Although the activities of The Kusasa Project encompass a number of volunteers and supporters without whom our programs would not be feasible, the original idea for The Kusasa Project was the brainchild of Dave Riordan and Doug Gurr, two residents of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. Having hitched a ride with a local retiree to deliver oranges to an impoverished school in the area, Dave was struck by the energy and warmth of the children of the township as well as the combination of appalling state of the educational resources and no visible recreational facilities or programs. When contrasted with the natural splendour of the Winelands and wealth of the visitors who came to eat, sample the areas famed wines and tour the area, such a situation cried out to be addressed, even in a small way, through engagement with and from the local community. What started as a simple one day a week attempt to provide “bedtime stories” in the morning for children for whom English is a second language and one afternoon of recreational sport, expanded when Doug volunteered to help with football training. The two men soon decided to build the foundation of an organization that could reach out to young children and help them in key facets of their education and physical development. They were joined by Nomhle Lucy Mbenenge, a well regarded local educator, who provided a firm sounding board and understanding of the local communities.

Doug Gurr, co-founder
Doug permanently resides in South Africa with his family, after 18 years in the City of London’s financial district and is now engaged in property development in the winelands. Doug hails from the Isle of Wight.

Dave Riordan, co-founder
Dave, an American by birth, moved to Franschhoek with his family in 2006 after 22 years in Telecom Banking, split between his native USA and the City of London.

Nomhle Lucy Mbenenge, trustee
Nomhle, born and educated in South Africa, is currently Principal of Dalubuhle School, which began operating under the pine trees near Wemmershoek Dam to serve the Xhosa-speaking children of the area and now serves over 350 children from grades 1-7.

We have a growing number of “permanent” volunteers assisting with our programs and activities as well as fully committed business people, community workers, local residents, educators, foreign friends and family members who provide time, ideas, energy, encouragement, goods & services and moral support to the work and objectives of this project.