James Fernie is our founding director. He started Uthando in 2007, and has received many accolades for his contribution to social development through the work of our NPO!

James started Uthando in 2007, pioneering a model of travelling philanthropy that enables travelers to meaningfully engage with community development initiatives in Cape Town! These initiatives span across education, food security, skills-development, economic empowerment, mental health, healthcare, the environment, youth empowerment, elderly care, & animal welfare. In 2024, James was recognised by Africa Travel Week as the “Hero of The Decade”, which further emphasises the impact that Uthando continues to make in communities around Cape Town.

Guided by values of love, empathy, fairness, and justice, James launched The Heart of Cape Town in 2023—an initiative using public art and community “love events” to promote unity and healing, honoured with the 2025 WTM Africa Peace and Inclusivity Award.

His vision is a sustainable South Africa leading through innovation, creating eco-structures from reclaimed materials to meet social needs while regenerating the planet. Through cross-sector partnerships, Uthando continues to connect people and create lasting impact.

A dreamer who acts, James connects grassroots organisers with global leaders, proving that small, loving actions can reshape the world. Beyond work, he cherishes nature, gardening, hiking, and life with his partner Collin and their dogs. As former chair of the Harfield Village Association, he championed environmental action and community cohesion—values that continue to define his purpose and humanity.

Roshana is our core project manager. She focuses her energy on resource allocation, fundraising, as well as reporting, ensuring effective community outcomes!

Roshana is a highly skilled and experienced project manager with a deep-seated dedication to empowering underserved communities. Her career is characterized by a steadfast commitment to connecting these communities with essential resources and opportunities that foster growth and development. With a rich background in managing and executing projects that drive positive social change, Roshana excels in designing and implementing strategic initiatives that address critical needs and promote lasting impact.

Her expertise lies within strategic planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement. She excels at connecting communities with opportunities that foster their sustainable growth.

In her role, Roshana has successfully led numerous projects aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. She is known for her innovative approach to problem-solving and her capacity to inspire and mobilize teams towards shared goals. Her project management skill set is complemented by her strong analytical capabilities, which she uses to assess project outcomes, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement..

Known for her innovative problem-solving and collaborative leadership, Roshana drives teams toward meaningful, lasting change.

Passionate about social impact, she continues to work with changemakers to design practical, transformative solutions that help communities thrive.

Xolani is the backbone of Uthando Excursion Experiences!

Xolani is our specialist Excursion Facilitator & Storyteller with advanced qualifications in Education, Training, and Development from the University of the Western Cape, along with a certificate in Site Guiding—blending his love for learning, culture, and social upliftment!

Since joining Uthando in 2012, Xolani has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of Uthando Excursions in uplifting and empowering the communities it directly supports, which is further emphasised by the recognitions he has received from the tourism industry, including the Lilizela Tourism Awards – finalist in 2015 and 3rd runner-up in 2017! These awards recognise and reward ethical tourism players and businesses who work passionately and with pride to deliver a world-class service to their guests.

Xolani’s world-class storytelling abilities, are deployed within Uthando Excursions, connecting visitors to the South African story, and taking them on a journey through the past, present, and the brighter future that Uthando aims to create for South African’s through tourism, collaboration, & innovation.

An important part of Xolani’s role within Uthando Excursions is building meaningful connections between visitors and the community projects that are visited. He is more than a guide. He is a translator, a storyteller, and an advocate for the good work that is being done within the various community projects supported by Uthando Excursions.

A proud family man, Xolani is known for his humility, warmth, and passion for storytelling—sharing South Africa’s past, present, and future with sincerity and hope.

Thanks to Xolani, Uthando Excursions have been recognised with 5 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards in a row, and counting, which helps us to continue impacting in-need communities around Cape Town!

Lydia is our seasoned marketing consultant, managing the Heart of Cape Town portfolio, as well as project managing for many of Uthando’s community initiatives!

Lydia van der Merwe is a seasoned marketing and advertising professional with a rich career spanning corporate, agency, and consultancy roles. She began at Old Mutual in corporate communications before joining Young & Rubicam, managing major brands such as Wella SA, Unifruco, and Metropolitan Life!

In 1998, she launched her consultancy, **The Executive Connection**, offering marketing, advertising, project management, and event planning services. Over the years, Lydia has successfully engaged in many varied projects for several clients, including Uthando SA, The Heart of Cape Town, Claremont Improvement District Company, Harfield Village Association, Groote Schuur Improvement District, and Cavendish Square, as well as several independent smaller businesses.

