Board of Trustees

The Board is the heartbeat of the Makazi Foundation. Comprising a diverse and passionate team, our Board brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the forefront.

At Makazi, our Board Members aren't just leaders; they are the driving force behind our mission to uplift vulnerable youth and children from poverty. With backgrounds spanning education, business, and community development, each member contributes a unique perspective, enriching the collective wisdom that steers the Foundation.

Mwai Diana Kalitera

Passionate Founder and Chairwoman of the Makazi Foundation, Diana Kalitera, brings a Bachelor's Degree in Business Adminstration, an advanced diploma in Marketing, four years of experience as an entrepreneur, and eight years of international teaching experience to her role. Committed to providing psychosocial support, holistic education, and vocational skills training, Diana has steered the foundation to train thousands of individuals, with an emphasis on mental health. Her strategic vision aligns with the SDGs, focusing on empowering youth and children. A transformative leader, Diana's dynamic approach fosters positive change in local communities, addressing critical societal needs.

Founder and Chairwoman

Henderson Mhango

Vice Chair

Henderson Mhango is a Human Rights Lawyer with a Bachelor's Degree of Law (Honors) and Advance Diploma in Business Administration and Management Studies. Henderson is a well-seasoned Human Rights and Governance Activist a Founder and Executive Director of Youth Coordinating Agency in Development (YOCADE) a non-governmental organization working in four thematic areas of Human Rights, Good Governance, Health and Education targeting key population, youth and women’s. Henderson Mhango holds a leadership position of National Coordinator of Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders (FDRD), Chairperson of Blantyre District Education Network(BT-DEN), Board Chairperson of Lifeline ANPPCAN Malawi also a Vice Chairperson of Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Southern Region Chapter-Malawi.

Ausa Kamanga

Ausa Kamanga has a Bachelor of Business Administration. She has experience in digital marketing, events planning & management. She is currently working at Inspire Marketing Group Limited as Clients Relationships Manager. She has worked with a wide range of companies, spanning across various industries, including international Non-Profit organizations. Her organization and interpersonal skills, as well as her passion for inspiring the next generation, led her to serve on the Board of the Makazi and take of the role Secretary.

Secretary

Pempho Nampota holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), Skills Level(ACCA). Pempho has experience in the finance sectors of Banking and Investment Management with key skills in business development, credit and accounting. He currently works in business development at Old Mutual Investment Group (Malawi) Limited, a registered portfolio manager and investment manager. Pempho is also experienced in organizational management as he serves on the Board of T&D Hospitality Group and is the Treasurer of the Makazi Foundation.

Pempho Nampota

Treasurer

Duwa Mutharika

Duwa Mutharika is an executive and leadership coach, key note speaker, mentor, consultant, facilitator and author. She is an International Coaching Federation and COMENSA member and professional coach in good standing for 7 years.

Duwa has over 20 years of communications and business development in multiple countries. She is a skilled Facilitator with 6 years teaching adults essential skills in various organisations including Onyx Therapy Group in Washington, DC, international nonprofits, South African corporates and retail businesses.

As the Country Lead and Founder of the Girls 4 Girls, Malawi chapter, Duwa has experience with managing at the country level, agile project management, organizational leadership, stakeholder engagement, risk management, board advisory and consulting for entrepreneurs and businesses. She is also a trained DEI facilitator and consultant.

Hon. Thoko Tembo

Hon. Thoko Tembo is a dedicated representative of Neno North constituency in Parliament and a staunch advocate for charitable causes. Beyond his legislative duties, Tembo channels his passion for making a positive impact by serving as a board member for the Makazi Foundation. His commitment to both governance and philanthropy reflects a well-rounded approach to community betterment.

Lilly Alfonso

Lilly Alfonso is the visionary force behind the fashion brand, Lilly Alfonso. She serves as the CEO, founder, and head designer. Lilly embarked on her fashion journey in a country where fashion was still in its infancy, and access to fashion and design education was a distant dream. Against all odds, she defied limitations and rose to international acclaim, inspiring aspiring designers across the globe. Beyond her role as a fashion pioneer, Lilly Alfonso is a motivational speaker, sharing her entrepreneurial and fashion journey at prestigious conferences throughout Africa. She believes in the power of collaboration and has fostered partnerships with artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds, transcending borders and cultures. Through our visionary 100 Year Plan initiative, Lilly Alfonso is committed to nurturing talent for generations to come. We firmly believe in passing down knowledge and inspiring aspiring designers to ensure the sustainability of African fashion. By providing platforms and mentorship opportunities, we empower emerging designers to realize their potential and showcase their talents. Our ultimate aspiration is for the 100 Year Plan initiative to extend its reach across African communities, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

Humphrey Panyanja

Humphrey Panyanja is a seasoned human rights lawyer with 7 years of specialized experience in strategic litigation, advocacy, negotiation, and law reform. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Legal Aid Advocate at the Legal Aid Bureau (Southern Region) in Malawi, where he provides legal representation to economically disadvantaged individuals across various legal forums nationwide. His practice focuses extensively on children's rights, including cases involving child custody, juvenile offenders, adoption, and guardianship. Additionally, he oversees administrative operations for the Legal Aid Bureau's Southern Region.

Humphrey holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from the University of Malawi. He is now pursuing advanced studies toward a Master of Laws Degree in Human Rights Law, Public International Law, and Law and Development at the University of London, supported by the prestigious Canon Collins Scholarship for postgraduate studies.

Beyond his academic pursuits, he actively engages in community service initiatives, supporting the professional growth of African lawyers through Justice Advocacy Africa and participating in global social service projects with the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Legal Advisor

Our Values

Equity

We believe in impartial treatment of all peoples, particularly in regards to their social, physical, mental and psychological well-being.

Diversity

We value diverse life experiences and heritages and acknowledge differences as necessary for driving innovation and fostering creativity.

Collaboration

We value both internal and external partnerships, as a means of combining our strengths, in order to reach a common goal.

Accountability

We believe in taking ownership of our actions and that we should be answerable for these actions and the actions of our teams.

Continuous Learning

We believe that continuously expanding our skillsets will enable us to increasingly grow our efficiency to make change.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way."

– John C. Maxwell