About NextUp
We recognise that success in finding and keeping work requires resilience, self-belief, commitment and staying the course.
We invest in young people to build their emotional stability and confidence. We recognise that supporting them individually involves working with their schools, families and communities too. It is only in this way that they will successfully transform their lives and find dignity, stability and happiness.
The NextUp programme walks the journey with young people, giving them the support of a trusted adult, the guidance to understand their dreams, and turn them into reality and the technical know-how to build their skills and competencies. The spirit and values of Ubuntu underpin what we do: ‘I am, because you are’. Our goal is to help improve the lives of both our young participants and their communities.
Our Approach
- Bedding down roots in the community
- Building trust in communities by immersing ourselves in the Nextees’ lived realities
- Bridging the skills gap for the transition from School to Work
- Participating in projects to learn skills for improved marketability
- Close ties with the community ensure all-round support
- Find ‘diamonds in the rough’ who with the right opportunities, will prosper
- Meeting market demand to ensure a pathway for our Alumni
About Our Founders
The NextUp programme is a product of the vision and commitment of our founders, David and Tracey Frankel. They conceived NextUp because they wanted the opportunity to pay forward and convert their passion and concern for South Africa’s youth and future into meaningful action.
“We want to offer hope and dignity to people who feel there is none and have fallen off the radar of opportunity, and to partner with young people who have limited options and who lack direction, but who show the potential to get onto a pathway to work. We will dig deep to inspire confidence and instill trust so they believe there is a way to go from hopeless to hopeful.”- David and Tracey Frankel
This call to action is an open invitation to all potential partners to join NextUp on this path to do better, create together and to keep going. We want our youth to know that there is a helping hand at every milestone they reach. This is a project led by heart, optimism, gratitude and a true commitment to making a tangible and measurable difference, now and into the future.
Our Principles.
Staying the Course
Being driven by demands of the economy
A commitment to learning and earning
Innovative approaches and flexibility
Always paying
it forward
Our Team
On the international side, we work closely with our founders David and Tracey Frankel to bring NextUp to life
Subethri Naidoo
CEO
Subethri Naidoo brings decades of professional experience in international development, as well as deep expertise in local government, education, strategy and training in South Africa. She started her career as a teacher in a township school and has come full circle to rekindle her passion for working to change the lives of young people.
Mbali Zamisa
Head of Programmes
With over a decade of dedicated experience in programme delivery, Mbali brings a wealth of experience in delivering impactful programmes in both private and NGO sectors. Her experience includes amongst others stakeholder management, strategic planning, project management and people management.
Val Jansen
COO/CFO
Val Jansen is a seasoned financial and operations director. She brings over 25 years of extensive management and financial governance expertise from both the commercial and NGO sectors.
Ntombohlanga Mqushulu
Programme Manager:
Wellness
Ntombohlanga Mqushulu has 25 years of experience in the development sector. Her skills include training and capacity building, programme design work and entrepreneurship development.
Thulisile Shabangu
Programme Effectiveness Manager
Thulisile Shabangu is a versatile professional with expertise in relationship management, project management, program management, and operations management. With a diverse background spanning the public sector, government departments, private sector, SMMEs, and global business services, Thuli, as she is commonly referred to, is passionate about crafting effective solutions to address systems change, financial inclusion, social challenges and impact, education, and youth unemployment.
Paul Matabane
Programme Coordinator
Paul is a passionate advocate for independence, a skilled communicator and leader devoted to guiding young individuals in discovering their life purpose. With a proven track record in youth programs, tutoring, and community service, Paul brings a wealth of experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering entrepreneurship, ultimately creating positive change. He is dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
Shelton Nleya
Programme Coordinator
Shelton is a dedicated professional with a proven track record of empowering high school students to achieve academic excellence. With experience in mentoring and guiding young minds, Shelton is committed to unlocking the full potential of every student. He fosters a positive learning environment where students thrive and excel. His passion for education and unwavering dedication makes him a valuable asset in any educational setting.