Our Team
Trustees
The Lewis Foundation, comprising four Trustees and a Strategic Advisor, oversees the Foundation’s efforts. The Board shapes our vision, sets the overall direction for the organisation, and guides the strategic planning. High standards of governance and the efficient running of the Foundation are prioritised. The Board meets regularly with the Executives of the programmes it funds to monitor progress and offer guidance and support. Outside of these meetings the Trustees use their skills and expertise to serve as advocates of the Foundation’s current focus area through actively contributing to meetings, workshops or conferences that add value to Lewis Foundation activities.
Dr Peter Zacharias
Chair
Pete has served as a Trustee since 2011. He is a grassland scientist by profession and an expert in strategies and systems. He was previously the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Agriculture, Engineering, and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pete shapes our vision and strategy, aligning it to best practice and processes.
Prof Shafika Isaacs
Deputy Chair
Shafika has served as a Trustee since 2012. Her vast experience in education, training, and human capital development in developing country contexts brings valuable insights into her role of setting the overall direction for the organization, shaping strategy, and reviewing results. She is also currently the Chairperson of the Telkom Foundation.
Derek Engelbrecht
Treasurer
Derek has served as a Trustee since 2017. He is a qualified Chartered Secretary and Certified Management Accountant. Derek brings a wealth of skills in the finance and investment arenas.
Anver Bhayat
Trustee
Anver became a trustee in 2023. He has been a practicing attorney since 1991. He is active on various professional bodies, including committees of the Legal Practice Council Gauteng. Anver focuses on litigation in all courts and serves as a mediator and arbitrator.
Duncan Hay
Strategic Advisor
Duncan was appointed as Strategic Advisor to the Lewis Foundation in 2023. He has thirty-five years of experience in the environmental sector and has served as the director of several NGOs including the Institute of Natural Resources (INR). He oversees strategic and operational aspects of the Foundation. Duncan is also an Associate Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Ransome Russouw
Administration
The administration and accounting requirements of the Foundation are conducted by Ransome Russouw Advisory Services.