KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching's founder and current chairperson, Gill Marcus, has retired from the board and passed the leadership baton to Johann Nel.

Marcus, who turned 75 in August, founded KILT seven years ago in continuation of her life of active public service after retiring as governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

Following her involvement in the struggle against apartheid while in exile, she returned to South Africa in 1990, becoming a Member of Parliament in 1994.

She was appointed Deputy Finance Minister by President Nelson Mandela.

'Incredibly inspiring'

"The ongoing enthusiasm and dedication from teachers and school heads to improving education and the life prospects of young people as they have embraced and made the most of KILT's support over the years, has been incredibly inspiring," says Marcus.

"And to experience how, year for year, the district's learners seize and benefit from the opportunities for knowledge, growth and personal empowerment the organisation's programmes offer them and their teachers rewards all of us at KILT time and again."

Marcus will continue to support the board and management as an honorary patron, mentor, and adviser.

'Drive and commitment'

"I am exceptionally pleased that Johann Nel has agreed to take the helm. His experience, drive, and commitment will ensure that KILT continues to provide the maximum impetus and support possible to the learners, teachers, school heads, and communities of the Knysna district," says Marcus.

"He will be supported, as I have been, by an enormously competent and dedicated staff and board. My sincere thanks go to our managing director Sandy Ueckermann and her team, to the board, and particularly to our donors for making KILT's success possible."

Johann Nel

Nel is currently deputy chair of KILT and will be formally appointed to his new role at a board meeting in November.

Global human resources director

He joined the board in 2022, bringing with him 15 years of experience. Johann, together with his wife Gina, has actively supported early childhood development initiatives in the area.

He retired in 2016 to Knysna, where his family have had a home for 20 years.

Nel's last position was as global human resources director for SABMiller plc in London. He has extensive experience in global strategy, organisational change, talent management and leadership development.

'Grateful to our donors'

"We are immensely grateful to our donors for their ongoing support, and trust that we can continue to look to them as we continue Gill's work in the future," he says

KILT currently supports 13 primary and three high schools in the Knysna area, providing 25 programmes which reach school heads, teachers, and 13 000 learners.

KILT also sponsors assistant teachers' studies as they work towards teaching qualifications. Many learners from some of the most deprived backgrounds have gone on to university or skilled jobs with KILT's help. 

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