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South African Organisations and Churches
Safe Space Alliance
South African Faith & Family Institute (SAFFI), Western Cape
Deo Gloria Church, Kwazulu Natal
Die Kapel, Gauteng
German Speaking Catholic Community, Western Cape
Good Hope Metropolitan Community Church (GHMCC), Western Cape
HOPE Cape Town, Western Cape
Intersex South Africa (ISSA), Western Cape
JL Zwane Church & Centre, Western Cape
Stellenbosch United Church, Western Cape
Triangle Project, Western Cape
Gender Dynamix, Western Cape
INERELA


Dutch Reformed Church Bloubergstrand, Western Cape +27(0)21 554 1290
Die Reformerende Kerk/Reforming Church, Pretoria
Adonai Fellowship, Bloemfontein
Die Kruis Kerk, Vaaldriehoek vir Gay Christene

NGK Tableview +27(0)21 557 1715
Hope Africa

South African Retreats
Centre for Christian Spirituality
Ravenna Mountain Retreat

International Organisations and Churches
Encounter Missions International
Glory Tabernacle Christian Center
More to Life
Other Sheep
Changing Attitude Ireland
Global Interfaith Network

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inclusiveaffirmingministries

IAM focuses on being a catalyst for radical inclusion and the celebration of diversity within civil society and religious contexts in Africa. #lgbtiq+

IAM
#Repost @irantiorg ... Today, Iranti in collaborat #Repost @irantiorg
...
Today, Iranti in collaboration with regional partner organisations LEGABIBO, ISSA, Wings to Transcend Namibia, TREAT and LITE launch #NoOneIsOneThing. As February is LGBT(IQA+) History Month, we felt this is a good time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

This campaign is the next phase of the Safety, Dignity and Freedom (SDF) media sensitisation campaign, which saw the launch of the SDF Report and Media Guide in November 2019. We hope that this campaign will provide some insight into who we as the LGBTQIA+ community are through content that is relatable and at times slightly controversial. We would like for this to educate, raise awareness and open up conversations and engagements around LGBTQIA+ identity and that ultimately it would showcase that we exist as whole, dynamic, complex people with layers of identity, more than just our labels - we are whole people with intersecting identities which make us who we are, and #NoOneIsOneThing. Please share this with friends, family, networks and allies.
IAM team members in Pietermaritzburg, facilitating IAM team members in Pietermaritzburg, facilitating a process with the University of KwaZulu-Natal Masters in Theology Gender, Religion and Health Programme in 2020. Within the new normal of social-distancing we remember these shared moments of being near one another. 

#ThrowbackThursday #IAM #Team #lovewins
This toolkit’s methodology can be used by religi This toolkit’s methodology can be used by religious, corporate and public institutions to facilitate dialogue around diversity. Every station is accompanied with an activity to stimulate conversation and guide the process to recognize and celebrate diversity. 

Download IAM's Dialogue for Transformation Toolkit here: Link in bio -> Resources -> Publications 

#IAM #Dialogue #Transformation #Toolkit #Publication #LGBTIQRights
"Yesterday, I was reminded about why I do what I d "Yesterday, I was reminded about why I do what I do. I work with colleagues that bring their full humanity to the space of justice making. Thank you @hanzlinedavids for a productive work session. I am blessed by a team with so much expertise who work at the intersections of bodies and justice. Yesterday, we joined each other in co-creating programs, projects and plans that I pray will result in life-giving spaces that include more bodies." - Rev. @michelleboonzaaier, IAM Program Manager

#IAM #IAMiam #LoveWins #LoveIsLove #LGBTIQ #Faith
“Equality means more than passing laws. The stru “Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” – Barbara Gittings 

#LGBTIQ #LGBTIQcommunity #Equality #Quotes #LoveWins
Call For Online Course Applications - ARASA Online Call For Online Course Applications - ARASA Online Course on Monitoring and Advocating for HIV Prevention in East and Southern Africa https://bit.ly/2ZwILM6 

All applications must be received by no later than close of business 17 March 2021. 

