Since 2006, COMENSA has championed ethical excellence, quality assurance, and the continuous development of coaching and mentoring in South Africa—recognised by SAQA for our role in safeguarding professional standards. We honour African heritage while aligning to international best practice, empowering practitioners, organisations, and communities to flourish.
Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA) was founded in 2005 as a non-profit company (NPC) with the mission to build an inclusive, credible, and professional environment for coaches and mentors to thrive in South Africa. The organisation’s establishment was spearheaded by Dr Sunny Stout-Rostron, the Founding President of COMENSA, whose vision was to create a self-regulating professional body that promotes ethical practice, quality standards, and the professionalisation of coaching and mentoring in the country. Although often cited as being formally established in 2006, COMENSA’s roots and leadership can be traced to Dr Stout-Rostron’s pioneering work in 2005, which laid the foundation for a unified and ethical coaching profession in South Africa.
Since 2006, COMENSA has championed ethical excellence, quality assurance, and the continuous development of coaching and mentoring in South Africa—recognised by SAQA for our role in safeguarding professional standards. We honour African heritage while aligning to international best practice, empowering practitioners, organisations, and communities to flourish.
Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA) was founded in 2005 as a non-profit company (NPC) with the mission to build an inclusive, credible, and professional environment for coaches and mentors to thrive in South Africa. The organisation’s establishment was spearheaded by Dr Sunny Stout-Rostron, the Founding President of COMENSA, whose vision was to create a self-regulating professional body that promotes ethical practice, quality standards, and the professionalisation of coaching and mentoring in the country. Although often cited as being formally established in 2006, COMENSA’s roots and leadership can be traced to Dr Stout-Rostron’s pioneering work in 2005, which laid the foundation for a unified and ethical coaching profession in South Africa.
Our Vision: People and organisations activated to their highest potential—leading with integrity and sustainable well‑being.
Our Mission: Elevate the coaching and mentoring profession through standards, ethics, credentialing, and a learning culture that nurtures mastery.
Our Values: Integrity • Ethics • Accountability • Inclusivity • Professionalism • Service
Our Vision: People and organisations activated to their highest potential—leading with integrity and sustainable well‑being.
Our Mission: Elevate the coaching and mentoring profession through standards, ethics, credentialing, and a learning culture that nurtures mastery.
Our Values:
As you progress from the first step of registering with COMENSA as a Student or Ordinary Member, you will enjoy an increasing array of benefits.
Find more information on which category of membership you qualify for as well as the detail of our very affordable membership fees on our Membership page.
As you progress from the first step of registering with COMENSA as a Student or Ordinary Member, you will enjoy an increasing array of benefits.
Find more information on which category of membership you qualify for as well as the detail of our very affordable membership fees on our Membership page.
COMENSA is led by a volunteer group of our members, all of whom are coaching or mentoring professionals. The portfolio chairs constitute our board.
Mohau Mphomela is the founder of Lead Africa Coaching (PTY) LTD, and a Credentialed Senior Coach with Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA). He is currently the chairperson of the COMENSA Gauteng Chapter Committee and a member of the COMENSA Coaching Supervision Portfolio Committee and he is a Coaching Supervisor. Mohau is also a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and have been practicing as a coach for the past 11 years. His business career spans over 3 decades of Senior Management and Executive position of some of the top listed JSE Companies such as Foschini Group, JD Group, MTN, Liberty Properties, Rand Merchant Bank Properties and Emira Listed Property Fund etc. He has held several Chairmanship of both Private and Public sector companies and organisations in South Africa such as Mintek, National Arts Council of South Africa, Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid, Mpumalanga Economic Advisory Council etc. In addition, he is a Member of The Institute of Directors (IOD) in Southern Africa. He is currently pursuing his studies for Chartered Director CD(SA). An avid long-distance marathon runner who participates in some of the best marathons in the world such as the New York City Marathon, London Marathon, Paris Marathon, Comrades Marathon, and Cape Town Two Oceans Marathons in South Africa etc. Finishing every race has led to him acquiring powerful skills such as persistence, consistency, resilience, self-discipline which help him through his coaching career.
