About Us
We are only as strong as our team…
Melanie Theresa Johann
Director | Founder
Meet the Visionary Behind Benefure
Melanie Theresa Johann is a South African entrepreneur, hospitality director, and passionate advocate for children’s education. As the Founder and Director of Benefure NPO, Melanie has dedicated her life’s work to creating access to quality, independent education for children across Africa and South Africa who face socio-economic barriers.
With over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Melanie has built a reputation for excellence in service, leadership, and operational management. She is also a director of a well-known guesthouse in Cape Town, where she has successfully led teams, cultivated international clientele, and maintained exceptional service standards. Her experience across multiple service industries has shaped her into a resilient self-starter with a deep understanding of people, systems, and sustainable growth.
However, Melanie’s true calling lies in education and child development. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of opportunity, she founded Benefure NPO with a clear and unwavering mission: To ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality independent schooling and a true sense of belonging. Her vision extends beyond financial sponsorship. It is about restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and creating environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Melanie believes that education is the greatest equaliser and that when children are given the right foundation, they do not just survive but they thrive.
Through Benefure, she continues to build partnerships with schools, donors, and corporate sponsors to create sustainable educational pathways for Africa’s future leaders.
... read more
With over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Melanie has built a reputation for excellence in service, leadership, and operational management. She is also a director of a well-known guesthouse in Cape Town, where she has successfully led teams, cultivated international clientele, and maintained exceptional service standards. Her experience across multiple service industries has shaped her into a resilient self-starter with a deep understanding of people, systems, and sustainable growth.
However, Melanie’s true calling lies in education and child development. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of opportunity, she founded Benefure NPO with a clear and unwavering mission: To ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality independent schooling and a true sense of belonging. Her vision extends beyond financial sponsorship. It is about restoring dignity, unlocking potential, and creating environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Melanie believes that education is the greatest equaliser and that when children are given the right foundation, they do not just survive but they thrive.
Through Benefure, she continues to build partnerships with schools, donors, and corporate sponsors to create sustainable educational pathways for Africa’s future leaders.
Directors
About the Directors
Stephanie-Lee Denton
Director | Treasurer
Stephanie Denton is a dedicated Primary School Teacher with a deep passion for education and child development. Guided by the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” she believes education is a transformative force that uplifts individuals and communities.
She holds a (Bachelor of Education) with a dual degree in Mainstream and Specialized Waldorf Education, bringing together structured academic learning and holistic, child-centred practice. With over ten years of experience across Waldorf and government education systems, including international teaching experience, Stephanie nurtures confident, capable, and compassionate learners within diverse educational environments.
At Benefure, Stephanie serves as the liaison with the independent schools where beneficiaries are placed, fostering a symbiotic collaboration that ensures academic alignment, pastoral care, and shared accountability. She also works alongside Zolani Mbanga on the finance team, supporting responsible resource allocation and financial oversight that remains learner centred.
Her leadership experience on managerial boards and Boards of Trustees contributing to compliance, financial strategy, fundraising, and pedagogical development strengthens Benefure’s commitment to sustainable, ethical education.
... read more
She holds a (Bachelor of Education) with a dual degree in Mainstream and Specialized Waldorf Education, bringing together structured academic learning and holistic, child-centred practice. With over ten years of experience across Waldorf and government education systems, including international teaching experience, Stephanie nurtures confident, capable, and compassionate learners within diverse educational environments.
At Benefure, Stephanie serves as the liaison with the independent schools where beneficiaries are placed, fostering a symbiotic collaboration that ensures academic alignment, pastoral care, and shared accountability. She also works alongside Zolani Mbanga on the finance team, supporting responsible resource allocation and financial oversight that remains learner centred.
Her leadership experience on managerial boards and Boards of Trustees contributing to compliance, financial strategy, fundraising, and pedagogical development strengthens Benefure’s commitment to sustainable, ethical education.
Lynne Steyn
Director | Secretary
Lynne Steyn serves as Director and Head of Administration at Benefure NPO, bringing over 30 years of experience in tax administration at South African Revenue Service, as well as extensive administrative experience within government schools.
Lynne joined Benefure in alignment with its vision and mission, firmly believing that education plays a vital role in a child’s life and future. Her career has been built on precision, integrity, and structured compliance. Qualities that now strengthen Benefure’s operational foundation. She takes great pride in administrative excellence and is deeply committed to ensuring that systems, governance, and reporting remain professional and accountable.
At Benefure, Lynne leads all administrative functions, including support to donor and funder relations, school coordination, and compliance with governmental requirements. Her meticulous oversight ensures that the organisation operates smoothly, transparently, and in full regulatory alignment.
Beyond her professional expertise, Lynne brings a genuine heart for children across Africa. She is passionate about the opportunities Benefure creates and understands the long-term impact that access to quality education can have on a child’s life.
Her steady leadership, experience in public sector administration, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to Benefure.
