OUR TEAM

Malipo Lundamiza Mbalanga is a Human Rights Defender and Activiste who advocate for migrants, refugee, asylum seekers and stateless people around the continent and beyond.  

Between 2004-2007 - Vice-President & Co-founder of Hekima Salamu Club in DRC & Burundi. 

Teacher at Muungano Primary School at Musasa refugee camp Burundi 2008 to 2010.

2012- 2019 the Spokesperson and co-founder of The Congolese Community of Refugee of Port Elizabeth (CCRPE)

2015 - present,  Language Specialist and language Practitioner at Department of Justice and the Office of Chief Justice as FLI.

As from 2018 - Present, Founder, Chairperson and Executive Director of African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA) 

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga is an Author of the Book “The Power of Understanding the Teachings” and other several articles relating to relationship.

Between 2020 – Present, Chairperson of Foreign Languages Interpreters’ Association “FLIA” South Africa

As a leader of the community and ARMA, Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga  was acting between May 2022 – August 13, 2022 as Provincial Chairperson of the South African Refugee Led Network Eastern Cape (SARLN EC)

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga was elected in August 13, 2022- 10 July 2024 as a Provincial Chairperson of the South African Refugee Led Network Eastern Cape (SARLN EC)

2023, Co-author of the report of African Refugee Led Network summit held in Pretoria South Africa.

Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga was appointed as University of People as Ambassador.

2024- Malipo Lukandamiza Mbalanga is Co-founder of Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF).

 Pedagogist  

 Pedagogist  

Mr. Augustin holds a Certificate in Theology and Certificate in Radio Communication in Ministry 

Esinathi holds a BSc in Geological Sciences, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (GET Mathematics and FET Geography) 

Mr. Makhaya holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 

Lunga holds a Diploma in Education, Certificate (MOTI) CMD 

Dr  Mohammed is the International Programming Officer at Africa Refugees and Migrants Aid (ARMA). He holds a National Diploma (OND), B.Sc., M.Sc., MSW from Kaduna Polytechnic, University of Ilorin and University of Ibadan, all in Nigeria, respectively. Mohammed S. Yusuf is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds Doctoral from the University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa, with an interest in risks and support for elderly refugees in South Africa. His areas of interest include Social Welfare, medical social work, and refugees. He has more than 17 publications in local, national and international journals, including chapters contribution in a book. 

Dr Newlin Marongwe is a Senior Lecturer at WSU - Walter Sisulu University. She is a holder of a PhD in Educational Psychology. She has awarded several research accolades published substantially in the areas of higher education, education & psychology, education & technology, inclusive education and teacher education in different peer reviewed journals.

She has peer reviewed several manuscripts nationally and internationally. She participated and presented papers at national and international conferences. She has facilitated research workshops locally, nationally and internationally to academics and postgraduate students. 

She has a couple of postgraduate students who graduated successfully and some cum laude in their research projects. She received an award for using technology successfully in her learning and teaching. 

She has been recognised for contributing immensely and participating in Community Engagement by engaging in impactful community outreach jointly with African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA). She is a registered member of different research boards. She is an external examiner, assessor and moderator in various SA universities. She is an Institutional Senate Member, Campus SoTL Chair and an Institutional Research Mentor.

She is also a PGCE Postgraduate Coordinator. She is supervising postgraduate students to PhD level. Currently, she is offering Introduction to Theories of Inclusive Education and Psychology of Learning and Teaching to postgraduate students. She believes in teamwork and that together we can make a difference.

Her philosophy is underpinned by a basket of theories such as, constructivist theory, critical theory, Humanism, sociocultural theory, connectivism, transformative pedagogies and inclusion theory. 

Dr David Legodi Bogopa, He is an academic in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Nelson Mandela

University based in the School of Social Sciences. He is an anthropologist with an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Sociology, an Honours Degree in Anthropology

and Master of Arts in Anthropology. He also holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies

as well as a PhD in Anthropology. He is a former Pan African Anthropological Association

President (2003–2005) and he is a co-founder of World Council of Anthropological

Association which was established in Brazil (2004) and he is an Advisory Board member in

World Council of Anthropological Association. He is an executive member of the Africa

Sport Association. He also serves in the editorial board of Indo-Pacific Journal of

Phenomenology. His work was published in various scholarly accredited journals, namely:

Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, Acta Criminologica Journal, Indilinga Journal of

Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and other journals. Some of publication include his book

entitled “Shebeen Culture in South Africa”, he has contributed a book chapter in the book

entitled “Global Perspective on Physical Education (2012)”. His further scholarly book

chapters in published in 2022 “Football (Soccer) in Africa: Origins, Contributions and

Contradictions”. He has over the years successfully supervised more than forty post-graduate

students inclusively in Anthropology, Conflict Management Studies, Development Studies

and Sociology. His latest (2024) accepted book chapter is entitled “Premier Soccer League in

South Africa: Strategic Intervention in Dealing with Coronavirus Pandemic”.

