Meet Jabu Simelane: Good Work Foundation's New HR Manager

Good Work Foundation is a team of close to 200 people bound together by a shared belief: that education changes lives. Behind every programme, every campus, and every learner interaction, there are people. And the person now responsible for supporting those people is Jabu Simelane, our new HR Manager.

Jabu brings a rich and varied career to the role. Her background spans both legal and human resources environments, giving her a distinctive combination of analytical rigour and people-centred leadership. Over time, her passion for people and organisational culture drew her fully into Human Resources, where she has built deep expertise across employee wellness, relations, talent management, and strategic HR practice. She has developed a reputation for being approachable and solutions-driven, with a commitment to building positive, productive workplaces.

"From the moment I joined the organisation, I felt welcomed and supported by my colleagues. They are very passionate about making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. The work that we do actually aligns with my values. I am very much motivated by the opportunity to contribute to this mission while continually growing my profession."

What stands out in conversation with Jabu is her proactive approach. She does not wait for problems to arrive at her door.

"One of my key strengths is being proactive in my work approach. I seek solutions before challenges escalate."

Jabu sees her role as a bridge between people and purpose, partnering with leadership and employees alike to strengthen culture and ensure that wellbeing remains central to everything GWF does.

She describes her first few months as a learning experience, and one she has embraced fully.

"My journey with GWF has been quite fulfilling. I look forward to building strong relationships, contributing to the organisation's success, and continually making a positive impact through my role."