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Ukufunda Education is a lean organisation, directed by Garth Spencer-Smith. We have a network of associates - several dozen education experts who work with us as and when their skills are needed. These associates range from qualitative and quantitative experts to project managers and fieldworkers. All are hand-picked for their experience, skills and desire and ability to complete work of the highest quality.
Garth Spencer-Smith
Garth Spencer-Smith
Garth is Ukufunda's Director, with 20 years of full-time school experience and 15+ years of consulting in education monitoring, evaluation and research. He has two relevant Master's degrees.
Garth is Ukufunda's Director, with 20 years of full-time school experience and 15+ years of consulting in education monitoring, evaluation and research. He has two relevant Master's degrees.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
M.Phil in Monitoring and Evaluation (Stellenbosch University)
M.Ed in Maths Education (University of Cape Town)
B.Sc and B.Sc (Hons) (University of Cape Town)
HDE (PG) Sec (University of Cape Town)
Experience:
Experience:
15+ years of independent education consulting, including involvement in over 25 independent evaluations as a team leader, project manager, and/or senior researcher
20+ years of Mathematics teaching and management experience in government and private schools in South Africa, Namibia and the UK
10 articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals
Mathematics specialisation
Mathematics specialisation
Mathematics is the subject area on which Garth focuses most of his attention and energy, as it is his primary area of expertise and interest, and since South Africa has such an enormous need for improvement in this area.
Garth is also known as The Maths Dean. More information and reviews of his mathematics teaching and tutoring can be found here:
Professional Affiliations
Professional Affiliations
Consulting Associates
Consulting Associates
UEC draws on a vetted pool of experts selected based on project needs. Key associates include:
Dr Monica Mawoyo
Dr Monica Mawoyo
Over 25 years’ experience in education research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and project evaluation. Key member of over 60 projects, with 12 publications in academic books or peer-reviewed journals. PhD in Education.
Dr Khaya Tyatya
Dr Khaya Tyatya
An education specialist in research, evaluation, project management and stakeholder relations/management. Substantial experience working in education foundations. PhD in Educational Leadership and Management.
Dr Ashnie Mahadew
Dr Ashnie Mahadew
Senior lecturer in Early Childhood Development in the Faculty of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with over 20 years’ experience as a Foundation Phase teacher. PhD in Educational Psychology.
Kiyara Bellochun
Kiyara Bellochun
Assistant lecturer for Maths Education in the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Childhood Education. Several years of education project fieldwork experience. M.Ed degree.
Matthew Kleineibst
Matthew Kleineibst
Data analyst, with considerable experience applying psychometric and statistical methods to large-scale educational monitoring initiatives. M.A degree.
Rick Greener
Rick Greener
An ex-school principal with over 35 years’ experience across traditional, online and blended learning environments. Strengths are quality assurance, curriculum development, educational technology (including AI) and people management with a strong commitment to values-driven, consultative leadership. B.Sc (Hons) degree.
Maud Buthelezi-Msweli
Maud Buthelezi-Msweli
Maud Buthelezi-Msweli is a Master Trainer and Project Manager passionate about skills development and empowering people through education. With over 16 years of experience, she specialises in mentoring, training, and building impactful learning programmes that drive growth and transformation. She holds two degrees in Business Administration and Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
Robyn Pitot
Robyn Pitot
Experienced NGO manager, secondary school English teacher and tertiary lecturer with substantial experience in project leadership, instructional design and training. B.Ed degree.
Carol Felix
Carol Felix
Recently retired primary school deputy principal with over 40 years’ experience in the WCED. M.Ed degree.
Ernest Moore
Ernest Moore
Retired primary school principal with nearly 40 years’ experience in the WCED and post-WCED experience mentoring principals with Symphonia SA (Citizen Leader Lab). B.Ed (Hons) degree.
Thuthu Mhlungu
Thuthu Mhlungu
Experienced principal of ECD centres and ECD practitioner trainer and mentor. B.PubAdmin degree (in progress).
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