#OnlineCourse #Application #HIV #HIVPrevention
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of SA c The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of SA concluded their 3-day Dissemination Strategy convening with the Schools Out regional project partners. IAM was represented by their regional coordinator, Marlow Newman-Valentine, who shared the learnings and findings of the IAM component of the regional research project looking at the impact of faith and religion on the teaching and learning of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in high schools. IAM will now finalise its own dissemination strategy to share the project's learnings with partners and relevant stakeholders.

#IAM #SchoolsOutProject #BehindTheScenes #LGBTIQ @newmanvalentine
This morning the IAM team had a finance meeting wi This morning the IAM team had a finance meeting with Regional Partners, following on our regional convening for the schools/youth project. 

#IAM #RegionalPartners #BehindTheScenes #LoveIsLove #LoveWins
@hanzlinedavids from IAM and Charlene Van der Walt @hanzlinedavids from IAM and Charlene Van der Walt, associate professor at the @university_of_kwazulu_natal, met this morning over Zoom to discuss the Masters in Gender, Religion and Health Programme. IAM facilitates a four-day workshop on Body & Queer Theologies.

#IAM #UKZN #Gender #Religion #Health #LGBTIQ #LoveIsLove #LoveWins
We've just wrapped up a very productive communicat We've just wrapped up a very productive communications strategy session at the Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM) offices. Streamlining the ways in which we communicate with our various audiences is extremely important to us. Thank you to the IAM team and everyone involved!

#IAM #Team #BehindTheScenes #LoveIsLove #LoveWins
LOVE WINS! Read our February newsletter here: Link LOVE WINS! Read our February newsletter here: Link in bio -> News -> Newsletters

#IAM #Newsletter #MonthOfLove #LGBTIQloveIAM #LGBTIQRights
#Repost @pink_news ... Some trans people have surg #Repost @pink_news
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Some trans people have surgery because it helps with gender dysphoria, some trans people have surgery because they want to look different, and some trans people don’t want to have any surgery at all! The important thing to remember is that you’re still valid as a transgender person, no matter what your transition journey looks like.💕⁠
⁠
Illustration by: @billy.huntington⁠
⁠
#LGBTMemes #TransMemes #NonBinary
Reading Together is a Bible study method that inte Reading Together is a Bible study method that integrates IAM’s theory of change and insights gained from Contextual Bible Study and Intercultural Bible reading, with the specific focus to engage with issues of gender and sexuality.

Download a free copy here: Link in bio -> Resources -> Publications 

#IAM #Publications #BibleStudy #Gender #Sexuality
Happy Valentine's Day! It's the month of love and Happy Valentine's Day!

It's the month of love and we would LOVE to use this opportunity to make LGBTIQ+ love more visible on social media! Post a photo of yourself with the love of your life, whether it's a person/people or something else, and remember to use #LGBTIQloveIAM and tag Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM).

We're looking forward to seeing your pics and sharing the love!

#IAM #MonthOfLove #LGBTIQlove #LGBTIQcommunity #ValentinesDay2021
We'd like to wish a very happy birthday to Nokuthu We'd like to wish a very happy birthday to Nokuthula Mjwara! It's an absolute blessing to have Thuli as a part of the IAM team. May you have a wonderful day, Thuli. @biafriqueer 

#IAM #Team #Staff #Birthday
If you haven't spent some time browsing through th If you haven't spent some time browsing through the IAM video library yet, you're missing out! Make yourself comfortable, and get ready to dive into the world of Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM): Link in bio -> Resources -> Video 

#IAM #Videos #VideoLibrary #LGBTIQ #Faith #Love
How do we read the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spi How do we read the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit? Learn more about cautions when reading the Bible, the core message of the Bible, the role of the Holy Spirit, and more.

Download a free copy of The Bible and Homosexuality, here: Link in bio -> Resources -> Publications

#IAM #Bible #Homosexuality #LGBTIQ #Faith
We’re constantly reflecting on the work that we We’re constantly reflecting on the work that we did yesterday, channelling that into revised and expanded programming and resources to meet tomorrow’s needs. Examples of this are our Reading Together, Dialogue for Transformation and Journey of Hope curricula, and the training we undertake with our partners in universities and theological training programs.

