Who We Are
Going beyond survival to restore dignity, hope, and purpose for refugees, asylum seekers, persons facing social exclusion and forcibly displaced persons in South Africa.
Our Vision
A South Africa where all Forcibly Displaced Persons have equitable access to mental health care, social inclusion, and opportunities for wellbeing.
Our Mission
To promote the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of FDPs through trauma-informed care, advocacy for inclusive public services, and community empowerment addressing the social determinants of mental health.
Our Core Values
Dignity
We believe every person deserves respect, inclusion, and safety.
Empathy
We listen with care and respond with compassion.
Equity
We advocate for equal access to healthcare, work, and documentation.
Resilience
We help individuals and communities rebuild stronger futures.
Collaboration
We work hand-in-hand with FDPs, local institutions, and international partners.
Our Leadership Team
Dr Ganzamungu
Executive Director
Mme Milla Eale
Case Worker
Dr Alpha kosse
Finance Officer
Agno Linda Gallet
Mental Health Counsellor
KWINJA MWEZE Patty
General Secretary
Belinda Lwaboshi
Health & Community Development
Madi Kibul Malath
Community Impact Officer
Darius Kwigomba
Advocacy & Social Work Officer
Biography
Dr Ganzamungu Zihindula is a Research Fellow for the Translational Simulation for Trauma-Informed Care project at the Centre for Global Health (Schools of Medicine & Psychology, Trinity College Dublin). He serves as Senior Fellow for the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and holds the prestigious position of Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity (AFHESA) based at TEKANO SA. He is also the Founder & Managing Director of the Healthy Rural Society in South Africa (HRSA) and Director of Action de Transformation Social à Impact Durable (ATRASID) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Expertise
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Global Health Equity
- Community Resilience
"Translating trauma-informed principles into sustainable action across Africa and beyond."
Biography
Mme Milla Eale is an asylum seeker in South Africa with a deep commitment to humanitarian work. She holds certificates in Home Based Care and First Aid, and is currently pursuing an Under-graduate Diploma in Public Law at the University of the Witwatersrand. With over 8 years of experience working with forcibly displaced persons, she has served as a home-based carer, case worker at Future Families (an UNHCR implementing partner), and interpreter at Section27. Her expertise spans support group facilitation, Best Interest Assessment for vulnerable children, and advocacy for access to basic services.
Expertise
- Psychosocial Support
- Community Advocacy
- Vulnerable Populations Support
"Serving communities from different backgrounds is my calling. True fulfillment comes from helping others access the support and services they deserve."
Biography
Dr Alpha Kosse is a PhD holder and practitioner specializing in population-related issues, innovation, and public service delivery. As Finance Officer at URASA, he brings a wealth of expertise in strategic financial management, ensuring the organization's resources are efficiently allocated to serve forcibly displaced persons in South Africa. His professional background spans population health, ageing, governance, and community development at local and municipal levels.
Expertise
- Population Health & Demographics
- Innovation & Public Service Delivery
- Governance & Community Development
"Financial stewardship rooted in social purpose - ensuring every resource serves the dignity and wellbeing of those we support."
Biography
Agno Linda Gallet is a Psychology Honours graduate and lay counsellor with extensive experience in community mental health support, qualitative research, and clinical administration. She has worked across NGO and clinical settings, providing empathetic helpline support through SADAG and contributing to research on university students' access to mental health care. Linda brings strong analytical skills, cross-cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to ethical, client-centred practice.
Expertise
- • Community Mental Health Support
- • Qualitative Research & Analysis
- • Clinical Administration
- • Mental Health Advocacy & Awareness
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Biography
KWINJA MWEZE Patty is a Human Resources Management graduate from Cavendish University Uganda with a strong passion for forced migration and economic inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers. Her role at URASA spans administrative coordination as General Secretariat, human resource services, and international relations, bringing dedicated expertise to supporting marginalized communities.
Expertise
- • Human Resource Management
- • Forced Migration & Displacement Issues
- • Economic Inclusion Programs
- • Organizational Administration
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Biography
Belinda Lwaboshi is a Health Promotion and Community Development Practitioner with a Master's degree, demonstrating keen interest in reproductive and maternal health, community economic empowerment, and women's advancement. With strong academic training, Belinda creates impactful health initiatives that enhance wellbeing and empower communities, focusing on fostering inclusive economies and promoting equitable health access for all.
Expertise
- • Maternal & Reproductive Health
- • Community Economic Development
- • Women Empowerment Programs
- • Health Promotion & Advocacy
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Biography
Madi Kibul Malath, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in South Africa, is a motivated professional dedicated to creating value and making positive impact in society. Madi is the Founder of Educate Thee Child, a child-centered program supporting underprivileged children through school stationery provision and social cohesion initiatives. The program educates children on critical issues such as bullying, substance abuse, crime, and conflict resolution, serving immigrant, asylum-seeker, refugee, and host-community children on a non-discriminatory basis.
Expertise
- • Child-Centered Development Programs
- • Community Social Cohesion
- • Youth Empowerment & Education
- • Nonprofit Leadership & Advocacy
LinkedIn: Educate Thee Child
Biography
Darius Kwigomba is a dedicated social worker and advocacy officer with 20 years of experience empowering refugee and migrant communities. He provides vital support and advocates for inclusive policies, amplifying marginalized voices and promoting human dignity. With a strong pastoral calling, Darius currently pastors a church in Johannesburg while continuing his passionate work in community advocacy and social transformation.
Expertise
- • Social Work & Case Management
- • Refugee & Migrant Advocacy
- • Policy Advocacy & Engagement
- • Community Leadership & Pastoral Care
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