Siphosethu Nkwinti

Siphosethu Nkwinti, an entry level Human Resource Management professional, based in Gqeberha Eastern Cape. She holds an N6 Higher certificate in Human Resource Management from Port Elizabeth TVET College, Dower campus.  She has completed all her theory modules in Personnel Management, Labour Relations and Personnel Training. 

She is currently doing her in-service training (internship) at African Refugee and Migrants AID (ARMA) for the next 18 months for practical competence required to obtain the National Diploma, from April 2026 to September 2027. Although she is new at a workplace, she brings a solid academic foundation in South African Labour Legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act., Labour Relations Act and Employment Equity Act. Her studies covered Recruitment and Selection, Inductions, Pay-roll Administration, Training Conditions and POPIA compliance.

Bahle Nyanga

Bahle Nyanga, an entry level Human Resource Management professional, based in Gqeberha Eastern Cape. She holds an N6 Higher certificate in Human Resource Management from Port Elizabeth TVET College.  She has completed all her theory modules in Personnel Management, Labour Relations and Personnel Training. 

She is currently doing her in-service training (internship) at African Refugee and Migrants AID (ARMA) for the next 18 months for practical competence required to obtain the National Diploma, from April 2026 to September 2027. 

Currently, I support the HR team by preparing clear and accurate employment contracts that aligns with South African labour Legislation and ARMA's Internal policies. She assists with the onboarding processes. Additional responsibilities, including maintaining confidential personal files. She is developing a strong foundation in HR compliance, documentation and workplace communication.

She brings a detailed orientated and organised approach to every task with commitment to fairness, confidentiality and professionalism. She believes that effective HR starts with well-structured process that protects both the organisation and its people. While she is new at a workplace, she is able to learn from the experienced colleagues and contribute meaningfully to the team's objectives.

Being motivated by the strong impact that the HR practices have on the employee morale and organisational success. Bahle's focus is to grow into a well-grounded HR professional, she values clear communication, ethical practice and continuous learning. She is looking forward to expanding her expertise in Recruitment, Employee Relations and Performance Management during her time at ARMA.

Akhona Gomomo

Akhona Gomomo is a proud mother of two girls, who loves spending time with family and friends. She stays at Gqeberha Eastern Cape.

She completed her N6 Management Assistant at P.E TVET College Dower campus. She is currently doing her 18 months internship at African Refugee and Migrants AID (ARMA) to gain practical work exposure in the field of Management Assistance.

She has an academic foundation and skill in Customer Service, Data Capturing and Problem Solving.

She has worked as a cashier for a and as a Bookkeeper Assistant for 2 years at Egen Garage.

Her goal is to acquire her Diploma in order to better and grow in her career 

Mihlali Makuba

Mihlali Makuba is a Financial Intern at African Refugee and Migrant Aid (ARMA). She has studied Financial Management at P.E TVET College and went to do a brief work-based learning programme, which was aimed at improving her theory knowledge. She is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting studies at UNISA., to add on experience and qualification she upholds. 

Her aim is to work as a professional Accountant in the next two years, and with the experience she is acquiring at ARMA she believes she will have a strong chance to get employment in the Financial Field.  ARMA offers courses to complete, that equips the employees about the important laws affects civilians, refugees, stateless people and migrants.

ARMA aims and believes in advocating for migrants, refugees and stateless persons.

Asanda Nyobo

Asanda Nyobo, born in Port Elizabeth, matriculated in 2016 at Hillside Secondary School. She has a Higher Certificate (N6) in Financial Management.

She worked at Heineken Beverage for almost 2 years and worked as a Finance Clerck at SJM Flex for one year.

She is a self-disciplined individual, flexible and trustworthy, who works quickly and completes everything to a high standard.

She's currently doing her internship at African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA) for the next 18 months.

She is excited to learn and grow within the organisation.

Naledi Marokoane

Naledi Marokoane, a 25-year-old who is currently an intern at African Refugee and Migrant Aoid (ARMA). She started her college journey at P.E TVET College (Dower campus), she studied Business Management.

Naledi is a creative professional, specializing in Graphic Design, she creates impact designs that communicate dearly and resonates with audiences.

She is a driven to contribute meaningful input to the organization's success, while continua sly developing her skills in Designing, Administration and Visual Media.

She is highly adaptable, pro-active and committed to continuous learning.  Her combine knowledge business operation and creative design allow her to contribute effectively to both corporate and entrepreneurial environment.

Working and being and intern at African Refugee and Migrant Aid (ARMA) makes her learn and have more knowledge about the organization. This gives her work experience.

Her goal is to build a successful career that integrates Business Management with Creative industries while contributing positive organizational success.

She has been exposed to various workplace responsibilities, including program co-ordination, reception duties and supporting daily administrative operations. These experiences have strengthened her communication, time management and problem-solving skills.

