Tashneem Abrahams

Founder / Chief Executive Director

Muneera Davids

Director of Operations & Communications Liaison

Nazley Towfie

Director of Finance & Contract Specialist

Aaliyah Ahmed

Head Curator

Aarifah Boomgaard

Social Media Assistant

Our Chief Executive Director and visionary behind Our Cape Town Heritage, Tashneem Abrahams was the driving force behind the organization's inception, conceiving the initial idea following the success of her 2022 photography exhibition, which focused on the preservation and celebration of the Cape Malay community. Abrahams implements the board's strategic direction, operating within the framework of OCTH day-to-day activities, she ensures that the team and organization runs effectively and efficiently with a clear vision of the nonprofit’s mission and goals.

She has played a pivotal role in the development of OCTH’s new website, fostering a sense of community that enhances opportunities for connection, preservation, education, and learning. She is responsible for overseeing the daily tasks, planning, execution, and evaluation of all the programmes and projects within the organisation. By cultivating a collaborative atmosphere, she encourages innovative ideas and solutions, which are essential for addressing the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector. Abrahams also engages with external partners and stakeholders to enhance the organization's capacity to deliver impactful services and regularly provides updates to the board on the organization's performance and progress.

Abrahams' commitment to social equity drives her to continuously seek out new avenues for outreach and support. As a leader, she is solution oriented, adopts a values-based approach, cultivates transparency and encourages productive communication to provide guidance and support to the rest of the team, so that we are able to function well in our individual roles to keep the NPO running sustainably. She understands the importance of creating an environment where marginalized artists and youth can thrive, and works diligently to develop programmes that empower these individuals.

Our Chief Operating Director and Communications Liaison Manager, Muneera Davids, is one of the co-founders that was instrumental in the official establishment of the nonprofit organization, being among the earliest team members, as she was involved in the planning and execution of the inaugural exhibition.Davids oversees operational activities and ensures that operational activities align with the nonprofit’s mission and goals.

As one of the key figureheads within the NPO, she works closely with the Executive Director, executing day-to-day tasks with strong operational acumen and communication skills. As the Communication Liaison, Davids helps manage internal and external communications. She acts as the bridge between the Directors and stakeholders; and the executive director and the team, translating high-level directives into actionable tasks. She is a firm believer in the mission of OCTH, which focuses on empowering those who are often overlooked and uplifting communities. This conviction drives her to advocate for resources and opportunities that enable individuals to thrive, helping to dismantle barriers that hinder progress. Her dedication to this cause is evident in the way she mobilizes support, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the organization's impact.

Her compassion and adaptability drive her efforts at OCTH, contributing significantly to the organization's success. With a Master's degree in Science, Davids skillfully balances her professional responsibilities while indulging her passion for cooking and baking. She is particularly renowned for her delightful traditional Cape Malay 'koesisters,' which she continues to prepare every Sunday.

Our Chief Financial Director and Contract Specialist, Nazley Towfie is responsible for overseeing financial operations such as budgeting, accounting, and reporting. Towfie joined the initiative as a co-founder of the nonprofit organization at a pivotal moment when the decision was made to establish the entity. She brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision for the mission of the organization. Towfie manages cash flow and offers financial insights to support OCTH's mission. Furthermore, she is tasked with the management and guiding of the organization's agreement documents, significantly advancing the NPO's goals.

Towfie plays a crucial role in managing risks across various projects, ensuring that potential uncertainties are identified and mitigated effectively. This responsibility involves a comprehensive analysis of project parameters, including budget constraints, market fluctuations, and regulatory compliance. Towfie leads and guides the Financial Assistant who plays a role in supporting her in various financial tasks. The finance accountant assists with the preparation of financial reports, budget management, and compliance with regulatory requirements, all of which are vital for maintaining the financial health of the nonprofit.

Currently, Nazley is engaged as a Project Developer at a South African independent power producer and is completing her MBA at Stellenbosch University, where she is inspired to be a transformative force within the community.

Aaliyah Ahmed is our Head Curator; who has distinctly executed each exhibition with her expertise in art curation and evident passion and appreciation for Cape Town heritage and culture. Her work encapsulates the essence of each exhibition and expands on the vision of the artists whose work we showcase. Ahmed's valuable contributions ensure that our exhibitions accurately portray the mission statement of the organization, thereby aiding us to illustrate how important the work of cultural and heritage preservation is, especially for communities.

