Kanya Mdaka

Coordinator, Bridging Year Programme

Kanya Mdaka was born in Engcobo, in the (former) Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. He completed high school at St. Andrew's College in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. After matriculating, Kanya joined UCT (University of Cape Town) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science degree, majoring in Economics and Philosophy. Thereafter, he completed a postgraduate diploma in sport management, also at UCT. He is currently completing his Honours studies in African Philosophy, through UNISA (University of South Africa). During his studies, he coached a  number of sporting codes at various schools around Cape Town including Rondebosch Prep, SACS, Herzlia and Monte Vista Primary. This was his introduction to the development of youth and volunteering at SAEP was the next step. This has led to his current post as the coordinator of the Bridging Year Programme at SAEP.

Send Kanya an email -- kanya.mdaka@gmail.com

Shep Willis

Manager, High School and Bridging Year Programmes

Shep Willis comes from Durham, North Carolina. He worked as a journalist and editor in North Carolina and Washington, DC before joining SAEP in June 2007.

Shep originally planned to volunteer for a few months, but he soon fell in love with Cape Town and the work SAEP was doing. He has decided to stick around. He is currently the manager of the High School and Gap Year Programmes and will be with SAEP through the end of the year. He also tutors English to Grade 12 learners at Zisukhanyo Senior Secondary School. He enjoys movies, hiking, University of North Carolina sports, and talking to his dog.

Send Shep an email -- Shep@SAEP.org