Nigel​

Founder 

Nigel Branken is a Christian pastor, social worker and a passionate advocate for social and racial justice in South Africa. While his ancestry includes individuals who were involved in slave trading, Dutch colonisation, and the founding of the National Party that implemented Apartheid, Nigel is dedicated to undoing the legacy of these injustices. With over 28 years of experience in the development field, Nigel has worked on human rights issues, capacity building, policy and legislative development, project management, leadership training, and grassroots community level work with marginalised communities. Nigel values working alongside communities on the margins and has demonstrated this commitment through his work in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. In 2012, Nigel founded the NPO Neighbours, with the goal to "be good friends to our neighbours and good neighbours to our friends." Nigel holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work) from the University of Natal (1994).

Trish

Co-Founder​

Meet Trish, a professional musician with over 30 years of experience playing the clarinet and piano. She holds a Bachelor of Music Honours degree from the University of Cape Town and has played in orchestras throughout the country. Trish also works part-time as a music teacher at schools in Johannesburg. Recently, she started a baking business called Neighbours Just Goods. Her passion lies in building community resilience in diverse neighborhoods, particularly in Orange Grove, promoting love, equality, and dignity through music enrichment programs, baking workshops, and children's educational classes. Trish believes in preparing communities for climate change through sustainable lifestyle practices and asset-based community development.

Velaphi

Artist 

We are thrilled to announce Velaphi Sylvester as the leader of our new art project at Neighbours. A talented and visionary artist from Johannesburg, Velaphi brings a wealth of creativity and experience to our team. In his role, he will be instrumental in identifying and supporting local artists, guiding them in creating sustainable income through their art. Velaphi's expertise and passion for the arts make him the ideal person to spearhead this initiative, promising a vibrant and impactful future for artists in our community.

Gugu

Chair or Board and Advocate ​

Meet Gugulethu, a driven advocate for human rights, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction. Her ultimate goal is to put an end to extreme poverty by identifying and addressing the systemic barriers that have kept generations of people in poverty. To do this, she is dedicated to advocating for human rights, implementing healing programs, and empowering individuals with creative and entrepreneurial mindsets. Currently, Gugulethu is pursuing an Honours Social Sciences degree at African Leadership University as a recipient of the Mastercard Scholarship.​

Loice

Volunteer and Board Member

Loice is an exceptional barista, a loving mother of two, and a devoted friend. Her dedication and hard work have led her to be employed at Bean There Coffee Company since 2015. Loice's journey towards advocating for a living wage began when she worked as a domestic worker for the Branken family in 2008. She helped them understand the importance of fair pay and was involved in advocacy efforts. Even after the Branken family moved to Blauwberg Flats in Hillbrow in 2012, Loice continued to work with them and also became the hospitality manager of Neighbours' hospitality flat in the same block. She created a warm and welcoming environment for Neighbours' volunteers until 2015. Loice still maintains strong relationships with Neighbours and occasionally volunteers for them.

Dimakatso Beibie Rakaki

Volunteer and Board member

Beibie is a joyful, energetic, persevering, compassionate, and courageous person. She crossed paths with the Branken family when she moved to the same block of flats in Hillbrow. Soon after, she began working for Neighbours on their refugee programs and volunteered with their work with the homeless community and at the Neighbours learning center, all within the same block of flats. Beibie also provided support to young people as part of her work for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship. Additionally, she generously volunteers her time to Hillbrow's Judo For Peace Club and has recently started offering help with trauma debriefing for SAPS in Randburg.