MEET THE TEAM

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Julian Mouers is the Operational Director at SABBA, where he plays a key role in overseeing the organisation’s operations and ensuring that its programs run smoothly and efficiently. With a strong focus on technical strategy, marketing, and collaboration, Julian ensures that SABBA's initiatives are both innovative and impactful. He specialises in fostering partnerships and driving the marketing efforts that help expand SABBA's reach, enabling the organization to build sustainable micro-economies in impoverished communities. Julian is instrumental in guiding the team with practical, forward-thinking solutions that align with SABBA’s mission to improve local food production and skills development.

Julian holds a Degree in Business Administration with a specialisation in Strategic Management and Leadership, providing him with a solid foundation in organizational efficiency, growth strategies, and leadership best practices. He further advanced his academic journey by earning a Doctorate in Religious Studies, equipping him with a deep understanding of cultural, ethical, and community-focused leadership.

In addition to his academic credentials, Julian has extensive business and entrepreneurial experience. He has hands-on knowledge across several key industries, including general landscaping, horticulture, construction, maintenance, and e-commerce. Julian has practical experience in construction and has successfully run his own construction business, which has given him invaluable skills in project management, resource coordination, and hands-on building techniques. This experience enables him to bring an informed, results-driven approach to SABBA's infrastructure projects.

Julian’s career spans over new business development, project management, and consulting. He has worked in diverse sectors such as IT, call center operations, corporate network security, and IT software and hardware distribution. His expertise in project management and business consulting enables him to guide the launch and growth of new ventures, ensuring that each project meets its objectives while maintaining sustainable long-term success. Notably, his experience in Managed Services and Server-Based Centralized Management Applications (EUC) has also equipped him to support SABBA’s technological needs, enhancing efficiency in program delivery and communication.

Julian operates with a strong commitment to integrity, kindness, and compassion, values that are central to his approach both professionally and personally. He believes that true success is rooted in ethical behaviour and mutual respect, which is reflected in his leadership style. His commitment to continuous self-improvement is also a core part of his life philosophy; Julian actively seeks ways to grow and evolve, both as a professional and as an individual. His dedication to learning and personal development influences his work at SABBA, where he encourages a culture of growth, innovation, and inclusion.

Outside of his professional life, Julian has a deep passion for astronomy and enjoys exploring how the stars and celestial bodies interact with the natural world. This fascination with the cosmos fuels his curiosity about the universe and its interconnectedness with our planet.

Julian is also an avid gardener, with a particular love for bonsai cultivation. He finds peace and fulfilment in the meticulous process of growing and shaping bonsai trees, which he views as a metaphor for patience, care, and steady growth—values that resonate with his approach to both personal and professional life. These hobbies allow him to unwind and find inspiration, providing a balance to his busy work schedule.

Isabel Lynch is a highly valued member of the SABBA team, specialising in Project Management, Fundraising, Business Analysis, and Strategic Planning. With her broad expertise, Isabel plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution and sustainable impact of SABBA's projects. She leads and coordinates key initiatives, helping to secure funding and develop strategic plans that drive the organization’s goals forward. Isabel works closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify growth opportunities, manage resources effectively, and ensure that projects align with the organisation's long-term vision for community empowerment and economic sustainability. Her diverse skill set allows her to take a comprehensive approach to project implementation, ensuring that every facet of a project is carefully planned, executed, and evaluated for success.

Isabel holds a Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Pretoria (UP) and a Post Graduate Advanced Certificate in Leadership from the University of Cape Town Business School (UCT). Her academic background provides her with a strong foundation in strategic thinking, planning, and leadership, all of which are critical to her role at SABBA.

Over the course of her 28-year career, Isabel has accumulated extensive experience across a broad spectrum of sectors, including public, private, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). She has worked on a wide variety of projects, gaining deep insights into all aspects of business, including finance, marketing, IT, human resources (HR), fundraising, operations, planning, development, and project implementation. This diverse skill set allows Isabel to approach every challenge with a holistic perspective, ensuring that both the practical and strategic elements of a project are well-managed.

