Stars in their Eyes

Stars in their Eyes is fortunate to have access to a number of volunteers who receive no financial remuneration whatsoever, and who offer a broad base of international experience in many business sectors.

Johan van Niekerk is director/shareholder of Star South Fruits, a South African supply chain company. Having grown up on a rural farm Johan is empassioned with supporting rural disadvantaged communities. Johan serves on the board of the South African Stars in their Eyes Foundation, and is picured below with a Stars coach. The photograph was taken during the Stars Community Sports Leaders Course in the Eastern Cape.

Nic Jooste is marketing director of Cool Fresh International, and created the project in 2005. From the outset Nic has been functioning as project director. Born and bred in South Africa, he  has been a resident of The Netherlands since 1993.

Elton Hart serves as managing director of Stars in their Eyes in South Africa. Elton grew up in a disadvantaged rural community in the vicinity of Kimberley. After school he attended Stellenbosch University, where he obtained a degree in law, as well as a master's degree in logistics management. He is a qualified lawyer, but is completely committed to creating intensive community development in South Africa's disadvantaged communities. Elton has played football for most of his life, and has captained Stellenbosch University's first team.

Not only does Elton understand the challenges of community upliftment very deeply, he also actively looks for solutions to problems which seemingly are impossible to solve. Elton has become the ‘cog’ around which everything spins – from making sure that contracts hold water, to instilling iron discipline, to being a father-figure to children in need, to being the mentor of 475 coaches all over the country.

He deserves great accolades. He could be a hotshot lawyer with any firm, yet he chooses to be there for people who have a bleak future. Desiree Ellis (legendary ex-captain of BanyanaBanyana, member of the Laureus Foundation, South African television presenter). 

Desiree Ellis is a public figure in South Africa, and has grabbed the challenges of the Stars in their Eyes Foundation with both hands. She has great commitment to the upliftment of her communities, and has communicated the plight of her people to the likes of Michell Obama and Hilary Clinton. Despite the fact that Desiree has many commitments on South African television as sports commentator, she was involved in every course which was run, and hand-picked many of the most successful participants in the ‘Women taking the Lead’ courses which were presented.

Above: Desiree with Michelle Obama

Rohan Bergstedt has funtioned as right hand to Elton Hart for a number of years. He never says no to a challenge, and is at all times supportive of his colleagues. Rohan is an undisputed community leader in Stellenbosch, and coaches and mentors many young players. From his employment as high school teacher, he is exposed to broad-based problems in the disadvantaged communities, yet he always maintains a positive and joyful outlook. In addition to his great involvement in the Stars courses, Rohan has also guided the Stellenbosch teams to a number of championships, and he has created broad-based interaction between community life, the local university and the local authorities.

Below: Rohan with Robin van Persie

Johan in ‘t Veld has a career of 28 years in the food service industry, most recently as CEO of Inversco BV of the Netherlands. His expertise is particularly valuable in terms of corporate management, strategic planning and sponsor acquisition at an executive level.

Loek Schoenmaker has 20 years experience in international finance. He has setup and managed offices in Europe, Asia and the USA. Loek holds an MBA in business administration, and his expertise in managing finances and administration is extremely valuable.