Second Chance Foundation

The Resource Mobilization and Fundraising for Higher Education Institutions in Southern Africa conference is led by Dr Kwazi Zodwa Magwenzi, an award-winning leader in South African higher education and a seasoned resource mobilization and fundraising expert with over 25 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with universities and academic institutions, including TVET colleges across South Africa, supporting them in developing strategic fundraising initiatives, strengthening donor engagement, and unlocking new funding opportunities to ensure long-term institutional sustainability.

Dr Magwenzi previously served as Director of Projects and Innovation at the University of the Free State, where she contributed to advancing institutional development and innovation. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Second Chance Foundation, an organisation focused on empowering individuals and communities through education and development initiatives.

Joining her is Annelise De Jager, a passionate and highly experienced fundraiser with over 35 years of success across diverse forms of fundraising. She is widely recognised for her strong leadership, business acumen, and innovative fundraising strategies, for which she has received numerous awards throughout her career.

Annelise is also an inspirational trainer and mentor, guiding individuals and teams to shift their perspectives and develop more effective ways of thinking, communicating, and working—empowering them to reach their full potential.

Together, they bring over six decades of combined experience in fundraising, training, and institutional development, providing participants with practical insights, proven strategies, and valuable tools to strengthen resource mobilization and fundraising capacity within higher education institutions across the region.