Visit our website to find out more about what we do: Link in bio

#IAM #Resources #Training #LGBTIQ
Tune in to the LGBTI TALK show this evening at 19: Tune in to the LGBTI TALK show this evening at 19:05 with Mr Fundile Ncwana and Mr Sibonelo Ncanana.

#LGBTIQ #LGBTIQcommunity #Radio #talkshow
#Repost @gala_archive ... Queer organisations and #Repost @gala_archive
...
Queer organisations and activists have largely been underfunded and overworked while trying to support communities struggling with discrimination and violence. Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent lockdowns, have further exacerbated the problems these organisations, activists, and the communities they serve are faced with. At the end of 2020, Tshegofatso Senne reported on the effects of the pandemic on queer organisers and activists in Namibia, Ghana, Uganda and Zambia. #queeractivism 
 
Written by: @mbongomuffin 
Illustrated by: @studiostudioworkwork @generalmerchandise 
 
See link in bio to read the full article
It's the month of love and we would LOVE to use th It's the month of love and we would LOVE to use this opportunity to make LGBTIQ+ love more visible on social media! Post a photo of yourself with the love of your life, whether it's a person/people or something else, and remember to use #LGBTIQloveIAM and tag Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM).

We're looking forward to seeing your pics and sharing the love!

#IAM #MonthOfLove #LGBTIQlove #LGBTIQcommunity
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crus “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

— 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

#IAM #Love #Faith #Trust
We hope you are having a great weekend! Be kind an We hope you are having a great weekend! Be kind and stay safe out there.

#IAM #Weekend #LGBTIQ #Love #LoveIsLove
Would you like to stay up to date with the latest Would you like to stay up to date with the latest IAM news? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get it delivered straight to your email inbox.

Visit our website and click on 'Sign up here to stay updated': Link in bio

#IAM #News #Newsletter #LGBTIQ #LGBTIQcommunity
It's the month of love and we would LOVE to use th It's the month of love and we would LOVE to use this opportunity to make LGBTIQ+ love more visible on social media! Post a photo of yourself with the love of your life, whether it's a person/people or something else, and remember to use #LGBTIQloveIAM and tag @inclusiveaffirmingministries 

We're looking forward to seeing your pics and sharing the love!

#IAM #MonthOfLove #LGBTIQlove #LGBTIQcommunity
If you ever need someone to talk to, please feel f If you ever need someone to talk to, please feel free to send us a message and we'll do our best to put you in touch with someone who'll be able to assist you.

#IAM #LGBTIQ #LGBTIQcommunity #LoveIsLove #Acceptance
If you're looking for an external directory of chu If you're looking for an external directory of churches, organisations, and other partners we work with, click here: Link in bio -> Resources -> Our Network

#IAM #Network #Churches #LGBTIQ #lgbtcommunity
At IAM, we believe that religious fundamentalism, At IAM, we believe that religious fundamentalism, the evil of patriarchy, ignorance around the full diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity & expression and sex characteristics, in combination with a lack of exposure to diverse interpretations of sacred texts and the lived realities of sexual and gender diverse communities, stand in the way of true democracy and the full realisation of human rights for all people in Africa. 

IAM strives to be the alternative, constructive religious voice that Africa needs.

#IAM #LGBTIQ #HumanRights #lgbtiqrights
At IAM we are continually striving to create a sen At IAM we are continually striving to create a sense of belonging in a country that has great love and potential but is often characterised by harsh divisions. We are creating safe spaces for dialogue where the marginalised can finally have a voice. With your help, we can build on the accomplishments of the past 25 years and continue on for many years to come.

Support our cause: http://iam.org.za/support-our-cause/

#IAM #SafeSpaces #Africa #LGBTIQ #SupportOurCause #loveislove
A safe and enabling space for Lesbian, Bi, Queer a A safe and enabling space for Lesbian, Bi, Queer and Trans (LBQT) women to address how we have experienced loss in various forms due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They will unpack what toxic positivity looks like in a time of grief and unease. They will also focus on cultivating strategies for inner wellness and coping mechanisms during difficult times.