Naledi is passionate about continuous learning and always seek opportunities to improve her knowledge and performance. She is driven, adaptable to deliver quality work. She takes pride in being reliable, pro-active and always willing to learn, take on new challenges that contribute to her personal and professional growth.

Through her academic journey and internship experience, she has gained practical skills in data capturing, case management and customer service.

Thandokazi Nombila

Thandokazi Nombila, a 34-year-old who was born   and bred at Cape Town and later went to Ngqamakwe location. She attended high school at Qaphelani High school. She currently resides at KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, she has a child, two sisters and her mother they all stay together.

She started her higher education and P.E TVET College (Dower campus), doing NCV in Safety and Security, finished the course in 2019, then continued with studying Business Management and finished in 2022. She is currently doing her internship at African Refugee and Migrant Aid (ARMA) for the next 18 months.

In her academic journey, like any other, she has acquired challenges and has conquered all. The challenges faced made her work harder and not give up. She wants to grow and absorb knowledge in the field of Business Management as well as Safety and Security, in pursuit of being a Police officer.

She is a rather quiet individual, but she respects people and their spaces. She strives in peaceful and quiet environment. She enjoys listening to music and exercising. She is spiritually invested in church.

She has promised herself to work hard to achieve her goals.

Yolanda Tshantshi

Yolanda Tshantshi is a 26-year-old mother of one child (son). She went to Masibonisane Senior Secondary School in King Williams Town. She then further her studies at P.E TVET College, she started with NCV studies and advance to NATED in Marketing Management.

She is currently doing her internship at African Refugee and Migrant Aid (ARMA), where she will gain valuable experience and practical skills in Business development, Client communication and professional Marketing Strategies.

Yoland is a passionate, hardworking and goal driven individual who believes in growth through consistent learning. She has a strong interest in Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship; she sees this internship as an important opportunity in achieving her long-term goals.

She is grateful for the opportunity to intern at ARMA, because it will equip her with knowledge and skills as well as the confidence she needs in the future to prosper in her field. This opportunity is helpful with, improving her communication skills and build professional relationships with potential clientele. To understand the importance of effective Marketing in business success.

Beyond Marketing, she is passionate about Farming, gardening and Transportation Logistics. She believes the industries holds the great opportunity for suitable growth and financial independence. In future, Yolanda sees herself achieving and managing her own compony and creating opportunities not only for herself but for others.

She prides herself in being independent, being a go getter and someone who is always ready to learn, adapt and work hard to achieve success.

Nandipha Yelani

Nandipha Yelani, is a 35-year-old mother of one boy child. She attended her high school at Nopmumelelo High in Whittlesea, she was in a school debate, Poetry club, Book club with the Whittlesea Library and she played Volleyball throughout high school.

She attended college at P.E TVET College, doing her studies in Marketing Management N6 waiting for a Diploma after the completion of the Inservice placement. She has obtained a distinction in her N4 ICP (computer literacy) and N6 Marketing. She also equipped herself with different trainings, such as:  Basic First Aid, Practical Report Writing, Introduction in Child and Basic Fire Fighting, all provided by SESSA. She also did Introduction in Child and Youth Care work.

During her studying part time, she was working as a Child and Youth Care worker at Mfesane Organization, SOS Children Village and later at Mtr Smit Children's Haven, that's where she realised she loved doing the acts of service in the community.

From being a CYCW, she became an Advocacy and Lobbying facilitator, advocating for women and children in our community through Mfesane organisation.  She invited stakeholders such as Human Rights Commission and Black Sash to train the communities under this programme. She was trained/ introduced in PAJA and PAIJA laws by Black Sash and workshopped on Human Rights by Human Rights Commission.

In the same organistion Mfesane, she worked her way up to become a Youth Development coordinator and Facilitator, working with disadvantaged youth and children. She was trained by Scripture Union on her facilitating skills. In this programme she developed programmes and organised events that would capacitate the youth.  She was also trained in GBV and became an ambassador of Gender Based Violence.

She is currently a Marketing Management intern at African Refugee and Migrant Aid (ARMA), for the next 18 months, practical competence required in order to obtain her National Diploma. She brings dedication and hard work in a workplace; she applies herself in everything she does. 

She is looking forward into growing and learning more about her field of expertise and beyond, ready to absorb everything that ARMA has to offer in terms of capacitating her skills and abilities. 

In the little time she has been with ARMA, she has managed to finish 3 online courses provided by Kaya connect, who is in partnership with ARMA. Kaya connect has awarded her certificates in: Introduction in Humanitarian Law, (IHL), Wellness and Resilience for Frontline workers and Managers, Organisational Governance and Structure and currently finishing up on NYC HERRS Asylum Training and Resource. She was also trained on Social Cohesion on Diversity: Understanding Refugee, Migrants, Asylum Seekers and Stateless Persons as well as Route Based Approach: Relevance for SAMCO.

The time she has been with ARMA, she was nominated as the employee of the month by 2 Human Resource Interns and her colleagues agreed that she deserved the recognition. She was most grateful by the recognition.