Mpho Modisaesi is the outgoing COMENSA Deputy Chairperson of the Gauteng Chapter. She is currently the Board Chairperson of The EARTH Centre NPC (non-profit company) and recently appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of North-West University Enterprises (Pty) Ltd as well as the Chairman of the Enterprises’ REMCO & HR (REMCO) Committee. With over 20 years on various companies’ Boards, for organisations the likes of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Drake and Sull, Consulta, Digi-Litho, together with Chairing some of these organisations and others’ Board Remuneration Committees (REMCO) as well as Social and Ethics Committees (SEC), Mpho is also a Business Associate for the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) - Member Status Recognition of Master HR Practitioner (MHRP), within the Human Capital space of more than 30 years. She is a Facilitator for the SABPP’s Training Courses and also previously served on SABPP’s National Mentorship and Coaching Committee for seven (7) years, her last year being in the role of 2nd Vice-Chairman. The MOU with COMENSA took place during this time. She is a Leadership and Executive Coach, as well as Talent and Life Coach. A Recent Past Member of the Institute of Directors for Southern Africa (I.O.D) and Current Member of TheBoardroom Africa (TBrA), she is also an Independent Consultant. Mpho’s consulting company … Mpho Ya Kutloano (Pty) Ltd (‘MYK’) – “Gift of Harmony” is a vehicle that she uses to deliver Strategic Human Capital Interventions as short-term projects or Interim Assignments, together with Coaching and Facilitation services.
Veronica specialises in Transformational Leadership Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Development and Resilience Coaching. Veronica supports people to discover their purpose and to become mindful of the legacy they want to leave behind. Veronica’s passion for leadership development and sustainable community programmes soon translated into Neuro Coaching. She is a certified Neuro Coach, M Bit Coach, NLP practitioner and have just completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Coaching at SACAP (South-African College for Applied Sciences) in 2020. She just completed her Masters Degree in Coaching in Education in 2025. Veronica has 30 years of experience in community development, community impact programmes and leadership development. She is a Senior Credentialed coach and are now the CEO of Comensa. Email: ceo@comensa.org.za
Neel Naipal is a highly skilled and qualified management professional with broad experience across leadership, financial control, business management, customer relationship management, sales, marketing, and project management. He holds an MBA amongst other qualifications, and is a Certified Director® with the Institute of Directors South Africa. With strong liaison and negotiation abilities, Neel excels in collaborating with stakeholders from diverse professional, technical, and cultural backgrounds. His advanced business acumen, combined with solid qualifications, enables him to effectively understand and implement efficient processes, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.
As a Director of COMENSA and Chairperson of the MCSC Committee, Sean Fenn brings a wealth of business expertise and strategic insight to the board. He is an accomplished business leader and executive coach with extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and occupational training. With a career spanning multiple industries, Sean has developed a strong foundation in designing and implementing growth strategies that foster operational excellence and team collaboration. He holds advanced qualifications in Education, People and Business management and an executive coaching qualification, providing him with a deep pool of knowledge and experience enabling him to guide leaders in aligning their teams with organizational goals and driving meaningful change.
Farah Ally is an experienced professional with a strong background in leadership coaching, business mentorship, sales, marketing, and project management. She has a proven track record of driving performance, managing stakeholder relationships, and empowering individuals through skills development and career guidance. Passionate about people and transformation, Farah brings both strategic insight and practical expertise to her role on the COMENSA Board.
Joyce Baloyi is a Transition Coach, Psychometrist and Lecturer She specialises in human resources, leadership development, change management, team building, training and development and coaching. She has relevant experience from various organisations such as the University of South Africa, Business Partners, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Lehlogonolo HR Consulting.
Theresa Vivian Moila is a qualified Social Worker with an MBA. She has over 20 years experience in Senior Management positions. She has done coaching and mentorship for more than 15 years. She is the current Chairperson of the new established Audit, Risk and Finance (ARF) Committee.