RSVP through the Google form here https://bit.ly/3ppTfrM or email kesterr@out.org.za

A link for the Zoom session will be sent after you RSVP

The Facebook event is available here: https://fb.me/e/3SYrpjvf6

#LGBT #Women #SafeSpace #Covid19 @out_lgbt_wellbeing
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Inclusive & Affirming Ministries
By the Grace of God I am what I am

+27 (0)21 975 8142
info@iam.org.za

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Abigail Haricombe - Administration

Abby Haricombe joined IAM in 2018 as the organisation’s Administrator. She works, often behind the scenes, to keep IAM running smoothly. She started her humanitarian career at Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in 2013 as a fundraiser and enjoys working in the NGO sector as a way to contribute to a better society that focuses on inclusivity, diversity and uplifting the dignity of all human beings.

IAM 25th Anniversary Report

IAM Annual Report (2019)

Slavery, Homosexuality and Women

IAM Brochure (Publication Download)

The Evils of Patriarchy in Church, Society and Politics (2009) (Publication Download)

First African Dialogue on Christianity, Faith and Sexuality (2009) (Publication Download)

Journey with God (2009) (Publication Download)

The Bible and Homosexuality (2011) (Publication Download)

The Bible and Homosexuality (2015) (Publication Download)

IAM Annual Report (2017) (Publication Download)

Gatvol yet hopeful! (Publication Download)

My Story... (Publication Download)

A Liturgy of Radical Love (Publication Download)

Reading Together: A Bible Study Method (Publication Download)

Reading Together: A Bible Study Method (One Pager)(Publication Download)

IAM Annual Report (2018)

Dialogue for Transformation Toolkit (Publication Download)

Best Practices in Training Clergy & other Religious Leaders (Publication Download)

Stand Together in Solidarity (Publication Download)

Greyson Thela, Intersectional Process Coordinator

Greyson Vanguard Thela holds a BA in Governance and Political Transformation from the University of the Free State, recently completed his BA Hons research focused “Exploring transgender inclusivity in Higher Education”, and will be pursuing a Masters in Human Rights. 

Greyson is the previous Head of the Gender and Sexual Equity Office at the University of the Free State and the National Advocacy Officer at Gender Dynamix. He has represented various organisations on the National Task Team for LGBTIQ, the Western Cape Provincial Task Team, the Basic Education Social Inclusion Working Group, the Hate Crimes Working Group, as well as the Free State Provincial Task Team.

Greyson joined IAM as the Intersectional Process Coordinator in December 2019.

 

Tashwill Esterhuizen

Tashwill Esterhuizen, graduate from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and heads the LGBTI and Sex workers Rights Programme at the Southern Africa litigation Centre (SALC). He has been admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa since 2011. In 2017, he was selected as a fellow for the Mandela Washington (MWF) for his work on LGBT rights in Africa. He has extensive experience in public interest and human rights litigation and advocacy in ten Southern Africa. Prior to SALC he was employed as a litigation attorney at the Socio-Economic Institute of South Africa (SERI), where he assisted communities and social movements through engaging with government and other organisations on their behalf on a range of socio-economic related issues and providing them with, inter alia, legal assistance.

He has done several guest lectures and participated in various panel discussion on issues affecting marginalised persons, including a conference at New York Law School on Twenty years of Democracy in South Africa, where he drafted and presented a paper on the South African Constitutional Court’s failure to engage (at times) with its transformative mandate. He also presented on Strategic Litigation in Southern Africa at the International, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Conference in 2016. Most recently, in April 2018, he presented at New York University’s (NYU) Bernstein Institute for Human Rights Conference on, Reimagining Justice: Realizing Human Rights through Legal Empowerment, on the importance of ongoing capacity strengthening of lawyers, paralegals and community engagement and empowerment of human rights activists. His experience also includes advising the Office of the Provincial Police Commissioner in the Cape Town on police actions and human rights.  

