Support Team

Lea Coleman

In addition to her work in Permaculture, Lea is also a regenerative health practitioner and educator. She believes in the importance of holistic health and wellness, and works to empower individuals to take charge of their own health.

Diane Ingram

Diane is a Christian Self Publishing Author and has published her books under her pen name Diane Carol Edworthy. 

Her professional career path has spanned over many years experience as a Draughtsperson in Town and Regional Planning. She believes in the infrastructure of a growing township development.

She also obtained her BA degree in Christian Counselling at the tender age of 52 years of age.

Lunga Kroza

Lunga Kroza was born on 6 October 1993 and is a passionate community builder dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people. As a former NARYSEC participant, Lunga gained valuable skills and experience that shaped a strong commitment to agriculture and community development.

Lunga has worked with the Department of Agriculture and Lotus SA, where practical knowledge and a spirit of service were developed. These experiences strengthened a deep desire to fight poverty and create opportunities for those in need.

Driven by compassion, Lunga is passionate about helping poor and disadvantaged communities. Interests include life skills development, soccer, and music, which are seen as powerful tools for uniting and uplifting young people.

Guided by the belief “I am the change I would like to see in my community and country,” Lunga dreams of becoming the partner of orphanages across the world, creating safe spaces where children can grow with dignity, education, and hope.

Michael O’Brien

Michael was born in Ireland and while working in the construction industry, very much involved in different charities. Among others he organised fundraising events by producing musical concerts and horse shows, such as Dancing with Stallions.

He moved to South Africa in 2015 and was Chair of the Irish South African Association (ISAA) from 2017 to 2020. In this capacity he linked with Business Ireland/South Africa (BISA), and organised events such as the annual St Patrick’s Night Dinner Dance, with visiting artists from Ireland, such as professional singers/dancers from Riverdance. Shows were performed in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban.

After moving from Cape Town to Tulbagh, Michael and his wife Valerie became involved with the local children’s Home, initially raising funds and liaising with Gift of the Givers to ensure the Home was brought up to standard.

Valerie O’Brien

Valerie holds an MBA degree and worked in administration with various national and multi-national companies in the UK and Ireland.

Her community involvement included working as a volunteer for the Samaritans, a phone line listening service for suicidal people. She was also involved with Michael, her husband, in various fundraising events for different charities in Ireland and the UK. One such event was a musical show with the Limerick Tenors, who toured the UK and Ireland.

Valerie and Michael are a team and she was involved with most of the events mentioned in Michael’s section above.

Jacqui van der Helm

I’m a trivia night junkie with a passion for social justice and a love for rugby (don’t miss a match when Aus plays SA – I stand up for both anthems 😄 and rock my Wallaby shirt!). The poem “I’ve Come to Take You Home” by Diane Ferrus, which tells the powerful story of Sarah Baartman, really moved me, and I’m grateful for the community that supports me.

When I’m not trivia-ing or watching rugby, you can find me at movie nights, walking in nature, or hanging out with animals (I’m totally passionate about their safe keeping!). Life’s thrown some challenges my way, like skin cancer scarring and surgeries, but I’m managing, thanks to an awesome community that’s got my back.

I’m all about helping my fellow humans and animals – if there’s a need, I’m there 😊. Grateful for the beauty of nature, good company, and a comfy spot to watch the world go by