Board Member: Fiona Evans Is A Successful Hotel Owner Who Previously Owned The Welgelegen Hotel in the Gardens Area of Cape Town.
Fiona’s connection to Uthando began when she first met James Fernie in 2005. They spent hours discussing the state of the world — its challenges, rising oil prices, and what could be done to bring optimism back into the conversation. At the time, these conversations were hopeful and idealistic, though not yet translated into action.
Later, when Fiona purchased Welgelegen Boutique Guesthouse in Gardens, and as James brought to life the idea of a sustainable projects NGO through Uthando South Africa, she joined his efforts. While he led the work on the ground, her contribution was to initiate a model of giving — allocating a percentage of bookings from various tour operators to support Uthando — and, in her own way, to help spread the love.
Since her early twenties, when she crossed the Sahara to Kenya in a converted Mercedes-Benz van, Fiona’s heart has been deeply connected to the rhythm of Africa. Even after leaving Cape Town in 2019, that profound connection has endured.
She has witnessed Uthando grow into a globally respected innovator — far beyond its early dreams. It has been a breathtaking journey to observe what James has achieved: supporting communities, fostering self-sustaining ways of thinking, turning hope into tangible action, and shaping a powerful narrative of autonomous independence rather than reliance on charitable handouts.
The only diploma Fiona claims is one rooted in humanity — looking after neighbours and caring through action.
While people may not be born equal in wealth, she believes deeply that everyone is equal in the richness they can share.
Board Member:
Fiona Evans Is A Successful Hotel Owner Who Previously Owned The Welgelegen Hotel in the Gardens Area of Cape Town.
Fiona’s connection to Uthando began when she first met James Fernie in 2005. They spent hours discussing the state of the world — its challenges, rising oil prices, and what could be done to bring optimism back into the conversation. At the time, these conversations were hopeful and idealistic, though not yet translated into action.
Later, when Fiona purchased Welgelegen Boutique Guesthouse in Gardens, and as James brought to life the idea of a sustainable projects NGO through Uthando South Africa, she joined his efforts. While he led the work on the ground, her contribution was to initiate a model of giving — allocating a percentage of bookings from various tour operators to support Uthando — and, in her own way, to help spread the love.
Since her early twenties, when she crossed the Sahara to Kenya in a converted Mercedes-Benz van, Fiona’s heart has been deeply connected to the rhythm of Africa. Even after leaving Cape Town in 2019, that profound connection has endured.
She has witnessed Uthando grow into a globally respected innovator — far beyond its early dreams. It has been a breathtaking journey to observe what James has achieved: supporting communities, fostering self-sustaining ways of thinking, turning hope into tangible action, and shaping a powerful narrative of autonomous independence rather than reliance on charitable handouts.
The only diploma Fiona claims is one rooted in humanity — looking after neighbours and caring through action.
While people may not be born equal in wealth, she believes deeply that everyone is equal in the richness they can share.
