Portrait of Luxolo Owam Mlonyeni, Co-Founder of Umthombo
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Luxolo Owam Mlonyeni

Co-Founder

Luxolo is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental and Water Science at the University of the Western Cape. Her research focuses on understanding sea-level dynamics and coastal processes using satellite altimetry and tide gauge observations. She is passionate about marine and coastal environments and aspires to build a career in oceanography and marine research, contributing to the sustainable management and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Why Umthombo

I'm from Mbambangwe, a rural village near Tlokoeng (formerly Mount Fletcher) in the Eastern Cape. Growing up in an underdeveloped community, I experienced firsthand the importance of umthombo and I understand the value of access to resources. My passion for water and nature inspired both my academic journey and my love for rowing. Through rowing, I discovered how sport can open doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach. By being part of this initiative, I hope to help create similar opportunities for young people from rural and underrepresented communities, so they can pursue their potential regardless of their background.

Bucket list

  • Skydive
  • Shark cage dive
  • Become a certified scuba diver
Portrait of Michael, Co-Founder of Umthombo
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Michael Ortlepp

Co-Founder

Michael is a Cape Town based business leader, currently serving as the Managing Director of a leading food packaging company. Beyond business, he is known for his philanthropic work and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Why Umthombo

Having participated in fundraising for many entities over the years, I believe it is now time to narrow the focus and to grow a sustainable vehicle to drive areas I am passionate about. Having seen first hand the adversity that our talent has to face encouraged me to look at new ways of removing barriers. I've witnessed individuals with an insane level of grit fall short due to funding issues — and I would like to change this outcome. I strongly believe that we each have a responsibility to leave things better than we found them, in order for future generations to grow beyond their own internal barriers.

Portrait of Athi Herber, Co-Founder of Umthombo
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Athi Herber

Co-Founder

Athi is a legal researcher, and a runner for roughly as long as he's been either. He is currently completing an LLM in Commercial Law at UCT, having read for his LLB at the University of the Western Cape. His work has centred around judicial independence and anti-corruption across Southern Africa with UCT's Democratic Governance and Rights Unit, and, before that, documenting parliamentary committee proceedings so that the public could see what was being decided on its behalf.

Why Umthombo

Africa's potential isn't hypothetical to me. I am a living example of it. However, I've watched its potential get stuck against things that could be moved. My work in legal research has been about naming those things. Umthombo represents being part of a community that chooses to remove some of them.

Bucket list

  • See the snow in Lesotho 🇱🇸