Ruben de Kemp is a documentary filmmaker committed to highlighting real-world issues and giving voice to stories that are often unseen or unheard. His work emphasizes capturing authentic human experiences and raising awareness about complex social challenges through powerful visual storytelling.

Ruben’s approach is immersive and compassionate, enabling audiences to deeply connect with the realities faced by vulnerable communities. He is the filmmaker behind the documentaries Where Hope Grows, which tells the stories of women affected by gender-based violence in Cape Town, and A Starfish Story, filmed in Namibia, which showcases the work of a mobile animal clinic supporting vulnerable animals and communities.

Within Create Lasting Change, Ruben plays a vital role in documenting the stories behind the organization’s initiatives and the communities it supports. By his unique ability to uncover unseen struggles and turn them into compelling stories, he helps raise awareness of the issues the organization tackles and enhances the impact of its work.

Netherlands

Navid is an Engineering Program Manager at a leading global technology company and holds a degree in Systems Engineering. He brings strategic thinking, technical leadership, and strong organizational insight to the initiatives he supports.

Within Create Lasting Change, Navid plays a key role in shaping and advancing the organization’s youth and education programs. His work focuses on developing initiatives that raise awareness, empower young people, and help children find their voice in situations where speaking up can make a critical difference.

A lifelong advocate for education, Navid believes that knowledge and awareness are the foundation for meaningful, long-term change. His dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and his passion for animal welfare reflect his belief that responsibility and compassion must guide how we create a better future.

Germany

Hafid is a Senior Engineering Manager at a leading global technology company, specializing in machine learning and software development, with a strong focus on internationalization and technology-driven empowerment.

Throughout his career, Hafid has led a number of initiatives focused on inclusion, diversity, mentorship, and apprenticeship programs that support vulnerable communities and expand access to opportunities in the technology industry. His work reflects a strong belief that technology should be used to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and support long-term positive change.

Within Create Lasting Change, Hafid contributes to the organization’s growing focus on technology and artificial intelligence, as well as their evolving impact on young people and society. His work includes helping shape awareness initiatives that encourage young people to engage thoughtfully and safely with AI and digital technologies while understanding the opportunities and risks of rapidly evolving digital environments.

Hafid will also play a key role in developing the “Stay Sharp” initiative — a youth-focused program that guides young boys and men toward respect, compassion, accountability, and the protection of animals, girls, women, and other vulnerable individuals. Through mentorship, education, and awareness, the initiative aims to foster healthier role models, emotional awareness, and positive community values from an early age.

Hafid strongly believes that compassion, empowerment, inclusion, and diversity are essential to building a safer, more responsible, and more connected future.

France – originally Tlemcen, Algeria

Sinazo is a high school teacher based in Cape Town who has dedicated many years to working with children and young people in vulnerable communities. Having grown up in Samora Machel and later returning to teach at the same school she once attended, she brings deep personal understanding and commitment to the challenges faced by children affected by violence, crime, and socio-economic hardship.

For more than a decade, Sinazo has worked at Sophumelela High School, where she has seen firsthand how deeply social challenges impact children and their well-being. She strongly believes in the power of education, awareness, and early intervention to create meaningful long-term change. Alongside her passion for supporting vulnerable children, Sinazo is also deeply compassionate about animal welfare and believes that empathy and kindness toward animals play an important role in building more caring communities.

Within Create Lasting Change, Sinazo supports the development of youth-focused education and prevention initiatives that promote compassion, kindness, empathy, and emotional awareness from an early age. Her work includes helping shape educational materials, children’s magazines, awareness initiatives, and programs for troubled teens aimed at reducing violence and empowering children to speak up.

South Africa

Hardy is a freelance software developer who has worked with global technology companies for many years, bringing deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of digital systems and infrastructure.

Alongside his professional work, Hardy has a longstanding passion for animal welfare and environmental protection. He has supported numerous complex animal rescue efforts, particularly involving feral and injured animals, and has extensive experience caring for animals with disabilities. As a committed vegan and advocate for animals and the environment, he believes strongly in giving vulnerable animals the care, safety, and chance they deserve.

Within Create Lasting Change, Hardy plays a key role in maintaining and developing the technological foundation that supports the organization’s work. His expertise helps ensure that the digital tools and systems behind the initiatives remain secure, reliable, and adaptable as the organization grows and expands its impact.

Germany - previously South Africa and Namibia

Marius holds a business degree and served for many years in the South African Police Service (SAPS), where he reached the rank of Colonel while working at their Head Office. His decision to join law enforcement was driven by a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and serving communities.

Within Create Lasting Change, Marius plays a key role as Projects Lead, making sure initiatives are well coordinated, reviewed, and supported with the necessary data, updates, and operational oversight. His experience in leadership, structure, and accountability helps ensure that the organization’s projects progress effectively and responsibly.

A lifelong animal lover, Marius has had a deep connection with animals since he was young, rescuing his first pet at age four. He believes every animal has its own unique personality and values the unconditional bond they share with humans. Marius strongly supports adoption instead of buying animals from breeders and actively speaks out against keeping animals in captivity.

He also supports renewable energy and sustainable practices, believing that responsible environmental choices are key to protecting the planet for future generations.

South Africa