Marlow Newman-Valentine as IAM’s Regional Coordinator

Marlow is a Social Science graduate with further education in Human Resource Management and Project Management. He is a seasoned human rights advocate and defender working tirelessly towards ending othering for gender and sexual minority groups. Marlow was the first pastoral leader at the Good Hope Metropolitan Community Church as well as the deputy director at Triangle Project.

His areas of expertise and experience includes sexual reproductive health and rights; facilitation and training around inclusion, dismantling hetero-normative gender and sexual stereotypes, and creating safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ narratives to be articulated and heard.

Marlow has worked in the environment of organisational change, shifting organisational culture, conflict resolution, mediation and relationship-building. He currently serves as an executive board of the Red Ribbon Foundation, a HIV/AIDS community-driven project.

Marlow joined Inclusive and Affirming Ministries in October 2019.

Leballo Tjemolane – Regional & iThemba Lam Process Coordinator

Leballo Tjemolane born in Lesotho, grew in Johannesburg completing his schooling there. He proceeded to study Philosophy and Theology at St. Joseph’s Theological Institute, completed his honors in Theology at UKZN and Masters in Religion and Social Transformation at UKZN.

Rev Michelle Boonzaaier – Process Coordinator

Rev Michelle Boonzaaier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Diaconia Youth Work from Huguenot College. She started her career in agricultural development, working with small farmers. Michelle went on to work as a fundraiser at the Institute for the Blind. She holds a Master’s degree in Divinity from the University of Stellenbosch after which she entered the ministry as a Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) minister. Michelle served on the IAM Board in 2010 and joined IAM in 2011. Apart from Michelle’s work at IAM, she continues to work as a consultant in the field of rural development. She was appointed full time and is part of the senior management team from January 2017.

Rev Ecclesia de Lange – Director

Rev Ecclesia de Lange is an ordained minister of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). She holds a Comprehensive Honours degree in Theology from the University of Southern Africa (UNISA) and a Masters degree in Social Science from the University of Cape Town (UCT). After announcing to her congregation that she was going to marry her same-sex life partner, Ecclesia was charged, suspended, disciplined and discontinued as a Methodist minister in February 2010. She has been involved with IAM part-time since 2011 and became a full-time staff member in 2014 and was appointed as director from June 2017.

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Miss Vandy Fourie

Vandy qualified as a chartered accountant in 2012. She is an experienced Chartered Accountant with a demonstrated history of working in the Auditing industry. Skilled in IFRS, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), UK GAAP, FRS101 and 102. Having been an Accounting teacher for 12 years, it instilled a passion in me for teaching and mentoring people to reach their fullest potential. She recently returned from the UK where she worked as an audit manager for two years and has relocated to Cape Town.

Professor Sarojini Nadar

Sarojini Nadar (PhD) is a full professor at the University of the Western Cape where she also holds the Desmond Tutu Research Chair . The chair focuses on developing and supporting advanced research in the area of religion and social transformation in Africa. She was a co-founder of the Gender and Religion program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2002, and she headed up this programme until 2016. Since its inception, the programme has graduated over 50 Masters and PhD students, mostly African women. Her numerous publications span diverse topics of research at the intersections of gender studies and religion, including gender based violence, HIV, sexuality, masculinity studies and most recently gender in higher education. She sits on five international journal editorial boards including the Harvard based Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and she is also the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gender and Religion in Africa. Nadar has won numerous awards for teaching and research, including the National South African Distinguished Young Woman in Science award in 2012, and the Vice chancellors research award in 2015. She has held leadership positions in the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and also serves on a number of committees including the Faith and Feminism working group of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. As an activist-academic she is committed to authentic and intersectional socially engaged scholarship.

