East and Africa for an ASX-listed online education company.

TANYA McKENZIE

Tanya McKenzie is a seasoned conservationist and administrator with a deep-rooted connection to the African wilderness. She holds a degree in archaeology from Stellenbosch and Pretoria Universities. Tanya’s career began with work at Mashatu Game Reserve, where she supported her late husband, Dr. Andrew McKenzie, in his research on Black-Backed Jackal. They co-authored “The Capture and Care Manual.”

During the 1990s, Tanya managed finances and administration for various companies while raising her two sons. She actively volunteered for Lifeline Pretoria and supported Maretlwane Bush School.

From 2004 to 2009, she managed Ilve SA Range Cookers. In 2009, Tanya relocated to Durban and worked at Mashatu Game Reserve alongside her husband, David Evans. Here, she co-founded the Children in the Wilderness program, educating rural children in wildlife conservation and leadership skills.

Tanya’s conservation efforts extend to her role as a trustee of the Tuli Conservation Trust and her long-standing position on the executive committee of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. She represents Botswana as a delegate in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area and is a trustee of the Nature’s Valley Trust.

Beyond her professional life, Tanya is an enthusiastic mountain biker and nature lover. She, along with her husband, David Evans, now resides in Nature’s Valley, where they aim to continue their commitment to wildlife and environmental conservation, as well as children’s education.

TANIA PFAFF

Tania Pfaff was born and raised in Johannesburg. She successfully completed her Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification and subsequently emigrated with her husband to the United States in 1993, where two of their three sons were born. Tania served as an accountant for a private property business located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Late in 1997, Tania returned to South Africa, compelled by her father-in-law’s ailing health and her husband’s acceptance of a position in private equity at RMB. During this period, she devoted her time to raising their three sons and also delved into various small businesses, driven by a heartfelt desire to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate.

Early in 2020, Tania made a permanent move to Plettenberg Bay. Her commitment to making a positive impact on society remains unwavering.

Enter her involvement with the Kwano Academy – which embodies a perfect intersection of her passion for health, sports (especially mountain biking), education, and commitment to uplifting others through savvy business processes and strategic initiatives.

Chris Lister-James

Chris Lister-James is an entrepreneurial and change-driven leader with a passion for disruption, financial inclusion, social and economic equality and profit with a purpose. Having served on JSE listed companies and NPO’s (Junior Achievement SA, Michaelhouse Diocesan College, and Pridwin Preparatory School), Chris is drawn to contributing to organisations in Plettenberg Bay with the potential to influence community development, stimulate tourism sector growth and marine conservation.

ENZO KUUN

DONALD CHRISTY

Donald Christy is a Marist Brothers College alumnus, and holds a B Compt. from the University of South Africa (UNISA). His extensive career has been predominantly immersed in the retail motor industry, culminating in his position as the Managing Director and shareholder of the Reeds Motor Group in Cape Town. In 2012, he successfully oversaw the divestment of interests in Reeds. Since that juncture, Donald has assumed the role of a non-executive director and shareholder in Andy Cab Canopies (manufacturing) and Motify Group (Dealership systems and consultancy).