By guiding artists in expressing their cultural heritage, she empowers them to share their personal histories and traditions. Her expertise, with the curatorial team, allows them to transform their ideas into compelling visual representations that resonate with audiences. Through her dedicated efforts, she not only facilitates the artistic process but also enriches the cultural dialogue surrounding their work. This collaboration fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse stories that shape their art.

Aaliyah Ahmed is a BSocSci graduate from the University of Cape Town, majoring in History and Anthropology. Thereafter, Ahmed obtained a BA Honors Degree from the Michaelis School of Fine Art majoring in Art Curatorship. During her honors year, Ahmed produced a thesis and exhibition titled, “The Prayer Mat We Share”, which looked at how one specific prayer mat highlighted multiple narratives and lived experiences of Muslims around the world.

Currently, Ahmed studies Arabic while residing in Egypt with her husband and their cat.

Our Social Media Assistant is Aarifah Boomgaard who volunteers all the way from Johannesburg, having recently returned from Boston, USA. She is originally from Johannesburg and was one of the first people to join the team. Boomgaard helps to ensure that our social media runs smoothly while offering invaluable support in creating the beautiful videos found on our Instagram and Facebook platforms.

Providing her time and her skills to grow the non-profit organisation, as she believes in the organisation's mission. She admits that she was inspired to help OCTH after experiencing a cultural exchange programme, which taught her about how different cultures abroad have kept traditions alive using storytelling and arts as a form of perseverance.

Through her passion for social media and enthusiasm for cultural heritage, she hopes to use her knowledge to help and share more about our traditions and cultures. Her family's rich history plays a role in her quest to share our cultural heritage stories.

Zainab is a design and production facilitator at the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design. In her role, she has successfully coordinated and supervised a variety of fashion shows and exhibitions. In early 2024, she began her journey into volunteering by helping out at various venues and by the end of the year, she officially joined OCTH, taking on the role of assistant Set Designer. This experience laid a solid foundation for her growth within the organization. Now, in her new position as Curatorial Assistant, she has stepped into a role that comes with greater responsibilities. This transition allows her to work closely with our Head Curator, providing her with invaluable insights into the curatorial process.

Zainab is known for her keen eye for set design, allowing her to innovate and transform spaces. Her expertise contributes significantly to creating engaging visual experiences. She has worked with local and international artists, from urban to luxury fashion. With her commitment to the NPO and its mission, she is poised to make a significant impact in the curatorial team.

Zainab Abrahams

Curatorial Assistant

Originally from East London in the Eastern Cape, Zoku Mgoduka-Horn holds an honours degree in Political Science from Rhodes University and is currently based in Cape Town. Currently a student of Art History and Visual multimedia, she works for OCTH in a research capacity; gathering information from the archives and other sources, and fact-checking all material to be used in various OCTH campaigns - a crucial function in the team.

Her interests include cultural heritage, visual storytelling, and exploring how art can reflect memory, identity, and community development.

Zoku Mgoduka-Horn

Researcher

Yunus Ogier

Researcher

Rafeeqah Galant

Artist Liaison

Yunus Ogier was born in Cape Town, where he currently resides. His interest in the arts started from an early age and this has remained an integral part of his life since then. In 2012 he completed a two-year arts scholarship in Indonesia where he experimented with painting, drawing and the traditional textile design of batik. From 2010 to 2012 he participated in five group exhibitions in Bali showcasing a mixture of drawings and paintings. In 2012 he moved back to Cape Town and in 2023 he completed his studies majoring in art history and archaeology with an honors in archaeology focussing on rock art in the Drakensberg region.

Yunus shows a keen interest in historical and archeological research, and is working as a researcher for Our Cape Town Heritage, working closely with the Executive Director in ensuring that the information we share on our platforms is accurate and precise.

Rafeeqah Galant holds degrees in Business from the University of the Western Cape and in Art History and English from UNISA. As a writer and filmmaker working across fiction and documentary, Rafeeqah is committed to curating and crafting authentic South African stories that challenge stereotypes and expand the cultural zeitgeist — especially through nuanced portrayals of women of colour as complex, real people. She brings a passion for creativity and surprise to her work, aiming to delight and inspire audiences through storytelling across mediums including art, film, photography, documentary, and writing.

Working directly with the Head Curator, Galant oversees communication with the artists and other members of the curational team. Her contributions ensures the smooth operation of the organization and strengthens our relationship with artists.