As a Director and Chairperson of Social and Ethics Committee (SEC), Gerard brings strategy development, oversight experience and passion for people development to the Board. He has served in several boards in public institutions. He joined COMENSA in 2015. He is a founder and Managing Director of IGGLE Consulting and Coaching founded in 2012. Prior to coaching and consulting experience, Gerard spent 13 years in corporate leadership roles in public and private entities. He has 9 years business coaching experience. His advanced qualifications include MBA degree. He has developed and delivered strategic and transformational initiatives for businesses. His passion is to contribute in developing and implementing sustainable organisational programmes including developing young professionals future leadership roles.
Mohau Mphomela is the founder of Lead Africa Coaching (PTY) LTD, and a Credentialed Senior Coach with Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA). He is currently the chairperson of the COMENSA Gauteng Chapter Committee and a member of the COMENSA Coaching Supervision Portfolio Committee and he is a Coaching Supervisor. Mohau is also a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and have been practicing as a coach for the past 11 years. His business career spans over 3 decades of Senior Management and Executive position of some of the top listed JSE Companies such as Foschini Group, JD Group, MTN, Liberty Properties, Rand Merchant Bank Properties and Emira Listed Property Fund etc. He has held several Chairmanship of both Private and Public sector companies and organisations in South Africa such as Mintek, National Arts Council of South Africa, Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid, Mpumalanga Economic Advisory Council etc. In addition, he is a Member of The Institute of Directors (IOD) in Southern Africa. He is currently pursuing his studies for Chartered Director CD(SA). An avid long-distance marathon runner who participates in some of the best marathons in the world such as the New York City Marathon, London Marathon, Paris Marathon, Comrades Marathon, and Cape Town Two Oceans Marathons in South Africa etc. Finishing every race has led to him acquiring powerful skills such as persistence, consistency, resilience, self-discipline which help him through his coaching career.
Mpho Modisaesi is the outgoing COMENSA Deputy Chairperson of the Gauteng Chapter. She is currently the Board Chairperson of The EARTH Centre NPC (non-profit company) and recently appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of North-West University Enterprises (Pty) Ltd as well as the Chairman of the Enterprises’ REMCO & HR (REMCO) Committee. With over 20 years on various companies’ Boards, for organisations the likes of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Drake and Sull, Consulta, Digi-Litho, together with Chairing some of these organisations and others’ Board Remuneration Committees (REMCO) as well as Social and Ethics Committees (SEC), Mpho is also a Business Associate for the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) - Member Status Recognition of Master HR Practitioner (MHRP), within the Human Capital space of more than 30 years. She is a Facilitator for the SABPP’s Training Courses and also previously served on SABPP’s National Mentorship and Coaching Committee for seven (7) years, her last year being in the role of 2nd Vice-Chairman. The MOU with COMENSA took place during this time. She is a Leadership and Executive Coach, as well as Talent and Life Coach. A Recent Past Member of the Institute of Directors for Southern Africa (I.O.D) and Current Member of TheBoardroom Africa (TBrA), she is also an Independent Consultant. Mpho’s consulting company … Mpho Ya Kutloano (Pty) Ltd (‘MYK’) – “Gift of Harmony” is a vehicle that she uses to deliver Strategic Human Capital Interventions as short-term projects or Interim Assignments, together with Coaching and Facilitation services.
Veronica specialises in Transformational Leadership Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Development and Resilience Coaching. Veronica supports people to discover their purpose and to become mindful of the legacy they want to leave behind. Veronica’s passion for leadership development and sustainable community programmes soon translated into Neuro Coaching. She is a certified Neuro Coach, M Bit Coach, NLP practitioner and have just completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Coaching at SACAP (South-African College for Applied Sciences) in 2020. She just completed her Masters Degree in Coaching in Education in 2025. Veronica has 30 years of experience in community development, community impact programmes and leadership development. She is a Senior Credentialed coach and are now the CEO of Comensa. Email: ceo@comensa.org.za
Neel Naipal is a highly skilled and qualified management professional with broad experience across leadership, financial control, business management, customer relationship management, sales, marketing, and project management. He holds an MBA amongst other qualifications, and is a Certified Director® with the Institute of Directors South Africa. With strong liaison and negotiation abilities, Neel excels in collaborating with stakeholders from diverse professional, technical, and cultural backgrounds. His advanced business acumen, combined with solid qualifications, enables him to effectively understand and implement efficient processes, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.
