Her Excellency Ambassador Prudence Mocumi

Position: Chairperson
Categories: South Africa Country Board

Prudence Mocumi is the Executive Director of Crystal Consulting, a human resource consultancy working with leaders to bring transformation in their organizations specifically in the human resource management function. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of EPOD Global, where she drove consistent transformation in organizations across different industry sectors which produced results in revenue growth and attracted prestigious blue-chip clients. With over 20 years of experience in human resource management, and over 10 years as an entrepreneur, she began her professional journey in the UK and has since made significant contributions in senior management roles to numerous multinational corporations.

She serves on several boards for over 10 years, both locally and internationally providing strategic thinking and direction, specialist skills and leadership. She is the founder of the International Marketplace Summit (NPC) with the focus on empowering leaders and professionals in the marketplace. She is passionate about the development of women and has established several women in leadership forums.

She holds an honorary doctorate in ministry, master’s degree in leadership, management and diplomacy, postgraduate degree in business studies, and obtained further qualifications in leadership development and training management. Ambassador Mocumi is recognized for her strategic thinking, regional collaborations, stakeholder management and exceptional communication skills, which makes her a valuable asset for organizations focused on organizational growth and transformation. Her Excellency Ambassador Prudence Mocumi was appointed as a Global Peace Ambassador (CGPA) with WOLMI to the United Nations in March 2023.

Dr. Florence Wambugu

Position: Board Member
Categories: South Africa Country Board

Dr. Florence Wambugu has been the Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International since 2002. She is a plant pathologist with a specialization in virology and genetic engineering. She has an honorary Ph.D. Doctorate of Science from the University of Bath, UK, and she has conducted postdoctoral research at the Monsanto Life Sciences Center, United States of America (USA). For over 30 years, she has dedicated her life to agricultural research, where she has made significant contributions to the improvement of sorghum, maize, pyrethrum, banana, and sweet potato.

Previously, she worked as the Africa Regional Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri Biotech Applications (ISAAA) in Nairobi; Research Scientist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research in Kenya (KALRO) and Senior Research Officer (Pathologist) and Coordinator of Plant Biotechnology Research at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI).

She has published over 100 articles and co-authored various papers, and is the author and publisher of Modifying Africa and Biotechnology in Africa: Emergence, Initiatives, and Future. In 2005, she spearheaded an international consortium that received a USD 21 million global competitive grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

She has garnered numerous awards and honors, notably the Norwegian YARA Prize in 2008, Woman of the Year by Eve Magazine in 2000, Farmers Support Award, Pyrethrum Marketing Board of Kenya in 1990, Monsanto Company Outstanding Performance Award in 1992 and 1993, First Place Medal Winner, Global Development Network Awards, in 2000,  among many others.

Maavhungu Azwifarwi Philemon (Farwi)

Position: Board Member
Categories: South Africa Country Board

Azwifarwi Mavhungu is an extensionist, educationist, trainer, and administrator. He serves as one of the directors for Skills Development and Training Company (SDTCO) and is also a co-founder and director of Nemukula Holdings and Trading (PTY) LTD.

Previously, Azwifarwi (also known as Farwi or Azwi) was the Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Agricultural Sciences in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. In this role, he managed curriculum advisory services in agricultural sciences, advocated for and trained teachers on the correct implementation of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), trained school management teams on curriculum management, supported effective supervision of teachers’ work, designed workshops, and conducted training sessions for teachers. He also developed training manuals for educators in agricultural sciences.

Azwifarwi taught as a lecturer at two teacher training colleges: Rammano Mbulaheni Training Center and Venda College of Education. During his tenure at the college, he played a pivotal role in the strategic development and establishment of a successful Practical Agricultural Unit. He fostered team spirit, motivated members, and aligned their commitment to the set objectives and values, showcasing his strong problem-solving abilities within the team.

He was also involved with Link Community Development, a UK-sponsored initiative aimed at encouraging communities to support their local schools. His contributions included developing and delivering training for lead teachers, supporting British volunteer teachers, facilitating school development planning, promoting team building and problem-solving, reviewing progress, designing workshops, and participating in community-based fundraising.

Since 1997, Azwifarwi has been a part-time lecturer for senior student-teachers focusing on agricultural sciences methodology, teaching them effective teaching strategies.

Before his college lecturing and curriculum advisory roles, Azwifarwi worked as a teacher for eight years. He possesses extensive experience in teaching, lecturing, change management—particularly in agricultural activities—and negotiation, qualifying him as a well-rounded professional in his field.

His academic qualifications include an MBA from Potchefstroom University, a Master’s in Agricultural Extension from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Agriculture (Hons) degree, and a degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Fort Hare. He has also completed an Advanced Program in Sourcing and Supply Chain Management from Unisa.

Jimmy Thompson. CA

Position: Board Member
Categories: South Africa Country Board

Jimmy Thompson is an accomplished financial professional, Chartered Accountant, and Auditor with 19 years of experience in finance and accounting. He has expertise in financial strategy, analysis, auditing, risk management, governance, compliance, and performance management. He has successfully driven profitability, improved operational efficiency, and implemented effective financial controls across various sectors, including IT, telecommunications, manufacturing, and financial services.

His strong foundation in data analytics allows him to extract valuable insights and provide strategic guidance. He is skilled in business intelligence tools, predictive analytics, financial modelling, and risk assessment. Additionally, he has extensive experience in creating financial reports for executive teams and boards, and he possesses strong leadership skills in managing teams and building stakeholder relationships.

Loyiso Jiya

Position: Board Member
Categories: South Africa Country Board

Loyiso Jiya currently serves as the Director of Bannow Africa (Pty) Ltd based in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. He drives strategic initiatives that enhance the company’s operations and market presence. With over 23 years of extensive experience across the African continent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Loyiso has developed a profound expertise in Corporate Finance, Structured Finance, Capital Raising, Project Finance, and Business Strategy. His diverse skill set allows him to adeptly navigate the intricacies of various sectors, consistently delivering impactful results.

Beyond his directorial responsibilities, Loyiso holds the esteemed position of Chairman of the Board for Droogfontein Capital (Pty) Ltd, RTI Energy Africa (Pty) Ltd, and Bannow Africa PTY (LTD). In these roles, he emphasizes strategic growth and operational excellence, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. He is also a Governor of Rhodes University. Loyiso’s academic credentials reflect a strong foundation in finance and economics.

He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, complemented by an Honors in Economics from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rhodes University.