... read more
Lynne joined Benefure in alignment with its vision and mission, firmly believing that education plays a vital role in a child’s life and future. Her career has been built on precision, integrity, and structured compliance. Qualities that now strengthen Benefure’s operational foundation. She takes great pride in administrative excellence and is deeply committed to ensuring that systems, governance, and reporting remain professional and accountable.
At Benefure, Lynne leads all administrative functions, including support to donor and funder relations, school coordination, and compliance with governmental requirements. Her meticulous oversight ensures that the organisation operates smoothly, transparently, and in full regulatory alignment.
Beyond her professional expertise, Lynne brings a genuine heart for children across Africa. She is passionate about the opportunities Benefure creates and understands the long-term impact that access to quality education can have on a child’s life.
Her steady leadership, experience in public sector administration, and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to Benefure.
Team Members
About the Members
Toni-Lee Futter
Member | Creative Design
Toni-Lee Futter was appointed by Benefure’s Board to lead creative design, social media, and brand awareness, ensuring that Benefure’s impact and the stories of its learners are meaningfully shared. Through thoughtful visual storytelling and strategic campaigns, she helps bring visibility to the organisation’s mission while supporting donation sourcing and community engagement.
Born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Toni-Lee later moved to Cape Town to pursue her studies at Stellenbosch University, where she obtained her (Bachelor of Education) degree. A vibrant and creative Primary School Teacher, she has experience teaching a diverse range of learners since 5years and understands the profound value that independent schooling can have on a child’s educational journey.
Toni-Lee became part of Benefure in 2025, bringing with her not only creativity but meaningful educational insight. Her background as an educator is instrumental to Benefure’s work, allowing her to authentically represent the learner experience while aligning brand identity with educational purpose.
She works on individual campaigns that strengthen Benefure’s public presence, developing visual narratives that connect donors, schools, and communities to the heart of the mission. Toni-Lee sees life in pictures and art, a perspective she brings not only into the classroom but into Benefure’s overall brand identity and storytelling.
Her “why” is deeply rooted in her belief that children are our future and must be nurtured, supported, and loved regardless of their background. Through creativity, compassion, and purpose driven communication, she helps ensure that every child’s story is seen and valued.
... read more
Born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Toni-Lee later moved to Cape Town to pursue her studies at Stellenbosch University, where she obtained her (Bachelor of Education) degree. A vibrant and creative Primary School Teacher, she has experience teaching a diverse range of learners since 5years and understands the profound value that independent schooling can have on a child’s educational journey.
Toni-Lee became part of Benefure in 2025, bringing with her not only creativity but meaningful educational insight. Her background as an educator is instrumental to Benefure’s work, allowing her to authentically represent the learner experience while aligning brand identity with educational purpose.
She works on individual campaigns that strengthen Benefure’s public presence, developing visual narratives that connect donors, schools, and communities to the heart of the mission. Toni-Lee sees life in pictures and art, a perspective she brings not only into the classroom but into Benefure’s overall brand identity and storytelling.
Her “why” is deeply rooted in her belief that children are our future and must be nurtured, supported, and loved regardless of their background. Through creativity, compassion, and purpose driven communication, she helps ensure that every child’s story is seen and valued.
Zolani Mbanga
Volunteer | Foundational Support
Zolani Mbanga has been a pillar of strength at Benefure from its foundational stage. A dedicated volunteer from the Garden Route, South Africa, he has supported the organisation across finance, administration, IT, and systems development since inception, ensuring that the structure behind the vision is solid, compliant, and sustainable.
With a (BCom) in Accounting from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and previous team-work experience on pension funds, Zolani brings both financial expertise and strategic insight to the team. He manages financial processes, reporting, and compliance requirements with precision, while also strengthening internal systems to support daily operations behind the scenes. His ability to develop structured strategies ensures that Benefure remains accountable, transparent, and aligned with best-practice governance standards.
Benefure relies deeply on his versatility, from financial oversight to website management and IT support, creating a reliable operational backbone that enables meaningful educational impact.
Zolani’s connection to Benefure’s mission is deeply personal. As a funded learner throughout his own academic journey, he understands firsthand the transformative power of educational opportunity. His passion lies in advancing Benefure’s purpose, vision, and mission, ensuring that more children, regardless of socio-economic background, are given the same opportunity to thrive.
His work may often happen behind the scenes, but his contribution is foundational to the integrity, sustainability, and future growth of Benefure.
... read more
With a (BCom) in Accounting from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and previous team-work experience on pension funds, Zolani brings both financial expertise and strategic insight to the team. He manages financial processes, reporting, and compliance requirements with precision, while also strengthening internal systems to support daily operations behind the scenes. His ability to develop structured strategies ensures that Benefure remains accountable, transparent, and aligned with best-practice governance standards.
Benefure relies deeply on his versatility, from financial oversight to website management and IT support, creating a reliable operational backbone that enables meaningful educational impact.
