GROUND WORK COLLECTIVE IS A PBO ORGANISATION
Our Team
At Ground Work Collective, we have a dedicated team of professionals who coordinate and execute our programmes across the nine provinces of South Africa. Contact us at info@groundworkcollective.org to connect with your provincial coordinator.
Mbali Ntuli
Founder & CEO
Mbali Ntuli is the dynamic founder and CEO of Ground Work Collective. She holds a degree from Rhodes University and brings over 15 years of experience in public service, having served as a councilor and later as a Member of the Provincial Legislature in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2020, she made history as the youngest person to run for the leadership of South Africa’s official opposition party.
Her political career included leadership roles such as National Youth Leader and provincial spokesperson, along with service on committees for education, social development, and public participation.
Through Ground Work Collective, Mbali is bringing together South Africans from all walks of life to build something grounded, inclusive, and practical — a new way of working that’s rooted in community and open to everyone.
Sazini Mojapelo
Non-Executive Director & Strategic Advisor
Sazini has over 20 years’ experience as a social impact executive working in multisectoral companies and is also an experienced non-executive director sitting on several boards in the Nonprofit sector. She has a deep understanding of sustainability, corporate social investments, foundation leadership, and shared value. She is able to understand the key levers that influence the success of social impact and proactively action on initiatives for growth and impact.
Sazini has been instrumental in the establishment of GWC, working closely with the Founder, Mbali to develop a strategy that will not only influence the SA landscape but create impact in the communities it operates. Sazini continues to work with GWC as an Advisor and director on the board.
Nicolle Shana
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff at Ground Work Collective, Nicolle Shana plays a pivotal role in translating strategy into action across all facets of the organization. She partners closely with the CEO to drive key business initiatives, strengthen internal systems, and ensure the efficient execution of programs that advance civic participation and democratic engagement. Nicolle oversees strategic planning, team coordination, and organizational development, streamlining operations, improving productivity, and fostering collaboration across departments. She serves as the central liaison between leadership, staff, and external partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and impact delivery. With a strong background in social impact communications and governance strategy, Nicolle helps Ground Work Collective stay agile, mission-driven, and people-centered in its approach to building a more accountable and participatory society.
Vincent Maake
Head of Communications
Vincent Maake is Head of Communications at Ground Work Collective, where he leads the organization’s media strategy, public engagement, and storytelling efforts. With over a decade of high-level experience in communications, his work spans the full media spectrum — from print and broadcast to digital campaigns and community platforms.
Vincent has developed and managed advocacy campaigns, created content for diverse audiences, and worked to ensure that important stories are clearly and widely heard. Before joining GWC, he served as a Public Relations Account Manager for leading South African brands including Nando’s, Momentum Insure, and The Beast Foundation.
