Renske Minnaar
CEO
Renske Minnaar has been at the helm of Bergzicht Training & Development as CEO since May 2013. Along with her team, she has worked tirelessly to drive the vision of our founding members and to ensure the financial sustainability of our organisation by focusing on fundraising, programme accreditation, financial control and the relevance of our organisation’s training.
Renske completed a Diploma in Hotel Management in Johannesburg in 1981, where after she built a career in the Hospitality and Services industries working in various marketing and sales positions at Fedics Food Services, Avis, Teljoy Communications and also at Vodacom. There she was involved in the company’s first cellular phone roll-out in South Africa in 1994 and later in Australia. In 1996 she entered the wine industry focusing specifically on export marketing and also brand development at Spier, a well-known wine estate in Stellenbosch.
She joined our NGO in June 2011 as a Director of our Board and served on the Board until May 2013, when she was appointed as CEO.
Nathalie Skippers
Social Development & Training Manager
Nathalie Skippers joined Bergzicht Training & Development in February 2018 and is responsible for professional mentoring and support to students and alumni. Her role grew over the years from student support to playing a key role in the expanding of the organisation’s developmental offering to enhance sustainable career development for Bergzicht alumnus.
Nathalie is a registered social worker with more than 20 years of experience working as a Social Worker and Probation Officer in the non-profit sector and for the Department of Social Development. Her dedication to the field of social work is apparent from the various awards she received from the Department of Social Development over the years – from the Newcomer Showing the Greatest Potential Award in 2003 to the Merit Award for Excellent Social Work Services in 2013. Nathalie has also worked as a Co-Coordinator for the Johann Rupert Bursary Fund of the Johann & Gaynor Rupert Foundation where she also offered career guidance and mentoring to learners.
An experienced Project Manager and Facilitator, Nathalie has also been involved in community outreach programmes with the private organisations Kingdom Kids and Prospering Parents. She is proficient in conceptualising youth development programmes, and offering career guidance and mentoring to learners through these organisations.
Louisa le Roux
Fundraising Administrator
Louisa joined Bergzicht Training & Development in 2016. She is primarily responsible for Fundraising and Training Material Development and also serves on the Student Selection Panel. Aspiring to make a positive contribution through teaching and upliftment, she believes education is a key to future success.
Louisa’s qualifications include a Master’s degree (Cum Laude) in Classical Culture (University of Stellenbosch), a Higher Education Diploma (University of Stellenbosch) and Secretarial Skills (Stellenbosch College), including Office Management.
Louisa has solid experience in empowering the disadvantaged and disabled through involvement in rehabilitation and mental development programmes. She has previously also held positions as Public Relations Officer and Research Executive, where she was responsible for sales and marketing, project management and client relations respectively. Furthermore, she has also worked in Kenya as a Volunteer Group Instructor to facilitate horse riding therapy at Riding for the Disabled.
Reneé Leiths
Receptionist
Renee joined Bergzicht Training & Development in 2023. Renee joins Bergzicht with 17 years administrative experience with her last position where she worked in the Stellenbosch Hospice Book Shop. She understands the culture of NGO world and has a passion for the industry. In her position as Reception she is responsible for candidate registration, student orientation and assisting in administration across all departments.
After matriculating in Cloetesville in 2003 she completed a PA/Office Administrator course at JCT Computer Training Centre. She is a local resident and currently resides in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch.
Jenni Moses
Office Administrator
Jenni Moses, joined Bergzicht Training & Development in 2023. After 24 years as a customer service professional in the banking industry she brings a wealth of knowledge to Bergzicht in her position as Office Administrator. As part of her responsibilities she prides herself in maintaining the high standard of service delivery to all of Bergzicht’s stakeholders.
Jenni’s skill set includes excellent time management, people management, customer relations and problem solving. She is a local resident of Stellenbosch and lives with her two sons in Idas Valley.
Nicole Okkers
Training Administrator
Nicole joined Bergzicht Training & Development in 2023. With 6 years experience in the challenging career of debt collection at a local attorney firm she brings her disciplined administration knowledge from this profession to this training administrative position. With the the guidance and leadership of the Training Manager, Nicole is responsible for securing programme accreditation and support, policies and procedures and student administration. She is organised, self-motivated and passionate about continually improving the accreditation standards of Bergzicht.
After matriculating in 2013, Nicole obtained a Certificate in Winemaking at Pinotage Youth Development Academy.
Nicole hails from Jamestown, enjoys outdoor activities and volunteers with her local community outreach programmes.
Her qualifications include a National diploma in Management Assistance (Boland College) and professional designation as Skills Development Technician (ASDSA).