Zolani’s connection to Benefure’s mission is deeply personal. As a funded learner throughout his own academic journey, he understands firsthand the transformative power of educational opportunity. His passion lies in advancing Benefure’s purpose, vision, and mission, ensuring that more children, regardless of socio-economic background, are given the same opportunity to thrive.
His work may often happen behind the scenes, but his contribution is foundational to the integrity, sustainability, and future growth of Benefure.
James Rumbelow
Volunteer | Communications
James Rumbelow is a young social impact communicator and intern supporting Benefure’s storytelling, narrative development, and media engagement. Based in Cape Town, he is currently completing his Postgraduate BSocSci (Hons) in Social Development at the University of Cape Town, where his studies focus on service, community upliftment, and sustainable social impact.
At 25, James brings both creativity and purpose-driven insight to Benefure. His academic focus aligns closely with the organisation’s mission to expand access to quality education, and his work contributes to strengthening how Benefure communicates its impact and its broader social purpose.
Through his internship, James assists with narrative storytelling, media support, and impact communication, helping ensure that the stories behind Benefure’s work are shared authentically and meaningfully. He also contributes to impact assessments and communication strategies that reflect the organisation’s real outcomes within communities. Alongside his academic and nonprofit work, James is a producer and songwriter of worship music, bringing a strong creative and reflective dimension to his storytelling approach. His passion for service, kindness, and community development informs both his studies and his work with Benefure.
James has previously worked with several NPOs on education-based initiatives, further strengthening his commitment to organisations that focus on opportunity, empowerment, and social change. His involvement at Benefure reflects a generation of leaders who are purpose-driven, creative, and committed to building stronger communities through education and service.
... read more
At 25, James brings both creativity and purpose-driven insight to Benefure. His academic focus aligns closely with the organisation’s mission to expand access to quality education, and his work contributes to strengthening how Benefure communicates its impact and its broader social purpose.
Through his internship, James assists with narrative storytelling, media support, and impact communication, helping ensure that the stories behind Benefure’s work are shared authentically and meaningfully. He also contributes to impact assessments and communication strategies that reflect the organisation’s real outcomes within communities. Alongside his academic and nonprofit work, James is a producer and songwriter of worship music, bringing a strong creative and reflective dimension to his storytelling approach. His passion for service, kindness, and community development informs both his studies and his work with Benefure.
James has previously worked with several NPOs on education-based initiatives, further strengthening his commitment to organisations that focus on opportunity, empowerment, and social change. His involvement at Benefure reflects a generation of leaders who are purpose-driven, creative, and committed to building stronger communities through education and service.
Charlton Brown
Member | Legal Advisor
Charlton Brown is a qualified attorney and legal professional supporting Benefure in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Coming from his home in Ceres Valley in the Western Cape, he brings a strong legal foundation and over a decade of experience in both civil litigation and commercial law.
Charlton holds an LLB degree from the University of the Western Cape and a certificate in Compliance Management from the University of Cape Town. He is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and has been practicing since 2010. As the founder of a boutique law firm based in Tygervalley, he has built a practice grounded in integrity, precision, and practical legal solutions across both litigious and non-litigious matters.
At Benefure, Charlton provides critical support in ensuring that the organisation operates within all legal and regulatory frameworks. His work focuses on strengthening governance structures, mitigating legal and reputational risks, and ensuring full compliance with bylaws, legislation, tax requirements, and ethical standards. Beyond his professional expertise, Charlton brings a genuine passion for supporting children and advocating for their needs. His commitment to service and his belief in the importance of education align closely with Benefure’s mission to create opportunities for children to access quality schooling.
His contribution ensures that Benefure remains protected, compliant, and positioned for sustainable growth, underpinned by strong legal and governance practices.
Through Benefure, she continues to build partnerships with schools, donors, and corporate sponsors to create sustainable educational pathways for Africa’s future leaders.
... read more
Charlton holds an LLB degree from the University of the Western Cape and a certificate in Compliance Management from the University of Cape Town. He is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and has been practicing since 2010. As the founder of a boutique law firm based in Tygervalley, he has built a practice grounded in integrity, precision, and practical legal solutions across both litigious and non-litigious matters.
At Benefure, Charlton provides critical support in ensuring that the organisation operates within all legal and regulatory frameworks. His work focuses on strengthening governance structures, mitigating legal and reputational risks, and ensuring full compliance with bylaws, legislation, tax requirements, and ethical standards. Beyond his professional expertise, Charlton brings a genuine passion for supporting children and advocating for their needs. His commitment to service and his belief in the importance of education align closely with Benefure’s mission to create opportunities for children to access quality schooling.
His contribution ensures that Benefure remains protected, compliant, and positioned for sustainable growth, underpinned by strong legal and governance practices.
Through Benefure, she continues to build partnerships with schools, donors, and corporate sponsors to create sustainable educational pathways for Africa’s future leaders.