A little more about us

Who we are:

Over the past 20 years, Touching Africa has grown into a diverse organisation, shaped by strong relationships and a shared passion for the continent.

For many of us, this passion comes from our deep commitment to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We aim to follow this higher calling above our own personal interests.

We believe that by joining hands and working together, we can be part of the body of Christ in practical ways—through business and in society.

We are convinced that we can make a difference in a broken world, starting small—like a mustard seed—by living out our values in everyday life and work.

This is possible through our connection with God and with one another, as we grow in Christ—spiritually, physically, in business, missions, and in the wider community.

Our approach stands in contrast to a divided worldview that separates people based on economic status, race, culture, religion, or background. Instead, we aim to build unity and hope.

WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE HANDS IN TOUCHING AFRICA!

To give corporate expression to this vision, we focus to:

  • Identify, develop, manage funding and implement various Strategic Initiatives and Projects that make a positive impact on the African community according to our Operating Principles.

  • Develop a broad public network of “friends of Touching Africa” with a “community of developers” (COD) that contribute to projects and initiatives.

  • Grow the Touching Africa Network Members that consists of Business Members (rendering services), Project Members (share in projects) and Vision Members (share in vision) based on a very specific Touching Africa Network Member Agreement.

  • Grow the Touching Africa Group consisting of businesses that give expression to the vision through a business consortium with partial sharing in central ownership.

Operating Principles

  • PRIORITIZE POSITIVE IMPACT ACROSS AFRICAN COMMUNITIES

  • USE AN INCLUSIVE, HOLISTIC APPROACH

  • VALUE PASSION, PURPOSE, AND SMALL BEGINNINGS

  • MAINTAIN FOCUS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE

  • PUT COMMUNITY WELL-BEING FIRST

  • EMBRACE CROSS-CULTURAL UNITY AND COOPERATION

  • COMMIT TO SUSTAINABILITY

  • OPERATE WITH INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

  • PROMOTE ETHICAL, VALUE-DRIVEN TRANSFORMATION

A fresh perspective on the next season

It is important to integrate a Kingdom vision (traditionally seen as “non-profit” business or “non-bankable projects”) with “normal” business on a practical level. It is not simply giving a Kingdom flavour to business, it is a new way of thinking. It is about growing something new and fresh to embody the Kingdom in the corporate world! Our mission to “touch” Africa and make a difference must be practical, measurable and visible. We must seek means to take care of the most vulnerable components of our society and to make a difference to their lives. We can only achieve this by being part of a BODY that grow from trust relationships.

This is an exciting journey, and we are looking forward to seeing how the collective expression of our corporate body will grow and develop in the years to come

April 2025  

Stephan Pretorius

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Meet the Team

Stephan Pretorius

Stephan Pretorius

Chair of the Board and Project Overseer

René Maasz

René Maasz

Office Manager and Internal Coordinator

Saki Tlotleng

Saki Tlotleng

Community and Social Project Developer

Tiaan Liebenberg

Tiaan Liebenberg

Financial Management and Project Developer

Piet Barnard

Piet Barnard

Project Coordinator and Community Engagement

Anrie van Rooyen

Anrie van Rooyen

Graphic Design and Communication

Louisa Ralepelle

Louisa Ralepelle

Management and Project Developer

Frik Barnard

Frik Barnard

Strategist and Project Developer

Robert Crosby

Robert Crosby

Water Projects Developer

Hanneke Pretorius

Hanneke Pretorius

Projects and Coordinator