Rev Pieter Oberholzer – Consultant

Rev Pieter Oberholzer holds a Masters degree in Theology. He was refused entry into the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) because of his homosexual orientation and became pastor with the Reformed Church of Holland for 10 years. Pieter worked as regional director for a community development organisation in the Western Cape from 1983 to 1992 and was part of the core group of the Organisation of Lesbians and Gays against Apartheid (OLGA) that negotiated with the African National Congress (ANC) in the late 80s, resulting in the protection of LGBTQIA+ people in the South African Constitution. In 1999 Pieter received the Gay and Lesbian Association Against Defamation (GLAAD) leadership award in Kansas City. He founded IAM in 1995 and served as Director until 2010. Since 2011 Pieter has served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Last year Pieter retired and will continue to work for IAM as a consultant.

Rev Judith Kotzé – Consultant

Rev Judith Kotzé qualified as one of the first Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) female ministers at Stellenbosch University (US) in 1995. She served the DRC from 1996 to 2000 in the multi-disciplinary ministry regarding prostitution. Judith completed a Masters degree in Missiology in the US in 2001, working on Interreligious Dialogue as a model for the Intra-faith Dialogue around sexual orientation. Judith became Director of Operations in 2010, after doing part-time research for IAM since 1997, served as researcher in 2000, and became full-time Senior Programme Manager in 2008. Since 2011 Judith has served as Director of IAM.

Rev Patrick Godana

Currently working at Sonke Gender Justice – as the Government and Media Liaison manager. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990, he lived the life of activism against all forms oppression that saw him ultimately languishing in Middle drift central prison (for five years) for furthering the aims of a banned organisation.

With the dawn of new democratic dispensation, he earned a degree in Theology from the University of the Western Cape and was invited by (Planned Parenthood Association) PPASA to join them and This where he became influential in shaping the design of Men as Partners Programme (MAP) and was part of the Education Department that developed the National Life skills programme which is now part of the official curriculum as Life Orientation. Soon after leaving PPSA, he joined Ford Motor Company of SA coordinating their workplace HIV/AIDS programme. Afterwards he joined Engenderhealth in 2005 and provided training and technical assistance to a range of organisations across the Southern African Development Region in South Africa and worked very closely with (Treatment Action Campaign) TAC, the Steve Biko Foundation and Masimanyane Women Support Centre.

During this period he represented Men as Partners Network internationally, travelling to Sweden and Mozambique, amongst other places. He has been with Sonke since 2008 and a held number of positions including implementing work with children affected by HIV/AIDS in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu–Natal, implementing the MenCare Campaign in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana and coordinating Sonke’s community mobilisation work in the rural outskirts of the Eastern Cape.

Additionally, he served as a self supporting minister at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa(ELCSA) in multi–racial, social justice orientated St Johannes Parish in Cape Town. He is also currently a guest presenter at the University of Western Capes Women and Gender Studies (WGS) second year class.

Married to Thokozile and we are blessed with two children Sivenathi (22) and Sibonokuhle (12). In December 2015 he was approached by IAM to serve as a board member and I officially accepted in January 2015.

Rev Phumzile Mabizela

Rev. Phumzile Mabizela is the Executive Director of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or personally affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+) INERELA+ is an Interfaith Network that was formed in 2002, it exists to equip, empower and engage its members to live positively and openly as agents of hope and change in faith communities and countries. Rev Mabizela is a member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians. Before joining INERELA+ she was employed by Norwegian Church Aid as the Senior Policy Advisor on Gender Justice in Southern Africa and prior to that she was the Chief Executive Officer of the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council which is one of the Provincial Councils of Churches in South Africa. Rev Mabizela is a passionate Gender, HIV and AIDS activist who is openly living with HIV.

Rev Siyabulela Gidi

Rev Siyabulela Gidi is the Director of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) in the Western Cape. He assists as Anglican priest at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Nyanga. Siya obtained a B.Th degree in Theology and an Honour’s degree in Development, and is a former student of the College of Transfiguration (COTT). He serves on various boards including the Restitution Foundation, Ecumenical Forum South Africa and is the current National Chair of Election Monitoring Network. Siya firmly believes in enabling people to live life in its fullness and listening to people’s stories in all their diversity. He is married to Kaya and they are blessed with three boys, Oluvo, Chulu and Kikhulu. Siya joined the IAM Board in May 2012.

