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SAVE Foundation

SAVE Logo

Meet The Team

Meet the passionate team behind SAVE Foundation, supporting volunteer, conservation and community projects across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. I would personally use the first option because it feels more established, trustworthy and Google Grants friendly while still sounding natural and human.

SAVE Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees registered under NPO 088-104. The Board provides strategic oversight, ensures accountability, and guides the long-term direction of the organisation.

Management & Operations

SAVE MANAGER l CHAIRPERSON
Saranne Hudson

My name is Saranne Hudson and I am the manager of SAVE foundation. I am someone who lives with intention, heart, and a deep sense of purpose. I care deeply about people, about the world we live in, and about the impact I leave behind. Sport is a huge part of who I am, it fuels me, grounds me, and gives me a way to uplift and connect with others. I’m equally passionate about conservation, protecting what matters, and ensuring there is something beautiful left for future generations. SAVE isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am, I live and breathe it in the way I show up, the way I care, and the way I strive to make a difference every single day.

SAVE ASSISTANT
Thashmira

I am the Executive Assistant to Carla Ferreira, who has fondly nicknamed me ThashGPT. I’ve been with SAVE for a year now and I genuinely love what I do and what we stand for as an organisation. Excel and Powerpoint are basically my best friends and when I’m not in full PA mode, I am studying part-time towards my BCom in Human Resources. And because I clearly can not sit still, outside of my work and studies, I enjoy crocheting, reading, drawing and taking on DIY projects with my power tools.

SAVE DRIVER l VICE CHAIRPERSON
Ndumiso Velem

My name is Ndumiso, everyone calls me Mdumi at SAVE Foundation, and that alone shows me a lot of love. I started working here in April 2021 and my love for my job grows daily.

My best moments at SAVE are when I see the smiles on volunteers’ faces and the happiness in Adventure Club kids. Outside of work I’m always in my small veggie garden in Dunoon or getting busy with some DIY. How can I forget the love and respect I get from my manager and the volunteers!

SAVE RESERVATIONIST

Sandy

I’m Sandy. With 16 years of experience in the backpacking industry, I now work as the Reservationist for SAVE Volunteering, where I help coordinate placements and book exciting tours and activities for volunteers in Cape Town.

Outside of work, I’m usually at the nursery, happily feeding my ever-growing cactus addiction

SAVE INTERN
Maja

Hi, I am Maja an Intern at SAVE for a year and I am 7 months deep. I am from Germany and I am 19 old. I love working with Kids and organising any thing and everything. You could say it’s my special trait. It can make life hard but it also ensures that my room is always clean

BRAND AMBASSADOR
Cian

Hi, I’m Cian, Brand Ambassador for SAVE Foundation. I’m a dynamic and creative individual with a deep appreciation for 70s and 80s music, often drawing inspiration from the timeless energy of those eras.

I hold a cheffing degree with two years of experience in fine dining, where I developed strong culinary technique and the ability to thrive under pressure. I’ve been with SAVE for nearly a year, and I genuinely love the challenge and the opportunity to work with people every day.

SCHOOL & EDUCARE PROJECT LEADERS

SCHOOL & EDUCARE PROJECT LEADER
Frederikke (Fred)
Hi, I’m Frederikke — but everyone calls me Fred. I’m 21 years old and from Denmark, currently on my third gap year… because I clearly can’t stay away from SAVE. I first came to SAVE in 2024, and what was meant to be a short visit quickly became something much bigger. I fell in love with the people, the energy, and especially the kids at Sunshine Educare — a place that very quickly became my second home. Now I’m volunteering as a Project Leader with SAVE, and I’m also the Vice Principal at Sunshine Educare — which means no two days are ever the same.
SUNSHINE EDUCARE PRINCIPAL
Loukas Wallaart
My name is Loukas Wallaart, I am 36 years old, and I come from the Netherlands. I serve as the Principal at Sunshine Educare, a role I have been in for about a year and a half since November 2024, working as a full-time volunteer. I studied mathematics and worked as a maths teacher for five years before finding my calling at Sunshine Educare, where I feel truly at home. I hope to continue this work for many years to come.
FOOTSTEPS EDUCARE PRINCIPAL
Phumeza Ntsantsa
My name is Phumeza Ntsantsa. I am the owner of Footsteps Educare and Aftercare in Dunoon, which I have run for 16 years. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Development from the College of Cape Town. I am also Chairperson of the Dunoon ECD Forum and a Sub-Councillor Committee Member under the Education Sector. Beside Footsteps, I am a community servant — feeding my people and helping disadvantaged children. I love what I do.
NYAKALLO KIDZ ACADEMY PRINCIPAL
Elizabeth Malope
My name is Elizabeth Malope (aka Mama). I am the founder and Principal of Nyakallo Kidz Academy and Aftercare, based in Dunoon. I have a Level 5 ECD qualification and a Secretarial Diploma. I love children and feel it is my calling. I am a mother of three girls and foster four children, my home is a safe house for vulnerable children in our community. I’ve been with SAVE for 8 years and I’m grateful for all the support over the years. Thank you to every volunteer who came to our school and made a difference.

HARARE KIDZ PRINCIPAL

Esteline Sauls
My name is Esteline Sauls and I am the Principal and owner of Harare Kidz. This school, my children, and my staff are where my heart is. It is what I am and who I am called to be. I am currently rebuilding our school after an unfortunate fire in January 2026. I am a single mom who raised my son, who is now in college. My grandson lives with me and I care for him while my son studies. Harare means “one who does not sleep” — now you know why!
PITTER PATTER ECD PRINCIPAL
Chantel Farao

My name is Chantel Farao, originally from Cradock in the Eastern Cape. What I do today started simply, when we moved to Dunoon, a few parents asked for help and I began caring for children in my own living room.
That small act grew into a fully formalised ECD centre, a qualification I completed while running it. Through SAVE Foundation, whose support,  financial and personal, has meant the world, I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

SCHOOL & EDUCARE PROJECT LEADERS

SECRETARY
Jorne De Haes
I’m Jorne — Secretary of the Board, all-round digital wizard, and lifelong intern. The myth goes that I joined SAVE in the previous decade and quietly became part of the furniture. In addition to planning and recording Board meetings, I advise SAVE drawing on my background in communication and experience in fast-paced business environments, particularly within festivals and events. In life, I pursue purpose-driven projects that bring people together to create a positive impact on the world.
BOARD MEMBER
Yulia

I am Yulia, 22 years old, currently finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Germany. My connection to SAVE began in 2022, when I had the opportunity to lead the Adventure Club during my time here. This gave me valuable hands-on insight into the foundation’s work and impact. Today, I contribute from an operational and practical perspective, bringing on-the-ground experience. I strongly believe there is even greater potential for SAVE to grow and make an even bigger impact in the future.

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