The SANCRC voted in a new, democratically elected steering committee in November 2021. Our leadership is made up of a rich and diverse group of 11 dynamic leaders who bring a range of wisdom, youth, perspective, organisational representation, and experience.
Monica Woodhouse is the Chairperson of the Board of the South African National Child Rights Coalition (SANCRC)
Mr Donald Nghonyama is a dedicated Child and Youth Care professional with a strong passion for child rights.
Thovhedzo Deon Mungadi is a recognized dedicated activist for children's rights and youth development.
Carmel Gaillard has contributed strategic oversight, governance and executive leadership to advance the protection, promotion, and realisation of children’s rights.
Chairperson
Monica Woodhouse is the Chairperson of the Board of the South African National Child Rights Coalition (SANCRC) and a respected child-rights activist with over 50 years of experience in child protection, family preservation, and community development. She is the Founder – Director: Give a Child a Family (GCF) Africa, where she serves initiatives that strengthen families, address trauma, and promote the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.
Throughout her career, Monica has championed trauma-informed, family-centred, and rights-based approaches that empower individuals, organisations, and faith communities. Her leadership is grounded in ethical governance, inclusive participation, and evidence-based practice, ensuring that the voices of children and families meaningfully inform policy and programme development.
As Chairperson of SANCRC, Monica continues to advocate for systemic reform, accountability, and social justice, working collaboratively to influence policy, strengthen child-protection systems, and secure a safe, dignified future for South Africa’s children and families.
Deputy Chairperson
Mr Donald Nghonyama is a dedicated Child and Youth Care professional with a strong passion for child rights, community development, and youth empowerment. He holds a BTech degree in Child and Youth Development from the University of South Africa, a Diploma in Education from the Johannesburg College of Education, and a Master’s degree in International Development from Eastern University in the United States.
He has played a leading role in advancing child and youth care practice in South Africa, having served as National Chairperson of the National Association of Child and Youth Care Workers (NACCW) and currently serving as its Director. Mr Nghonyama is also Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Child Rights Coalition and Chairperson of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work.
Beyond South Africa, he contributes to global child and youth care initiatives through FICE International, where he serves as Secretariat for FICE Africa. He is the founder of Tlangelani Empowerment Centre, an organisation supporting children, youth, and families in Limpopo.
Board Member
Thovhedzo Deon Mungadi is a recognized dedicated activist for children’s rights and youth development in Limpopo province, South Africa. He is best known for establishing and leading initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable children and young people in rural communities.
His determination, leadership skills, and selflessness has been proven through the positions he holds and his choice to prioritize child and youth development over personal gain.
Amongst his various roles in the child and youth development space, Mungadi served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Limpopo provincial office of Child Welfare South Africa. In this capacity, he contributed to the strategic governance and oversight of the province’s largest child protection non-profit.
Executive Director
Carmel Gaillard has contributed strategic oversight, governance and executive leadership to advance the protection, promotion, and realisation of children’s rights in South Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa through national, regional and global roles for all of her adult life.
She is the Executive Director of Sentebale, where she leads the organisation realise its mandate to support southern African children and youth affected by inequality and adversity access their health, economic and participation rights.
Carmel brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, organisational strategy, partnership development, and institutional strengthening.
Her board work is informed by a strong commitment to ethical governance, accountability, and child-centred policy advocacy, alongside a principled belief in collaborative leadership and sustainable social impact