Rev Alan Storey – Chairperson

Rev Alan Storey is an ordained minister of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and is presently ministering at the Central Methodist Mission (CMM) in Cape Town. He is chairperson of Gun Free South Africa and serves on the Western Cape Board of the Right to Know Campaign. Alan has an Honour’s degree in Theology and a Master’s degree in Philosophy on Applied Ethics in Economics. He joined the IAM Board in 2011 and since May 2012 serves on the Executive Committee.

Financial and Operations Director of All-Store Stikland, a secure self storage business. Bronwin works with all departments of the business to help them plan and manage their budgets,She also works closely with the CEO, assisting and managing the overall business. Moreover with it being a smaller company, Bronwin is also hands on with general accounts matters too.

Alida Bergman – Financial Administrator

Alida Bergman studied at the University of Stellenbosch where she obtained a B.Comm degree and a Diploma in Higher Education and retired after 32 years of teaching Mathematics and Accounting. While teaching, she was also responsible for the finances of the school. She has a passion to work with figures and joined IAM in September 2013 as Financial Administrator.

Liezl van der Westhuizen – Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

Liezl van der Westhuizen holds a Masters Degree (MDiac) from UNISA in Practical Theology. She served as Youth worker in the Dutch Reformed Church from 1995–2000 and lectured Practical Theology for 4 years at the Huguenot College. In addition to extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation management for a large NGO as well as a Faith Based Organisation, she offers expertise in project and operational management within the FET sector, child, youth and project development, lecturing, material development, programme evaluations and facilitation. Currently she has her own Sole Proprietor Consultancy offering various services related to 20 years’ diverse work experience. Her involvement with IAM started in 2010 as board member and is currently part time employed by IAM as Senior Manager/Monitoring and Evaluations since January 2014.

Bulelwa Panda – iTL Process Fieldworker

Bulelwa Panda partnered with IAM in 2000 with the production of the Created in the Image of God documentary. Bulelwa came out as a lesbian in 2003 and joined the IAM team in 2004 as a part-time worker in Gugulethu. She has a diploma in pre-school teaching and has successfully completed various courses in life skills training. Bulelwa was instrumental in establishing the iThemba Lam (My Hope) Resource Centre and low-key safe house in Tambo Village, Gugulethu. She became the iThemba Lam Manager in 2011.

Christine van Heerden – iThemba Lam (iTL) Administration Assistance

Secretary at Holy family Catholic Church in Manenberg. Co-ordinator of Ministers of Holy Communion gives Baptism Instructions, Funeral Ministry facilitator in exploring Scripture, also Secretary to child and youth development, Aftercare centre in Manenberg. Christine has various certificates of achievements, was a Supervisor on office at F.I.A.S for (8 years), Protea Assurance (18 years) Clerk, C.P.A (10 years). Certificate: IISA, Dynamix, Customer Sense, Counselling Victims of Crime and Matric Certificate and started working at iTL as Administrator Assistant from March 2013.

Arnold Motsau – Gender and Anglican Process Coordinator

Arnold Motsau qualified as a youth worker in 2011. He has has served on many boards, with various portfolios and together with other young people started an NGO that specialises in youth development. He served as Monitoring and Evaluation officer for Iketsetse Mission outreach. And is a qualified Trainer of Trainers. He is working to complete his Masters in Theology and Development with a focus on Health and Gender.His research interests are Gender and Development, Queer Theology, Theology and Sexuality as well as Contextual bible studies. A passionate Gender activist, he served voluntarily for IAM in 2013 and is currently engaged in Gender and Anglican Process.

Dr Charlene van der Walt – Researcher

Dr Charlene van der Walt is an ordained minister of the Dutch Reformed Church and completed her Doctorate in Old Testament at the University of Stellenbosch (US) in 2010 with the dissertation entitled, “Ideology and Power in Bible Interpretation: Towards a communal reading of 2 Samuel 13”. Her research focus is on contextual/intercultural Bible reading and related issues. Her knowledge on gender based violence and sexuality was deepened during a two-year post-doctoral research fellowship in the US within the Center for Bible translation and interpretation in Africa (SEBTIA). Charlene joined IAM as researcher in 2012. In addition to IAM, she serves as the pastor for the Maitland Community Church and holds a part-time lecturing position at the Faculty of Theology at the US where she is responsible for a special focus Master’s project that explores the intersection of Gender, Health and Theology in an African context.