Known for her professionalism, creativity, and client-centered approach, Lydia delivers innovative solutions with precision and care. Beyond her work, she is passionate about nature, animal welfare, and eco-friendly living—values that align deeply with her involvement in Uthando SA and The Heart of Cape Town.

“It has been deeply rewarding for me to be involved in both Uthando SA and the Heart of Cape Town projects, as they closely align with my personal values of community, compassion, and making a positive impact.”

Mikaeel is our dynamic marketing communications specialist, focused on connecting Uthando’s initiatives to supportive audiences around the world!

Mikaeel studied at the AAA School of Advertising, where he lead the Student Council, and excelled academically. We crossed paths with Mikaeel in 2024 at the “Rise Exhibition”, which was an event that he had set up to provide exposure & networking opportunities for young artists trying to break through in the industry. Uthando was invited to be a part of the exhibition by Mikaeel’s mentor, Liaqat Azam of the “Leading Like Mandela Foundation”, and after learning about the work that Uthando does, Mikaeel wanted to be a part of it.

Since joining Uthando in February 2025, Mikaeel has managed Uthando’s social media, website, campaign portfolios, as well as e-commerce for the heart of cape town initiative!

Mikaeel’s passion is helping people reach their full potential. You will often find him spending time with our community partners, facilitating capacity building mentorships within the context of Web Development & Digital Marketing!

In his spare time, Mikaeel enjoys spending time in nature, as well as keeping fit. You will often find him out in the mountains, or lifting weights at the gym.

“I joined Uthando because I wanted to live a life that would allow me to help people unlock their full potential. I am grateful that through my work with Uthando South Africa, I am able to achieve this mission every day.”

Thulani Nxumalo is an exceptional tour guide, facilitating many Uthando Excursion Experiences!

Thulani started his career at the District Six Museum in 1999. During his 13 years at the District Six Museum, Thulani served as an AV Archivist, curating exhibitions and conducting oral histories with former residents. He also built bridges between the Museum and Langa, creating performance platforms for local youth and facilitating partnerships with organisations such as the Cape Cultural Collective, UCT Hiddingh Campus, Labia Theatre, and Iziko Museums.

In terms of his educational journey, Thulani completed the UCT Oral History course in 2001 under Dr Sean Field, later earning a Higher Certificate in African Museums and Heritage Studies from UWC in 2004, where he majored in Tourism under Prof Leslie Witz..

Thulani has a passion for people and community-building. He co-founded Umbon’ Omhle Youth Development, which engaged hundreds of young people across Cape Town through programs in dance, music, film, photography, drama, debate, gardening, and more. The organisation hosted events such as the Langa Women of the Year Awards (2009) and Community Activist of the Year (2011), and collaborated with partners including loveLife, Cape Codes, and local creatives to produce audio-visual and community projects until 2015..

In 2016, he co-led the Langa Cultural Plan, documenting local artists’ histories and uniting cultural practitioners in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Branch. Today, Thulani continues to work within the NGO/NPO/NPC sector, driving social development, urban greening, and community empowerment in Langa and beyond.

Within the framework of Uthando’s Experiences, Thulani plays a pivotal role in guiding our guests through historical, cultural, and educational points of interest, which makes our catalogue of experiences even more meaningful for travelers all over the world!

Adnaan is our lead photographer & videographer. His work captures the resilient stories behind the people supported by our initiatives. Through his lens, the significance of Uthando initiatives is seen by our global community!

Adnaan Stemmet is a Cape Town-based photographer and filmmaker, and the founder of Adnaan Digital Productions, a community-rooted creative studio known for documenting real stories with honesty, respect, and emotional depth. With a natural gift for seeing the humanity in every moment, Adnaan has become an essential creative partner to Uthando (Love) South Africa, serving as the organisation’s lead photographer and videographer.

Over many years working alongside Uthando, Adnaan has captured the stories of thousands of people and dozens of community initiatives, including: early childhood development centres, mental-wellbeing programs, sustainable building projects, performing arts collectives, food-garden movements, sports academies, and countless local changemakers. His photographs and films have helped to carry these stories across South Africa and around the world, inspiring donors, partners, volunteers, and visitors to connect with communities in a respectful and meaningful way.

Adnaan is known for working quietly and gently in spaces where trust matters. His lens does not extract images; it honours them. Whether documenting joyful children in a classroom, elders telling their life stories, choirs rehearsing late into the evening, or builders shaping earth into walls by hand, Adnaan has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and safe.

At the core of Adnaan’s work is a belief that love is not abstract – it is built, shown, witnessed, and shared. His photographs and films stand as quiet evidence of that truth.