Who we are

Ma Afrika Tikkun Australia (MATA) is a not for profit PTY LTD company based in Sydney, Australia. MATA operates as the Australian awareness and fundraising arm of Ma Afrika Tikkun South Africa. Through its established link with Global Development Group (GDG) all donations to MATA are tax deductible. All donations are made to GDG and receipts are issued by MATA through GDG www.globaldevelopment.org.au

The Australian team is made up as follows:

Executive team:

RICHARD LUBNER, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
rich.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard was born in South Africa and has lived in Australia since 1994. Not long after arriving in Australia, Richard established MaAfrika Tikkun in Australia as a means of raising much needed funds and support for the projects in South Africa. Richard has been directly involved in managing the group and is active as Executive Chairman. He is qualified with an MBA degree and has had experience in numerous commercial activities including managing a Private Equity invesment fund, leading a medium size advertising and marketing agency and today is a the director of Touch Galleries, a contemporary art gallery in Woollahra, Sydney.

His support of MaAfrika Tikkun is close to his heart and he is passionate about the work the group is involved in. This is, in his words, "a forever commitment to my birthplace, its incredible and inspiring people, Chief Patron Nelson Mandela, and to the amazing ongoing efforts of my wonderful family's direct involvement in MaAfrika Tikkun's projects".

This fantastic group represents a way for us to help others whilst helping ourselves become the type of people we were destined to be. MaAfrika Tikkun is a channel to self discovery and a journey we invite you to join us on. We guarantee upliftment and fufilment to all that get involved.

Welcome to our family!

GAEL SEYMORE, CEO

gael.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gael joined Ma Afrika Tikkun Australia in 2007 in the capacity of CEO. Although she has been in Australia for many years, Gael lived in South Africa for ten years during the apartheid era and is excited about now being able to give something back to a country dear to her heart. Gael also lived in West Africa for a couple of years.

Gael has a background in health related industries. After studying nutrition, she became a partner in an holistic health centre and subsequently formed her own business, networking the services of various professionals to provide and support life style change. Gael has also supported a Drug & Alcohol facility in Sydney as Intake Manager, helping to increase occupancy considerably.

Gael has had an association with MaTA Executive Chairman Rich Lubner for some years now and both Gael and Rich welcomed the opportunity to work together - raising awareness in Australia of the needs of less fortunate South African individuals and communities.

Gael has recently returned (inspired!) from a trip to South Africa, visiting the Ma Afrika Tikkun projects in both Gauteng and Western Cape. She would welcome the opportunity to share her experiences with you – please don’t hesitate to call +61 (0)404 060086

 

GREG WILSON, AMBASSADOR

greg photo.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

At age 24, Greg was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident, severing the main artery in his neck and being pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene before they were able to bring him back to life.During a traumatic four-year recovery period, plagued by depression, anger and confusion, he called upon previously acquired skills in art and woodwork to begin sculpting and painting. It was the beginning of an exciting and rewarding journey. The fragility of life, the joy of simply being alive, a newfound awareness of the beauty of nature, as well as reflections on his near-death experience became the inspiration for his work. "My work is more than a work of art; it is a work of the heart," he says. "Happiness can be achieved, even against the greatest odds." With Nelson Mandela as Greg's hero throughout his own struggle of adversity, coupled with his passion to serve those less fortunate than himself, Greg now actively volunteers his services to and promotes the work of MaAfrika Tikkun, whilst selflessly donating a percentage of the sales of his artwork to our projects. To find out more about Greg: http://www.gregwilsongallery.com/

 

Advisors and Steering Committee:

  • Simon Buckingham
  • Annie Crawford
  • Nick Greiner
  • Peter Chapman
  • Michael Roux
  • Belinda Yabsley