JABULANI board
Ben Gaunt Director and founder From 2005 to 2022, Ben served as the Clinical Manager at Zithulele Hospital, steering its growth into an institution renowned for delivering excellent, compassionate care. As a Founding Director of Jabulani and a Board member at Zithulele Independent School, he continues to contribute to community development. Ben is driven by the belief that rural communities deserve healthcare of the highest standard, pioneering values-based leadership to inspire new conversations and hope. Now based in Port Alfred, he serves as a Clinical Medicolegal advisor to the EC Department of Health. With four children who still consider Zithulele "home," Ben remains passionate about serving his faithful God and is deeply grateful for his amazing wife, Taryn. |
Joseph Ntlwatya Director Joseph, or 'Mfundisi', as he is affectionately known, was the pastor of the Uniting Reformed Church that founded Zithulele Hospital back in the 1950s, for over 20 years. Well known and respected throughout the area for his warmth, wisdom and humour, he could always be relied upon for the latest community news and a friendly smile. Mfundisi has now 'retired' and moved to Port St. Johns, where he is just as busy as he ever was. |
Karl Le Roux director and founder Karl lived and worked in Zithulele Village from 2006 to 2022, where he was initially a full time doctor at Zithulele Hospital. From 2016 onwards, he split his time between his clinical role and managing the Zithulele Training and Research Centre. Presently based in Cape Town, Karl is teaching at the University of Cape Town medical school while also continuing research focused on tuberculosis prevention in rural South Africa. He holds a steadfast belief in universal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for all South Africans. Karl's specific interests lie in maternal and child health, as well as addressing challenges related to HIV and TB. |
Taryn Gaunt member and founder Known affectionately as Taz in Zithulele, she wore many hats—mom, medical doctor, homeschool teacher extraordinaire, counselor, prayer partner, prayer warrior, friend, and wife. From 2005 to 2022, she played these roles, often behind the scenes, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Passionate about manifesting God's kingdom on earth through people, advocating for reconciliation and social justice, her kind words and compassionate heart impacted countless lives. Now based in Port Alfred, Taz has embarked on a new adventure as a private GP, carrying the same compassionate heart into different circumstances but with the same commitment to making a positive difference. |
Sally Le Roux member and founder Sally, along with her family, called Zithulele home for 16 years, after starting work as a doctor at Zithulele Hospital in 2007. Sally's journey took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she played a pivotal role in initiating and subsequently launching and managing the Zithulele Independent School (ZIS), a small bilingual school within the village. Now residing in Cape Town, Sally continues her involvement with ZIS, contributing to administrative tasks, fundraising, and teacher training. Her passion for empowering South African children, particularly those in rural areas, remains unwavering. |
Leesa Bishop member Leesa's connection with Jabulani stems from her university days, where she studied alongside the organisation's founders. Her time working at Zithulele Hospital with husband Dave, turned out to be a profoundly significant moment in her life. Currently working as a specialist physician in the government health sector in Pietermaritzburg, Leesa remains passionate about supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of people in under-resourced settings. Her free time revolves around chauffeuring her three thriving teenagers, walking the family dogs, and playing ultimate frisbee. |
David Bishop member Dave resides in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where his current role involves coordinating provincial district hospital anesthesia for KZN. His journey with Zithulele began in 2006 when he and his wife Leesa offered assistance during a staffing crisis. His commitment to rural health persists through online teaching and conducting pragmatic, context-sensitive research in maternal health. Dave is a dedicated coffee enthusiast, and has almost run the Comrades three times. |
Neliswa Banjwa LOCAL advisor Although not an official board member, Neliswa brings invaluable local expertise and serves as a "cultural translator" for Jabulani. Neli's journey within Jabulani began as a translator in 2011 and has since evolved to her current role as the Foundation's administrator. In her leisure moments, she enjoys indulging in soap operas, perusing magazines, tuning in to R&B music, and, most importantly, cherishing time with her daughter. |
PATRON INCLUDING TRIBUTE TO DESMOND TUTU, PAST PATRON
We are very proud and humbled to have Leah Tutu as the patron of Jabulani Rural Health Foundation. Former Archbishop Desmond Tutu, was also our patron from 2010 until his passing in 2021. Well known as a Nobel laureate and vocal campaigner for health and human rights, we have been inspired by so much of what the Archbishop dedicated his life to, and particularly by some of the areas of his post-apartheid work that overlapped with the projects being run by Jabulani, such as Jabulani's previous HIV/TB programme. Though small in stature, he was great in impact - a motivating factor for us, as Jabulani too is small, but we are dedicated to making an impact.
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Phone icon courtesy of Vecteezy |