Beyond the Norm: A Story of Strength in Diversity
“We want to take smart shots that result in big wins. Shout-it-Now does not conform to the norm, we are not shaken by the new, and we never stop exploring interesting approaches.” ~ Prof. Goodman Sibeko (Chairperson)
Shout-It-Now is boldly transitioning into a dynamic new era. Having begun its journey 17 years ago, Shout has consistently moved forward through innovative approaches in delivering community-based, free, health services to South African youth. This is made possible by our diverse poll of funders who continue to challenge us to greater impact and innovation towards youth programs.
Just because services are free, does not mean there is a natural uptake. Misinformation, stigma, judgment, staffing issues, and a lack of agreement on how to communicate health messages are all barriers that prevent people from accessing the services they need.; especially youth. Empowering young people to make the best choices for their health and well-being requires agility, fresh thinking and, most importantly, youth relevance.
With consistent tenacity and perseverance, Shout-It-Now has evolved its offering into a robust model with core principles, while maintaining agility to continue to provide innovative solutions as times change.
Why?
Because human needs do not stay the same, the methods of meeting these needs must also evolve through new practices, improved policies, and advancing technologies.
This approach to serve youth is purposeful in innovation, with meticulously curated principal components from a deep understanding of the youth, their needs, and their lifestyles. Delivering easily accessible and relevant services, collectively working with service partners to ensure a holistic youth offering and speaking with the youth instead of at them, through palatable communication that drives conversation, overcomes judgement, and normalises the conversation around sexual and reproductive health are all factors that lead to the youth wanting to come back.
“To be honest, it’s a bit terrifying and humbling at the same time. We are at the forefront of a major precipice. I suppose it’s the anticipation of the magnitude of what lies ahead for Shout.” – Prof. Goodman Sibeko (Chairperson)
People First – Strength in Diversity
Inspired by inclusion and intentional about diversity, Shout-It-Now has attracted exceptional leaders across various sectors. There is a youthful and vibrant energy across the organisation. The leadership, comprised of individuals from various sectors and backgrounds, brings fresh insights and a dynamic perspective in addressing the evolving health needs of South African youth. Through a commitment to listening and learning from all voices, Shout-It-Now aims to remain at the forefront of providing accessible and effective community-based health services. This cultivates a culture where individuals feel empowered to voice their ideas openly, fostering an environment where the ability of our people strengthens the organisation and ensures agility in seeking opportunity and overcoming barriers, in serving the youth.
“For over seventeen years, we’ve worked tirelessly to support South African youth, and we now stand on the cusp of an extraordinary moment in our organisation’s journey. It is about pioneering a future where every individual we serve is empowered to shape their own future. This isn’t just a story of change; it’s a testament to our passion and commitment and the strength that lies in our diversity. Ahead lies a landscape where strength emerges from diversity, where innovation thrives on inclusivity, and where the voices of the youth propel us forward and will continuously shape how we serve.” – Dr Ntombifikile Mtshali (CEO)
Our Board Members
A/Prof Goodman Sibeko: Chairperson
A/Prof Goodman Sibeko is a Medical Doctor with specialist Psychiatric training. He holds a PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Cape Town where he currently serves as Head of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry and as Director of the US Department of State-funded International Technology Transfer Centre – South Africa. His work has focused on interventions using non-specialist workers in the management of severe mental illness, and he has a developing research portfolio focused on task sharing models for the treatment of harmful substance use, mental health and HIV. He has an established international collaborative network and has been instrumental in advancing the strengthening of mental health training for community health workers through the national department of health’s Foundation phase training for community health workers. He has led and participated in several policy development and implementation activities locally in South Africa and further afield on the African continent.
Dr. Dino Rech
Dino is a recognized global health leader, published researcher, and ER physician with first-hand knowledge of how technology can both help and hinder clinical workflows. He has dedicated his career to the advancement of global health through research and innovation, holding various leadership and technical roles at organizations such as the Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Aurum Institute and Audere. As the former Group Director & Regional Chief Operating Officer of The Aurum Institute, Dr. Rech managed the organization’s business development team, responsible for introducing new strategies and innovation to its projects, and led one of the largest HIV care and treatment programs in South Africa. Dr. Rech was the Founder and CEO of the Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS), which reached over 750,000 people with lifesaving HIV prevention, education, testing, and surgeries during his tenure at the organization. Currently as the CEO of Audere, a Seattle-based digital health nonprofit, Dino enthusiastically drives Audere’s vision forward and implements its strategy. Born and raised South African, he is passionate about Audere’s mission to find solutions to the challenges facing low- and middle-income countries.
Kanya Ndaki
Kanya Ndaki is a seasoned health communicator. She is currently the director of communications at The Aurum Institute and has just over 2 decades of media and communications experience; thirteen of which were as an award-winning journalist and editor. Ndaki was previously the head of communications at the South African National Aids Council where she was in charge of providing strategic communication support to the body’s units and structures. Prior to that, as regional editor for UN humanitarian news service Irin News (now The New Humanitarian), she covered humanitarian and development issues and co-founded PlusNews, Irin’s dedicated HIV/Aids news service in 2001. Ms Ndaki also serves as a Board Member of the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism and the Panos Institute of Southern Africa.
Zukie Siyotula
Zukie was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Thebe Capital. Prior to that, she held various senior positions at the Barclays Africa Group, Old Mutual, Royal Bafokeng Holdings and South African Breweries. Zukie currently serves as a non-executive director at Wescoal Mining, African Bank, York Timber Holdings, Toyota Financial Services and Ogilvy Mather South Africa.
Clement Shirilele
Clement Shirilele, an attorney with over three decades of experience admitted to practice in the High Court since 1990, holds a B.Proc, LLB, and an LLM in Constitutional Law. Committed to legal education, he served on the panel of the Attorneys Entrance Board Exams in 1997 and tutored at the Practical Legal Training School.
Clement’s life reflects a dedication to the legal profession, a commitment to education, and active involvement in community service. A passionate long-distance runner, he also contributes significant time as a black law practitioner to pro bono work, addressing individual cases and broader societal concerns.
In addition to his role as an attorney, Clement Shirilele’s versatility extends to acting as a Judge in the Gauteng Division of the High Court. His commitment to community service is evident through his participation in Round Table, where he served on the National Council of the Association of Round Tables in South Africa in 2002/2003.