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Inclusive & Affirming Ministries

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

Iam
Ecclesia de Lange – Director

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.

Marlow Newman - Program Manager

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.

Louis van der Riet - Process Coordinator

Louis van der Riet is a Process Coordinator at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), which catalyses faith communities to recognise and celebrate LGBTIQA+ people in Africa. Louis is an ordained minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, where he serves on task teams that work towards gender justice and racial reconciliation. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Stellenbosch University and Vrije University Amsterdam. At IAM, he works in the Faith Partnerships Programme in mainline denominations, universities, and seminaries, doing facilitation, research and resource development at the intersection of gender, sexuality and religion.

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.

Irma Greyling - Assistant Financial Administrator

Irma Greyling joined IAM in January 2022 as Assistant Financial Administrator, after retiring from being an Accounting teacher for many years. During these years, she became more and more involved in running the budgets and finances of schools in an environment that is becoming increasingly challenging regarding the collection of school fees. Irma also served as part of the school’s Management Team. She studied at the University of Stellenbosch where she obtained a B.Comm degree, as well as a Diploma in Higher Education.

Nombulelo Ngqayizivele Khumalo - Faith Process Coordinator

Nombulelo Ngqayizivele Khumalo is a vibrant Methodist Church Probation Minister at the Cape Of Good Hope Synod, dedicated to serving her community with passion and empathy. With 37 years of life experience, Nombulelo brings a unique perspective to her ministry, shaped by her upbringing in Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Kwa-Mashu region.

As an Intersex individual, Nombulelo embraces her identity with pride, advocating tirelessly for LGBTIAQ+ rights and human rights in her local community and beyond. Her commitment to inclusivity and social justice extends beyond the pulpit, as she actively engages in activism and outreach efforts to promote equality and acceptance for all individuals.

Nombulelo’s journey as a minister and activist is fueled by her unwavering belief in the power of love, compassion, and understanding to create positive change in the world. With her vibrant spirit and dedication to making a difference, Nombulelo continues to inspire and uplift those around her, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society for future generations.

Maureen Majola - Civil Society Partnerships Coordinator

Maureen Velile Majola is a gender justice activist and human rights defender; born and raised in Alexander township in the heart of Johannesburg. She joins the Inclusive and Affirming Ministries team as a Civil Society Partnerships Coordinator. As a lesbian woman, she has worked with various organisation to address issues where religion and sexuality intersect. Maureen also serves as a Pastoral Leader at Hope and Unity Metropolitan Community Church.

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.

Nokuthula Mjwara - Process Coordinator

Nokuthula (Thuli) Mjwara is a Process Coordinator at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) working in the Collaborative Partnerships Program. She is a queer, Pan-African feminist based in Western Cape, South Africa. She has served on local, provincial, and national forums advocating for policy reform to address hate crimes violations targeting the LGBTQI+ community. Thuli holds a postgraduate degree in Gender and Transformation from the University of Cape Town. Her thesis focused on women’s narratives in navigating family whilst in same-sex relationships after a heterosexual marital relationship. Thuli is an Education, Training, Development, and Practices (ETDP) SETA accredited facilitator and assessor, and serves as the chairperson of the community advisory board of the Groote Schuur clinical site for HIV prevention trials (2019-present). She has worked within a range of marginalized communities including youth-at-risk, sentenced offenders, youth living alongside disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ youth and their families. In 2017, she was a recipient of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, taking part in the Human, Civil rights, and Tolerance in Africa regional project. Thuli is passionate about making the South African Constitution a lived reality for all in the community.

Gomo Lesejane - Communications Officer

Gomo (she/her) is a Black queer feminist writer, gender justice activist and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa.

With a wealth of experience in managing and building brands, her passion for creating impactful and nuanced communications products coupled with her passion for the advocacy of marginalized groups has led to her taking up the role of Communications Officer at IAM.

She studied for a BA Law degree from the University of Johannesburg, and is also a trained copywriter.

