Our Team

Maria Dlokolo

Founder

Maria Dlokolo is a passionate community leader dedicated to eradicating food insecurity through innovative initiatives. As founder of Gogo's Community Kitchen, she provides nourishing meals and support to vulnerable communities. A seasoned facilitator, she brings people together, fostering collaboration and social change. Maria Dlokolo serves on the University of Cape Town Lung Institute's Community Advisory Board and the FACT network, uniting kitchens and learning from each other. Affectionately known as "Gogo" to the community, she embodies selfless love, care, and dedication. Through her work, she inspires collective action, education, and systemic change, ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food and a brighter future.

Yedwa Makasi

Volunteer

My mission is to improve the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of society by positively educating individuals on the dynamics of life, empowering those who are struggling to make lasting, transformative changes. I began my career in the hospitality industry, gaining hands-on experience for over a year, including a role as a bartender. Academically, I am completing a diploma in Public Management, having completed N4 and N5 levels and currently pursuing N6. In addition, I serve as a director at the OFW organization, where I initially joined as a volunteer. Through dedication, I was promoted to branch manager and later to director, allowing me to contribute to the organization’s impact at a strategic level.

Aphelele Qobongwana

Volunteer

I am 22 years old. I completed my matric in 2020, and shortly afterward, I began volunteering at Gogo's Community. There, I contributed by tutoring in Gogo's Afterschool program and helping in Gogo's Kitchen, where we provided meals for the community. I am passionate about music, art, dance, and working with children. I sang with the Royalties Choir and danced at the Themba Labantu Center, and my aspiration is to one day establish my own choir. I also plan to further my studies with the goal of becoming a school teacher or tutor, dedicated to supporting children in their academic journeys.

Pamela Lindela Silwana

Founder

I am one of the founders and the chairperson of Gogo's Community Kitchen. In my role, I oversee all facilitations and training for our after-school care programs, GBV awareness initiatives, and climate change workshops. I am deeply committed to empowering women and advancing social justice, driven by a mission to inspire people to live their best lives while actively fighting social ills like food insecurity, gender-based violence, and lack of access to quality education and climate justice. With over 10 years of experience, I have dedicated myself to creating meaningful change in our community. I was honored to receive recognition from the mayor in 2021 for my community work, and I hold certifications from Inyathelo and the University of Cape Town's Lung Institute for facilitating youth and community engagement. My work is my passion, and I am committed to fostering a safe, informed, and resilient community.

Siyolo Bangani

Volunteer

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with a strong passion for growth and development. I completed my Matric in 2023 and expanded my skill set through Hope Africa's Economic Empowerment program, where I earned a certificate. Currently, I am training with the Aftercare Foundation, nurturing my love for childcare and education.

Nicole Frieste

Volunteer

I have three years of experience working in a retail company, where I developed a strong dedication to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their best. My mission is to make a positive impact in the world, especially by supporting individuals with disabilities and contributing to meaningful change within the community. I’m committed to creating opportunities for people to work in environments where they can thrive. In 2024, I was awarded for my achievements in coding, and I also volunteer as kitchen staff and assist with after-school care programs.

Inga Goniwe

Volunteer

Since 2020, I have had the privilege of being both a beneficiary and a volunteer at Gogo's Community Kitchen. With no one in my household employed and no personal source of income, Gogo's has become my only source of hope, providing essentials like food, clothing, and toiletries. Life in the township can be incredibly challenging, but Gogo's support has given me an alternative to coping through unhealthy means. Thanks to Gogo's, I have found strength and a community that has kept me away from drug abuse and helped me navigate the difficulties of poverty.

Siphokazi Cebo

I am a dedicated and hardworking professional who believes in personal and organizational growth through commitment and continuous learning. Embracing new challenges to apply and expand the experience and skills I’ve gained over the years motivates me to adapt and thrive within any environment. My goal is to develop into a fully competent public servant, contributing to the community’s wellbeing. I am deeply passionate about empowering children with innovative teaching methods, especially in supporting those with special needs, which I consider my true calling. With over 12 years of experience, I was honored in 2014 with an award from the Principal for my volunteer work as a teaching assistant, helping improve children’s outcomes by providing support and motivation. In 2023, I received recognition from Ilitha Labantu Organization for my efforts in promoting child safety and parental care. This work involved addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, supporting educational growth, and fostering positive relationships through home visits and community involvement.