About Us

The Origins

Our two founding directors, Jose and Wayne, have experienced the profound joy of adoption, welcoming a new life into their family. However, this joy was tempered by an empathetic understanding of the other side of the story—the story of a mother who had to give up her child because she couldn’t take care of them. These mothers often find themselves with broken lives and little hope for the future.

This deep empathy sparked the creation of our foundation. What began as a desire to care for one mother has grown into a mission to support many others, as well as individuals facing various challenging parenthood circumstances. We can’t look away, and at The Empathologist Foundation, we are committed to helping as many individuals as possible. As they grow, we all grow. Together, we create a brighter future filled with hope, support, and empowerment.

The Team

Our diverse team comprises individuals from varied backgrounds and industries, brought together by a shared commitment to uplifting others. From social anthropology to advertising, from culinary arts to entrepreneurship, each member brings unique skills and perspectives. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, we strive to foster positive change, empower marginalized voices, and address parenthood challenges with creativity, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

Jose Olcina, Managing Director
With a background in social anthropology, education, communication, and business consultancy, Jose is deeply committed to fostering positive change through community-driven initiatives. He specializes in participatory approaches and community-level processes, leveraging his expertise to empower marginalized voices and drive impactful progress. Jose believes in the transformative power of helping others, one conversation at a time.

Wayne Banks, Director

As a former Creative Director in the advertising and communications industry, Wayne brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and innovative problem-solving to the foundation. With a focus on vulnerable communities in South Africa, his aim is to raise awareness, provide resources, and encourage practical solutions for addressing parenthood challenges through the lens of creativity and empathy.

Sue-Anne Allen, Director

A former Masterchef runner-up and food media personality, Sue-Ann is passionate about food and upskilling people within the industry job market. She recognises that as one of South Africa’s largest industries,
critical skills are necessary for employment, yet entry-level training options are limited. Her hope is that
her business management background and love for food and people will positively impact individuals who want to provide for their families.

Moss Blomerus, Director

The youngest member of the team, with an educational background in psychology, history, and gender studies, is at the start of his career as a writer and activist. He feels compelled to use words to create a kinder future. As a trans individual, he became familiar with difficult personal processes at a young age, developing a vested interest in individual stories and life-changing connections. This has fueled his passion and commitment to advancing the foundation’s mission as far as possible.

Anneke Mckenzie, Trustee

After 15 years in corporate sales and marketing, Anneke took the plunge to become an entrepreneur
and a single mother to her adopted son. She employs more than 25 women, many of them single moms themselves, and is intricately familiar with the challenges that they face in rural South Africa. Her passion is to shine a light on the positive impact small business can have in the communities they operate in and serve, particularly through upliftment, access to opportunities and education.

Loveness Ncube, TrusteeLoveness is a strong advocate for hard work and positivity. As a migrant and asylum seeker, she has faced acceptance difficulties and financial struggles. As a mother, she understands the challenges faced by women and parents in the community. Loveness is passionate about working with women who have lost hope, sharing her experiences, and improving lives. She values commitment to professional development and being part of a supportive environment.

Laura Olcina, Trustee

Despite being the only member residing outside of South Africa, Laura’s passion for the country and its people shines through. As a mother of two, she intimately understands the challenges of parenthood. Driven by empathy, Laura seeks to address issues facing Africa from afar, actively collecting funds from abroad to contribute to our efforts in supporting vulnerable communities and creating positive change.

Eloise Loots, TrusteeWith over 25 years of social work experience in adoption, Eloise brings a wealth of knowledge and fun
to the foundation. An adoptive mother herself, she has dedicated her career to screening and preparing prospective adoptive parents and handling statutory work. Her mantra is, “We need good people to help good people when bad things happen in their lives.” Eloise finds the most rewarding aspect of her work is making a difference and knowing that a child has found their place in a “forever family.”

The Values That Guide Our Work

Empathy

We believe in the power of empathy, fostering compassion and solidarity within our community.

Diversity

Diversity is celebrated as a strength, embracing unique perspectives and contributions.

Respect

Respect is paramount, honouring the dignity and worth of every individual.

Integrity

Integrity ensures
accountability and ethical conduct in all our projects and daily activities.

Transparency

Transparency builds
trust by maintaining openness and honesty in all our actions.