Yolisa Mlalandle - Faith Process Coordinator

Yolisa is an ordained minister of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, and is currently based in Langa Township, Cape Town. Premised on the understanding that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, her activism has a keen focus on these rights, and her fervour lies in advocating for the full inclusion and involvement of marginalised groups, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, in both faith communities and society at large. Yolisa graduated from TEE College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology.

Bianca Truter-Botha - Faith Process Coordinator

Bianca is a theologian, historian, and facilitator. She possesses a profound interest in exploring the narratives and lived experiences of individuals, recognizing the transformative power of storytelling. Her academic accomplishments, which include a Master’s degree in Gender and Religion, have been dedicated to understanding the potency of narrative. As an ordained reverend within the Dutch Reformed Church, Bianca actively contributes to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. She serves as the chairperson of the Western Cape Task Team for Gender Justice and plays an ongoing role in facilitating processes related to race, reconciliation, and restitution. Bianca loves bringing people together, whether it be around the dinner table or in workshops/dialogues.

Sindiswa Matiwane - Intern

Sindiswa Matiwane, or Sindi as she’s fondly called, began her journey with IAM in 2017 working as a Caretaker at the organisation’s Ithemba Lam center in Mannenberg.  She was then awarded an opportunity by IAM to further her studies at Northlink College, where she completed a course in Management Assistance between 2022 and 2023. She is currently an intern in the administration unit.

Lauren Matthew - Chairperson

I am an ordained minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). I would consider myself an activist within the community and particularly within the landscape of the MCSA. My activism is at the intersection of gender justice, race and class and I seek to make the MCSA a more inclusive and nurturing environment for the LGBTIQ+ community and women. I am currently reading toward a PhD in Philosophy and Religion at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

I am married to Dr Nokukhanya Dube and we are proud (and sometimes exasperated) parents of a very lively seven year old.

Wihann Rabe - Treasurer

Wihann Rabe is an audit partner at Forvis Mazars with extensive experience in the fields of retail, transport and logistics, sectional title, and leisure and lifestyle. He is a proud member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA).

In his role as treasurer, Wihann brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to the table. His extensive background in audit and innovation, combined with his leadership skills, ensures that he can effectively manage financial operations, optimize resource allocation, and drive financial growth. Wihann’s commitment to excellence and his ability to foster innovation make him a valuable asset in achieving the organization’s financial goals.

Dr. Zamantshali Dlamini

Dr. Zamantshali Dlamini is a gender practitioner and activist.  She is active within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (Diocese of Natal). She currently works for Ujamaa Centre for Biblical and Theological Community Development and Research as a Researcher and a Public Theology Programme Coordinator.  Her research interests lie at the intersection of culture, religion, and gender justice, with a focus on gender-based violence. She firmly believes in the liberation and flourishing of humankind.

Thuli Mbete

I am a peace worker and pastor who has worked in South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Kivu in Congo and Kenya. I serve on the Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers) in Africa. I also serve on the International board of Central Executive Committee (Quakers), London office for six years. I am a Gender Equity and Reconciliation International facilitator (GERI). I work closely with Gender Works in Cape Town. I also facilitate workshops on the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) around South Africa. In Addition to this I have a calling as a traditional healer, and form part of the Traditional Health Practitioner in Cape Town and I work very close with spiritual healers from all over the Africa continent. Lastly, I am a LGBTQIA+ coordinator for Traditional Healers Forum (THF) in Cape Town, which aims to raise awareness and fight homophobia in schools, within families, and churches.

Nitano Muller

Nitano is an ordained Anglican priest, currently Rector of St Peter’s Church in Eersterivier (Cape Town) and is also Chaplain for Young People in the Diocese of False Bay. Prior to full-time ministry, he worked as an Educator for several years specializing in English and the Social Sciences. Youth development, gender justice and liturgy are amongst his passions. He is currently reading towards a Master’s in Theology at St Augustine’s College, exploring the intersection of faith, gender and leadership. In 2022, Nitano was selected as a Trinity Leadership Fellow, a program for emerging faith leaders offered by Trinity Church Wall Street, New York.