Bianca Van Zyl

Social Media Manager

Born and raised in Cape Town, Bianca is the OCTH social media manager. With a Bachelor's degree in politics, philosophy, and economics as well as an Honours degree in philosophy, she holds her personal ethical beliefs in high regard in terms of what she commits herself to. As such, the mission of Our Cape Town Heritage is close to her heart. Her life-long love of art, background in higher education, and commitment to cultural preservation all drive her in her work.

Bianca is passionate about platforming the stories of those who are often overlooked and she sees social media as the most accessible and widespread way of doing this.

Stella Hertantyo

Fundraising Coordinator and

Panel Discussion Facilitator

Stella Hertantyo is a Cape Town-based media multi-hyphenate and storyteller. Having hosted panels, podcasts, and over 50 published articles to her name, she believes that sharing stories, ideas, and knowledge is key to transforming systems and deepening our connection to the world around us.

Interested in intergenerational dialogue and the everyday ways in which people enact change-making, Stella is on a path to figuring out how she can take good care of the world and the people around her – while inspiring others to do the same. In her day job, she works as a Communications & Storytelling Specialist in the sustainable fashion and climate justice world. Stella holds a B.A. Film & Media Production from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development from the University of Stellenbosch.

Stella works as the OCTH Fundraising Coordinator and Panel Discussion Host. With Stella's penchant for creative thinking and organized administrative skills, these two functions work in tandem to ensure that the organization can carry out it's mission and be sustainable.

Ilhaam Dennis

Illustrator/Graphic Designer

Ilhaam is a recent addition to our nonprofit organization, volunteering as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator, hailing from the vibrant city of Cape Town and raised in Maputo, Mozambique. Her education in the Waldorf system exposed her to a diverse array of artistic techniques, allowing her to explore various mediums, including crafting stone models, sculpting clay figures, and creating wooden swords.

From an early age, Ilhaam recognized that her passion for art would shape her future and in 2024, she completed a three-year programme in Concept Art at the Academy of Digital Arts, further honing her skills and artistic vision. With a strong desire to connect with her heritage, Ilhaam joined our organization with two primary objectives: deepening her understanding of her roots by engaging with the talented artists who collaborate with us and being committed to embodying the essence of her name, which signifies inspiration, by generating innovative ideas that will advance and support the mission of Our Cape Town Heritage in fostering community development.

Ilhaam is our exceptionally skilled illustrator, responsible for crafting the digital illustrations that will feature prominently on our branded merchandise, contributing to the organization's sustainability efforts.

Past Volunteers:

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the past volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to preserving and promoting Our Cape Town Heritage. Their unwavering commitment and professionalism have significantly contributed to our community, and it is with a heavy heart that we bid them farewell.

These individuals have enriched our projects with their skills and provided a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among all involved. As they move on, we will deeply miss their invaluable contributions and the passion they brought to our mission. Their legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future volunteers and serve as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the preservation of our cultural heritage.

Ayesha Kaprey, a talented graphic designer, began her volunteer journey in July 2024 and has quickly established herself as a vital member of our team. Her innovative spirit and resourceful approach have significantly enhanced our projects. With a flair for creativity, Kaprey brings a unique artistic touch that elevates our content to new heights.

Since joining us, she has made remarkable contributions to our logo and brand design, refining the visual identity of the non-profit organization. Her efforts have led to substantial improvements in the presentation of various campaigns, including Through Your Lens, Exhibition Posters, Artist Statement, and Through Your Pen, among others. Each project benefits from her keen eye for detail and her ability to think outside the box.

Kaprey's artistic expression enriches our designs that resonates with our audience, making our messaging more impactful. Her imaginative approach ensures that our visual content stands out, capturing attention and conveying our mission effectively.

Ayesha Kaprey

Graphic Designer

DIRECTORS

At the heart of every successful nonprofit lies a Board of Directors committed to implementing best practice policies and procedures. These policies play a crucial role in ensuring the Board stays informed about the organization's progress, promotes accountability, and aids in making decisions that benefit the organization. As policies represent one of the many layers of regulations that govern a nonprofit, the absence of well-defined policies and procedures can lead to inconsistencies in operations, which can hinder teamwork, productivity, and efficiency. It is essential for the organization to focus on developing these frameworks to ensure satisfaction and maintain trust among stakeholders.