Mfanafuthi B Mvubu – Anglican Youth Consultant

Mfanafuthi B Mvubu obtained a Bachelors degree in Education at the University of Zululand in 2010. He has been involved and served at the Provincial Executive Committee of the Anglican Students Federation (ASF) as the gender education and transformation officer. Mfana connected with IAM at the Chicago Consultation in Durban, October 2011 and joined IAM as part-time Anglican Process Coordinator in July 2012. Since 2014 Mfanafuthi has been a part of the IAM team as Anglican Youth Consultant.

Ps Retha Benadé – Administrator

Rev Retha Benadé qualified as teacher at the Potchefstroom Teacher’s College in 1988. She obtained a B.A. Theology degree at The Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) in 2003, and completed an Honours degree in Pastoral Counselling in 2004. Retha joined IAM in 2006.

Ingrid Schoonraad –Regional Program Manager

Ingrid Schoonraad has been involved with IAM as consultant since 2003, developing training resources, supporting IAM with strategic planning and staff development since 2007 and coordinating The First African Dialogue Conference on Spirituality and Sexuality, in 2009. Ingrid holds an Honours degree in Development Studies from the University of Stellenbosch. She is a heterosexual ally who believes that social transformation and inclusion can happen when everybody takes responsibility for modelling and building bridges across gender, culture and sexual diversity, by using dialogue as method. Ingrid joined IAM in 2010 as Senior Program Manager and is responsible for the Regional Manager Africa.

Dr Deon Snyman

Deon Snyman is an ordained minister of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa and served the congregations of Northern Zululand (1992 – 1997), Dingaanstat (1997 – 2003) and KwaMakhutha (2003 – 2006, self-supporting). In 2003 he was appointed at the Manager of the Priority Issues Team of the Diakonia Council of Churches in Durban where he was responsible for the management of the following programmes: HIV & AIDS, Democracy, Reconciliation, Restitution, Stress and Trauma support and Economic Empowerment. In March 2006, he was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the Restitution Foundation with the responsibility of developing and implementing processes that could serve as catalysts for restitution. He holds the following Degrees: MA (Semitic Languages, University of Pretoria), MPhil (Political Studies, University of Cape Town) and PhD (Old Testament Studies, University of Pretoria).

Hanzline R. Davids - Process Coordinator

Hanzline R. Davids is a former ordained reverend of Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. He completed his Masters in Theology with a short dissertation on: An ethical theological evaluation of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa stance on Homosexuality. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at Stellenbosch University working on: The recognition of queer bodies in the URCSA: Towards a Hermeneutic of Hospitality. And he described himself as an activist theologia passionate about justice, development and education on race, gender and sexual orientation issues in society

Sindiswa Matiwane – iThemba Lam (iTL) Caretaker

Sindy was born in Willowvale in the Eastern Cape and started her career as a farm worker in Grabouw. She has a number of years’ experience as a domestic worker (for 3 families). She was also employed as a security guard at Look Out Hill Khayelitsha township Cape Town and joined the IAM team on the 1st of March 2017. Sindy can speak both languages English and Xhosa fluently.

Nokuthula Mjwara-Process Coordinator

Nokuthula Mjwara is well kmown as Thuli. Thuli is an ETDPSETA accredited facilitator and Assessor. She graduated with a Bachelors in Social Sciences as well as certificates in business administration, project management and Treatment Literacy to mention a few and has worked with minority groups varying from youth-at-risk, sentenced offenders within Correctional facilities to youth living with disabilities and LGBTQ families and youth. Thuli has served on a number of local, provincial and National forums advocating for LGBTIQ rights and victim services and is passionate in making the Constitution a lived reality to all within communities.