My name is Monika Bertels-Nyembe, and I was born in Germany. I first visited South Africa in 1995 and instantly fell in love with the country and its people. After completing my studies in Social Pedagogy in Germany and working in a children’s home in England, I immigrated to South Africa in 2002.

I quickly realized my calling was to establish effective children’s and youth development centres. In 2005, I started a crèche and after-school care program near an informal settlement in Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, located along the Indian Ocean in the Garden Route.

Together with my partner and husband, Watson Nyembe, we have achieved great success with this project and launched the Kula Malaika Life Skills Training Farm in 2010. We live on this farm with our two children, Joshua and Emma.

My name is Watson Buhle Nyembe. I am South African, of Zulu and Ndebele heritage, and I am married to Monika Bertels-Nyembe. I grew up in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg known for its crime and despair.

During my youth, I engaged in various projects and organizations, which allowed me to gain valuable knowledge and skills. This experience provided a strong foundation for me to become a role model.

I am passionate about helping children and young people who face similar challenges to those I experienced. I view our work as both a privilege and a calling, and I hope that through our efforts, we can address the pressing needs within our economy and the broader world.