Uthingo Network welcomes new director
Uthingo Network (formerly the Pietermaritzburg Gay and Lesbian Network) founder Anthony Waldhausen has resigned from his position as director of the organisation, effective March 31.
Waldhausen said his departure is due to his involvement in the Msunduzi Association for Residents, Ratepayers and Civics, (Marc), which Waldhausen co-founded and is chairperson of.
“This has been a journey for me for the past 20 years and I leave the organisation in capable hands of the new director, staff and board. I was fortunate to be part of a pilot legacy programme that assisted 11 NPO leaders on succession planning which made the transition easy.
“I have embarked on a new journey and co-founded another organisation that will focus on local government and giving citizens of our city a voice,” Waldhausen said.
Brian Sibeko-Ngidi will replace Waldhausen as director from April 1.
Sibeko-Ngidi has a successful history within the network as an ex-board chairperson. He joined the board amid a financial crisis and collaborated with fellow board members to create a turnaround strategy that ensured that the network has a solid financial foundation. He has also played a crucial part in securing additional funding for our programmatic work across the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Sibeko-Ngidi has worked in the LGBTQI+ non-profit sector for over 11 years in coordination and managerial positions. He has extensive experience in leadership, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and programme design. He has served on several boards and committees in the LGBTQI+ health and advocacy sector, and currently serves as an advisory board member for the Aurum Institute’s MSM/Transgender programme known as POPP INN.
Speaking on his appointment, Sibeko-Ngidi said: “It is indeed an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Uthingo Network and continue to build on Anthony Waldhausen’s incredible legacy, which has already contributed so much to changing the lives of the queer community of KwaZulu-Natal. With the support of the Network’s team and board, I look forward to driving continued growth and the overall success of Uthingo Network.”
Uthingo Network board chairperson Sizwe Sithole reflected on Waldhausen’s legacy in the organisation.
“He has steered the network to do pioneering work with primarily young, unemployed and marginalised lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex [LGBTI] people in KwaZuluNatal, and especially those in rural communities.
“Anthony leaves Uthingo Network in a solid position for continued growth, and we sincerely thank him for his contribution and leadership in his time as director. We are particularly grateful for his contribution towards saving the organisation during the complex financial challenges that threatened its existence,” Sithole said.