As a Director of COMENSA and Chairperson of the MCSC Committee, Sean Fenn brings a wealth of business expertise and strategic insight to the board. He is an accomplished business leader and executive coach with extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and occupational training. With a career spanning multiple industries, Sean has developed a strong foundation in designing and implementing growth strategies that foster operational excellence and team collaboration. He holds advanced qualifications in Education, People and Business management and an executive coaching qualification, providing him with a deep pool of knowledge and experience enabling him to guide leaders in aligning their teams with organizational goals and driving meaningful change.
Farah Ally is an experienced professional with a strong background in leadership coaching, business mentorship, sales, marketing, and project management. She has a proven track record of driving performance, managing stakeholder relationships, and empowering individuals through skills development and career guidance. Passionate about people and transformation, Farah brings both strategic insight and practical expertise to her role on the COMENSA Board.
Joyce Baloyi is a Transition Coach, Psychometrist and Lecturer She specialises in human resources, leadership development, change management, team building, training and development and coaching. She has relevant experience from various organisations such as the University of South Africa, Business Partners, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Lehlogonolo HR Consulting.
As a Director and Chairperson of Social and Ethics Committee (SEC), Gerard brings strategy development, oversight experience and passion for people development to the Board. He has served in several boards in public institutions. He joined COMENSA in 2015. He is a founder and Managing Director of IGGLE Consulting and Coaching founded in 2012. Prior to coaching and consulting experience, Gerard spent 13 years in corporate leadership roles in public and private entities. He has 9 years business coaching experience. His advanced qualifications include MBA degree. He has developed and delivered strategic and transformational initiatives for businesses. His passion is to contribute in developing and implementing sustainable organisational programmes including developing young professionals future leadership roles.
Theresa Vivian Moila is a qualified Social Worker with an MBA. She has over 20 years experience in Senior Management positions. She has done coaching and mentorship for more than 15 years. She is the current Chairperson of the new established Audit, Risk and Finance (ARF) Committee.
COMENSA has strengthened its management capacity.
On 04 August 2025, the Board appointed Mrs Veronica Kietzmann-Cronje as COMENSA’s Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years’ leadership experience in the non-profit sector, she brings proven strategic vision, governance expertise, and stakeholder mobilisation skills, together with a deep alignment with COMENSA’s mission and values. Email: ceo@comensa.org.za
Supporting the CEO is Ms Tamara Naidoo, who has served as COMENSA’s National Administrator for the past four years. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, supporting members, and coordinating Chapter and committee administration. Email: administrator@comensa.org.za
On 04 August 2025, the Board appointed Mrs Veronica Kietzmann-Cronje as COMENSA’s Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years’ leadership experience in the non-profit sector, she brings proven strategic vision, governance expertise, and stakeholder mobilisation skills, together with a deep alignment with COMENSA’s mission and values. Email: ceo@comensa.org.za
Supporting the CEO is Ms Tamara Naidoo, who has served as COMENSA’s National Administrator for the past four years. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations, supporting members, and coordinating Chapter and committee administration. Email: administrator@comensa.org.za
Kwazulu Natal Chapter Members
Limpopo Chapter Members
Western Cape Chapter Members
Free State Chapter Members
Eastern Cape Chapter Members
Kwazulu Natal Chapter Members
Limpopo Chapter Members
Western Cape Chapter Members
Free State Chapter Members
Eastern Cape Chapter Members
Mr Gerard Mofolo | Chairperson.
