About

The aims of the Sustainable Development Network are:

To help NGOs become more sustainable through networking, resource mobilisation strategies; training in fundraising and social
enterprise development.
To provide useful research for NGO’s, government and the private sector which will promote and encourage sustainable development.
To provide education and training programmes (including assistance with creating accredited training programmes) for NGOs, government and the private sector.

Mission

To empower NGOs, government and the private sector through research, education, training and through encouraging networks and partnerships that will promote sustainable solutions.

Vision

To empower NGOs, government and the private sector to work together toward more sustainable economic, environmental and social solutions.

The SA Sustainable Development Network Board

Lisa Thompson Smeddle

Founder / Executive Director SDN Group

Lisa Thompson-Smeddle is the Founder and Director of the Sustainable Development Network Group. She has over 30 years experience working in the Education, Non-Profit and AID industries in southern Africa. She has acted as a sustainability consultant to Family Health International, an Umbrella Grants Mechanism managing a $93 million USAID/PEPFAR grant in South Africa. Lisa was also the Programme Coordinator for the Sustainability Institute and course designer/lecturer (Stellenbosch University). She has managed research and development projects for the UNDP, DANIDA, Cordaid, the City of Cape Town, the University of California Berkeley and other academic institutions and donor organisations. She has a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University and Honours degrees Sustainable Development and in Social Sciences.

Carol Beerwinkel

SDN/One Heart Executive Director

Carol’s contribution to Education started in 1972. She spent many successful,though challenging years in this noble profession teaching in places like Johannesburg, Potchefstroom, Prieska and Cape Town. In 1996 the political bug bit and she ventured into that field. Since entering the political field she has held many senior positions as chairperson or executive member of committees like Housing, Development Planning, Tourism and currently is the Shadow Minister for Education in the Western Cape Parliament. Her life goal is to leave a legacy of visible developmental growth examples and upliftment of people’s lives and surroundings.

Varkey George

SDN Non-Executive Board Member / Founder of MIGS (Multiple Income Generating Strategy)

Varkey has been recognised as one of the leading practitioners of Social Entrepreneurship in the social sector. He has had various experiences in rural and urban Africa, having set up various job creation and education projects and having transformed many non-profits from donor dependence to financial sustainability. In 2004, he was appointed as the CEO of SHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation), at the University of Cape town, where he was tasked to turn around an ailing organisation which is now trail blazing in the practice of social entrepreneurship. In 2012, he founded his own company called MIGS (Multiple Income Generating Strategy). He assists non-profits and other organisations to become social enterprises.

Anton Buirski

SDN Executive Director / Secretary

Anton is a corporate attorney of more than 50 years standing and is currently in practice in Cape Town. He is a graduate of both UCT and the London School of Economics. Anton is currently the chairperson of Action on Elder Abuse South Africa, an NGO and a national organisation which deals with problems of the aged. During a long professional career he has served on committees of many community projects as well as sporting bodies and brings a wealth of administrative experience to the organisation.

Johann Sym

SDN Board Member / One Heart Ambassador

Johann has worked with children and child/youth counselling for over 20 years. He has Certificates in Pastoral Work and Biblical Studies from Bethel Bible School and has completed a Certificate Course in Teacher Training through the Test Learning Centre. Johann has also worked as a Train the Trainer for the Western Cape Department of Education, providing teacher training and support throughout the Western Cape. Furthermore, he managed the One Heart volunteer programme, he acts as a One Heart teacher and school liaison and assists with all One Heart events.