Isabel’s experience spans across a range of industries, where she has successfully led projects, built strong partnerships, and driven organisational growth. Her expertise in fundraising and business analysis enables her to identify potential sources of financial support and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. Her ability to think strategically and plan for long-term success has made her an invaluable asset to SABBA, helping to ensure that each program is not only well-executed but also sustainable and impactful.

At the heart of Isabel’s professional and personal life are her core values of integrity, empathy, and the desire to see others succeed. These principles guide her interactions with colleagues, partners, and beneficiaries alike. Isabel is committed to working with honesty, transparency, and compassion, creating a collaborative environment that fosters growth and mutual respect. Her belief in the power of empathy informs her approach to leadership and project management, ensuring that the needs of the communities SABBA serves are always front and center. Her commitment to seeing others succeed is reflected in her mentorship and her drive to empower individuals and teams to reach their full potential.

Outside of her professional life, Isabel places a strong emphasis on maintaining balance and well-being. She enjoys making time for activities that bring her joy and help her recharge. Among her favourite pastimes are yoga, which allows her to stay physically and mentally centered, and walking, which she finds grounding and restorative. Isabel also values spending time with her family and animals, recognising the importance of connection and relaxation in her personal life. Additionally, Isabel is an avid reader, always seeking to expand her knowledge and gain new insights that further enrich her personal and professional growth. These activities are essential to Isabel's commitment to living a balanced, fulfilled life while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the work she does with SABBA.

Safwaan Engel serves as the Financial Manager at SABBA, with additional expertise in Governance and Strategic Planning. He plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial health of the organisation, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and that SABBA’s financial practices are aligned with best governance standards. Safwaan’s meticulous approach ensures financial transparency, compliance, and strategic financial planning that supports SABBA’s long-term goals. His insight into financial strategy helps shape the organisation’s development, enabling SABBA to maximise its impact in creating sustainable micro-economies in impoverished communities. Safwaan is integral to the team’s decision-making processes, offering sound financial advice and direction to keep the organisation on track to meet its objectives.

Safwaan’s career in accounting began at the age of 19, where he quickly demonstrated his analytical abilities, keen eye for detail, and organised, methodological approach to the field. These qualities have allowed him to thrive in various roles within accounting and financial management. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience and progressively taken on increasing responsibilities.

Currently, Safwaan is the Managing Director of his own accounting practice, where he leads a team and manages a wide range of accounting services, from financial reporting and audits to tax planning and consulting. His hands-on experience in running a business gives him a unique perspective on financial management, particularly within small and medium-sized organisations. His background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, which he leverages in his role at SABBA to ensure the financial sustainability and governance of the organisation.

Safwaan’s expertise extends beyond accounting into strategic planning and corporate governance, where he helps develop systems and policies that support SABBA’s growth while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Safwaan places great importance on personal responsibility, which he believes is essential for both professional success and personal integrity. His values also strongly emphasize family, where he draws inspiration and motivation from his role as a father and a community member. Safwaan is driven by generosity and compassion, consistently looking for ways to give back to his community. His approach to both his work and personal life is rooted in the belief that strong ethical foundations, responsibility, and care for others are key to building lasting, positive change. These values resonate in his work with SABBA, where he ensures that the organisation’s financial practices align with a broader mission of community empowerment and sustainable development.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Safwaan is passionate about gardening and enjoys spending time cultivating his own garden, which provides both relaxation and a creative outlet. He also prioritises spending quality time with his three children, cherishing the opportunity to connect with them and foster meaningful relationships. Safwaan finds enjoyment in swimming and cycling, activities that keep him physically active and offer a healthy balance to his busy professional life. His hobbies reflect his holistic approach to life, where he balances work, family, and personal well-being to maintain fulfilment and a sense of purpose.