Former Chairperson (2012–2014), education leader, governance practitioner, and community activist returns to lead the organisation's Board.

KEY POINTS Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu has been appointed Chairperson of Kagiso Trust, effective 1 July 2026. Nevhutalu has been associated with Kagiso Trust since 1986 and previously served as Chairperson from 2012 to 2014. He brings extensive experience in education, governance, community activism and democratic participation. Nevhutalu succeeds Mankone Ntsaba, who has completed a distinguished six-year term as Chairperson.

Kagiso Trust has announced the appointment of Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu as Chairperson of the organisation, effective 1 July 2026. Nevhutalu succeeds Mankone Ntsaba, who has completed two consecutive terms and six years as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Her tenure provided steady leadership through a period of significant change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, organisational modernisation and the continued expansion of Kagiso Trust's development programmes.

Return to leadership

For Nevhutalu, the appointment marks both a return and a continuation of a relationship that spans four decades. Having first become associated with Kagiso Trust in 1986, he previously served as Chairperson of the organisation from 2012 to 2014. He now returns to lead the Board at a pivotal time in Kagiso Trust's journey as it continues to strengthen its impact in education, socio-economic development, civil society and local governance.

An education leader, governance practitioner and community activist, Nevhutalu holds a Master's degree in Environmental Law and Management together with advanced qualifications in theology. Throughout his career, he has championed quality education, ethical leadership and active citizen participation as essential foundations for sustainable development and social progress. His long association with Kagiso Trust has been shaped by a shared commitment to empowering communities and building capable institutions. He has often acknowledged the late Eric Molobi as a formative influence in his lifelong commitment to public service.

Career and public service

Previously, Nevhutalu served as Executive Manager: Stakeholder Management and Campaigns at the South African National AIDS Council, where he coordinated one of the largest HIV testing and counselling campaigns during the AIDS pandemic. His distinguished public service career also includes serving as Superintendent-General of the Limpopo Department of Education, where he led education management and governance, as well as Provincial Electoral Officer for the Independent Electoral Commission in Limpopo.

In 2006, he coordinated South Africa's electoral assistance mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo's first democratic elections, reflecting his longstanding commitment to strengthening democratic institutions across the continent. Nevhutalu currently serves on the boards of Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Mafhungo Investments and Dzembe Investments. Throughout his career, he has been a respected advocate for education, community activism and civic participation. He has consistently promoted quality education and vocational training as catalysts for opportunity while encouraging active citizenship, strong institutions and community-led development.

Leadership remarks

Rev Zwo as he is affectionately known’s  appointment represents both continuity and a renewed commitment to Kagiso Trust's purpose of Igniting Human Capacity," said Dr Mankodi Moitse, Chief Executive Officer of Kagiso Trust. "His association with Kagiso Trust spans four decades, including his previous service as Chairperson from 2012 to 2014. He brings deep institutional knowledge, strategic leadership and an unwavering commitment to education, governance and community development. We are delighted to welcome him back as Chairperson as we continue working alongside our partners to build stronger, more resilient communities."

Outgoing Chairperson Mankone Ntsaba said it had been a privilege to serve the organisation over the past six years. "I am confident in handing the leadership of the Board to Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu. His deep understanding of Kagiso Trust, combined with his extensive experience in education, governance, community activism and public service, positions him well to guide the organisation into its next chapter."

Accepting the appointment, Nevhutalu said: "It is a great honour to once again serve Kagiso Trust as Chairperson. This organisation has played an important role in my own journey of public service, and I remain deeply committed to its mission. South Africa continues to face complex challenges, but it also possesses extraordinary potential. Kagiso Trust has demonstrated for more than four decades that sustainable development is achieved by investing in people, strengthening institutions and working in partnership with communities. As Chairperson, I look forward to working with my fellow trustees, the executive leadership, staff and our partners as we build on this proud legacy. Together, we will continue to ignite human capacity, strengthen democratic participation and create opportunities that enable communities to thrive."