Mr Mohau Mphomela | President
Ms Nirvana Maharaj | Volunteer
Mrs Melissa Voller | Company Secretary
Sean Fenn | Chairperson
Andre Retief | Deputy Chairperson
Pieter Van Ellewee | Secretary
Dr Bill Price | RPL / Credentialing
Gizelle McIntyre | TPP / Credentialing
Jo Searle | Chairperson.
Dom Nass | Secretary
Belinda Davies
Mohau Mphomela
Kirti Carr
Phil Ridgwell
Gorette Doria
Ms Joyce Baloyi | Chairperson
Ms Zonke Cebekhulu | Member
Dr Marisa Leask | Member
Ms Matjatji Mothapo | Member
David Davis | Retired Chairperson
Stephanie Dawson-Cosser | Chairperson
Gerry Nel | Vice Chairperson:
Pearl Tshabalala | Member
Perpetua Malingia | Member
Ilana Steyn | Member
Ms Theresa V. Moila | Chairperson.
Mr Neel-Kamal Naipal | Independent Director
Mr Yusuf Mahomedy | Non-Executive Director
Mr Robin Stone | Treasurer
Mrs Melissa Voller | Company Secretary
Mr Gerard Mofolo | Chairperson.
Mr Mohau Mphomela | President
Ms Nirvana Maharaj | Volunteer
Mrs Melissa Voller | Company Secretary
Sean Fenn | Chairperson
Andre Retief | Deputy Chairperson
Pieter Van Ellewee | Secretary
Dr Bill Price | RPL / Credentialing
Gizelle McIntyre | TPP / Credentialing
Nobuntu Tintelo | Credentialing (Resigned September 2025)
Jo Searle | Chairperson.
Dom Nass | Secretary
Belinda Davies
Mohau Mphomela
Kirti Carr
Phil Ridgwell
Gorette Doria
Ms Joyce Baloyi | Chairperson
Ms Zonke Cebekhulu | Member
Dr Marisa Leask | Member
Ms Matjatji Mothapo | Member
David Davis | Retired Chairperson
Stephanie Dawson-Cosser | Chairperson
Gerry Nel | Vice Chairperson:
Pearl Tshabalala | Member
Perpetua Malingia | Member
Ilana Steyn | Member
Ms Theresa V. Moila | Chairperson.
Mr Neel-Kamal Naipal | Independent Director
Mr Yusuf Mahomedy | Non-Executive Director
Mr Robin Stone | Treasurer
Mrs Melissa Voller | Company Secretary
COMENSA is pleased to acknowledge the work of one of our members, Jaques Myburgh, who conducted an in-depth Research Report in 2022 examining COMENSA’s definition of coaching supervision. This research was commissioned by a former Chair of the Supervision Committee. We are also pleased to include the subsequent article published in the following year, which builds upon the findings of this study.
A wise man once said: “Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought.”
– Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
If we are not developing our ways of working, we will not be able to serve our clients who are constantly growing and changing. The purpose of COMENSA’s Research Portfolio Committee is to stimulate and encourage research among our coaches and mentors as well as students emerging in the field.
The body of knowledge in evidence-based coaching and mentoring practice is growing rapidly and it is important that members stay abreast with developments in the industry.
There are two approaches to research in this profession, namely academic research and practice-based research. Both of these approaches play a pivotal role in the growth and development of coaches and mentors, and members are encouraged to have a balanced view of both the practice or industry trends as well as the theoretical underpinnings.
We support student researchers by linking them to thought leaders in the field and guiding them to sources of information that will aid their academic research journey.
We have exciting plans to provide more specific research insights on this website. If, in the interim, you require any specific assistance, please send us an email.
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
South African Board for People Practices (SABPP)
SIOPSA Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology (SIOPSA)
Professional Bodies against Racism in Coaching
Joint Global Statement Group (JGSG)
CoachHub
Global Code of Ethics (GCoE)
National Mentorship Movement (NMM)
