Zoleka Petse, Deputy Director of Programs, South Africa
“Madiba put it best when he said ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. Individuals, corporations, NGO’s and governments – we all have role to play in ensuring all children have a chance at a better life.”
Zoleka Petse joined Infinite Family in 2009, and serves as its Deputy Director of Programs. As a qualified social worker, Zoleka brings several years of experience as an advocate for children’s rights and responsibilities in both the government and NGO sectors. Zoleka’s career-long commitment to issues affecting children in need of care includes important roles in educating communities about children’s rights and helping establish the Protocol for Child Protection Services for the Eastern Cape Province.
A veteran community organizer, Zoleka worked with the Gauteng Provincial government to mobilize community networks of support for children and families affected by HIV and AIDS. Along with her professional expertise in Social Work, Zoleka is experienced in management, office procedures and training.
Zoleka describes her role as Deputy Director of Programs as “the mouthpiece of all things Infinite Family in South Africa.” In short: Zoleka drives it all. She coordinates all aspects and activities pertaining to Infinite Family’s video mentoring program in South Africa, including: managing Infinite Family staff, liaising with the NGO host or school partners, representing Infinite Family to corporate partners and government officials, training of children, support staff and mentoring site facilitators (Net Fundis), and liaising with relevant stakeholders on issues affecting mentees.
Zoleka is passionate about South Africa’s youth and has dedicated her career to helping improve the condition of children most in need. She views Infinite Family as cool, modern and needed intervention that uses technology to help teens at risk of falling through the cracks get the guidance they need to set – and surpass – their goals.
Zoleka holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from then University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University), a diploma in Project Management from Training and Management College and a certificate in Employee Assistance Program from the University of Pretoria.