Beautiful Life Team
Wendy La Vita
Position: Founder/ Director
Profile Wendy La Vita holds a BA Honours degree in Counselling Psychology from UNISA and a Masters Degree in Research Psychology from Stellenbosch University. She has a world of knowledge and experience in community development and is passionate about education and believes in life-long learning. Our motto “shaping a generation together” is her ideal for South Africa as a Nation. Wendy La Vita holds the office of Executive Director of Beautiful Life and offers her services on a voluntary basis along with a team of dedicated volunteers who assists in the area of administration, accounting, fundraising, marketing, publicity and community work.
Pebetsi James-Kgole
Position: Associate Director
I am a final year Master of Science (MSc) student at Stellenbosch University, Hailing from Polokwane.
I am an avid reader, education enthusiast and passionate about science, medicine and economics.
With a track record in community service I believe that the best way to find yourself,
is to lose yourself in the service of others as said by Mahatma Ghandi.
Pebetsi (PB) will be joining Team Beautiful Life as our Community Development Ambassador,
volunteering online in news and media communication. And is she looking at frontline work in the area
of fundraising and publicity to promote Beautiful Life as an ambassador.
Willson Tarusarira
Position: Associate Director
Dr. Willson Tarusarira is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Free State, Faculty of Law- Disability Rights Unit. A researcher and scholar in disability studies and human rights. He Holds a PhD in Health Sciences Rehabilitation studies (Stellenbosch University), a master’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in Specialising in Disability studies (University of Cape Town). He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Zimbabwe. He also holds an Advanced Human Rights Certificate – Sexual Minority Rights in Africa (University of Pretoria). His research interests include disability rights, refugee studies, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. His work particularly explores the lived experiences of marginalized populations, including refugees with disabilities, contributing to scholarship, policy discussions, and inclusive development initiatives.
Dr Gisele Chloe Lavita
Role: Advocacy & Public Relations
Gisele La Vita is a professional with a Masters Degree in International Relations, specializing in Global Governance, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with expertise in Property Law.
A tenacious individual with exceptional interpersonal skills, profound leadership abilities, and the ability to thrive in multicultural environments. I believe in servant leadership and value the ability to work in teams, priding myself in working in inclusive, diverse spaces.
Milene Nel
Position: Community Development Facilitator
Milene is an Industrial Psychology graduate with a passion for human development and community empowerment. She enjoys working in spaces where she can support others, bring structure, and help create environments where individuals feel encouraged to grow and reach their potential.
Her involvement in non-profit organisations is driven by her passion for community development and her desire to be part of
initiatives such as Beautiful Life TCDA that help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and access new opportunities.
She finds fulfillment in seeing others grow and in contributing, even in small ways, to meaningful change.
Milene will be offering her services to Beautiful Life in the area of community development and project management.
Amy Rudolph
Amy is a Library and Information Studies graduate from the University of the Western Cape. She is an avid reader of self-help books. Books has changed her life and contributed to her personal growth. A quote that has stuck with her since grade seven is, “Strive towards excellence and do not settle for mediocrity”. Her love for books has contributed towards the excellence of achieving her first degree with Honours. She owes reading from a young age the empowerment to succeed and believe in oneself. If you don’t know something, read!
Lerato Maimela
I’m an aspiring psychologist in my 3rd year at the University of Cape Town. My passion for giving back to my community comes from the influence that Ubuntu has had in my life for as long as I can remember.
I believe it is part of everybody’s duty to strengthen and support their community however they can.
I enjoy the simple things in life like having some alone time and listening to music or watching a gripping series while cuddled up in my bed.
Desmond Koopman
Position: Community Development Associate
Professional Educator
Melvyn Fortune
Position: Admin Support/Photographer