Meet The Team

Heidi Christine

Heidi Christine is the CEO of Sparkle Africa, leading with compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to restoring dignity and hope. With a heart for children, women, and vulnerable communities, she champions sustainable solutions in hunger relief, clean water, education, and sanitary health. Heidi’s leadership is rooted in action—turning vision into measurable impact on the ground. She believes true change happens when people are seen, valued, and empowered. Under her guidance, Sparkle Africa continues to shine light where it is needed most.

Hendrik Strauss

Hendrik Strauss is the Founder and President of Sparkle Africa, driven by a lifelong passion to serve vulnerable children and communities. With a visionary spirit and deep compassion, he laid the foundation for Sparkle Africa’s mission to bring hope through practical, life-changing solutions. Hendrik believes in leading by example, combining faith, integrity, and action to create lasting impact. His commitment to dignity, sustainability, and empowerment continues to shape the heart of the organization. Through his leadership, Sparkle Africa has grown into a trusted force for change across Africa.

Deon Schlebusch

Deon serves as the CFO of Sparkle Africa, bringing wisdom, integrity, and strategic insight to the organization’s financial stewardship. With a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, he ensures every resource is managed with care and purpose. Deon plays a vital role in strengthening sustainability and long-term impact. His steady leadership supports the mission behind the scenes, allowing Sparkle Africa to grow responsibly. Through his guidance, generosity is maximized and trust is upheld at every level.

Dr. Dewald Bester

Dr. Dewald Bester serves as a Director of Sparkle Africa, bringing wisdom, strategic insight, and a heart for holistic impact. With a background grounded in care, leadership, and service, he helps guide the organization with clarity and purpose. Dr. Bester is committed to long-term solutions that uplift communities with dignity and compassion. His counsel strengthens vision, governance, and sustainable growth. Through his leadership, Sparkle Africa continues to build strong foundations for lasting change.

Velly Bodega

Velly Bodega serves as a Director of Sparkle Africa, bringing passion, dedication, and a strong commitment to community impact. With a people-centered approach, Velly supports the mission by advocating for sustainable, practical solutions that truly change lives. His leadership reflects a deep belief in empowerment and collaboration. Velly plays a key role in guiding Sparkle Africa’s growth and outreach. His heart for service helps ensure the organization remains rooted in compassion and purpose.

Louis Pienaar (Left) & Founder Hendrik (Right)

Louis serves as Campaign Manager for Sparkle Africa, bringing energy, strategy, and heart to every initiative. He is passionate about telling stories that inspire action and mobilize support for vulnerable communities. With a strong eye for impact and engagement, Louis helps translate the mission into meaningful campaigns that connect people to purpose. He believes awareness leads to compassion, and compassion leads to change. Through his work, Sparkle Africa’s voice continues to reach wider and shine brighter.

Anna Jonathon

Anna is the Compassionate Meals Coordinator at Sparkle Africa, ensuring that children and families receive nourishing meals with consistency and care. With a heart for service and strong attention to detail, she oversees meal programs that bring both physical sustenance and hope to vulnerable communities. Anna believes that a simple meal can be a powerful expression of love and dignity. Her dedication helps turn compassion into daily action on the ground. Through her work, lives are strengthened one meal at a time.

Brian Rooskrans

Brian is a Compassionate Meals Coordinator at Sparkle Africa, committed to fighting hunger through practical and loving action. He works diligently to ensure meals reach those who need them most. With a hands-on approach and servant heart, Brian helps turn compassion into tangible impact. His role is vital in bringing relief, stability, and hope to communities served.

Shaun Castle

Shaun serves as Project Manager at Sparkle Africa, overseeing initiatives with precision, integrity, and a heart for impact. He ensures projects are thoughtfully planned, well-executed, and delivered with excellence on the ground. With a strong commitment to accountability and teamwork, Shaun bridges vision and execution. His leadership helps transform compassion into tangible outcomes for communities served. Through his dedication, Sparkle Africa’s projects continue to create sustainable and meaningful change.