Patrick Msakayeya:

Patrick Msakayeya is the dedicated and compassionate Manager at Happy Valley Home.

With a background in both hospitality and construction, Patrick has been part of the Happy Valley Home family since 2014, starting as a Host and working his way up to Shelter Manager by 2016. His journey is marked by a passion for supporting vulnerable groups, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of purpose to the team.

Before joining Happy Valley Home, Patrick gained valuable experience in plumbing, general maintenance, and landscaping in the Deep South, followed by three years in hospitality as a Host and Caretaker – roles that deepened his passion for working with people. At Happy Valley Home, he leveraged his skills to not only manage the shelter but also foster partnerships with organisations like Fish Hoek Lions Club, resulting in significant facility improvements, such as the creation of a dining and entertainment area and a vegetable garden.

A committed member of the Fish Hoek Lions Club for the past five years, Patrick actively participates in environmental and disaster relief projects. He has a particular passion for the Red Hill Early Childhood Development Projects, where he supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds with basic school supplies.

Under his leadership, Happy Valley Home has seen transformative change, from enhanced hygiene and meal quality to successful resettlements of former clients into independent living and permanent employment. Patrick’s unwavering goal is to empower every individual to regain control of their life and thrive independently.

Cllr Simon Liell-Cock:

Cllr Simon Liell-Cock, our Chairman, has been a dedicated supporter of Happy Valley Home since 2011. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Chairperson, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission.

Simon serves as the Councillor for Ward 61 and is also the Chairperson of Subcouncil 19. Since his election as a ward councillor, he has focused his efforts on addressing the challenges faced by individuals living on the streets of Cape Town.

His professional background spans IT, industrial engineering, supply chain management, retail, manufacturing, and mining, equipping him with a diverse skill set that he applies to his public service.

“Every small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life; it is an honour to serve those in need of help.” SLC

Letitia Botes:

Letitia Botes is an ordained IFCC pastor and ICBCC accredited counselor with a deep passion for helping others thrive. With 8 years of experience as a counselor in a drug rehabilitation centre in Namibia, Letitia has been dedicated to empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves.

Letitia has been actively involved with Happy Valley Home since 2017, where she oversees the clothing bank, manages clothing donations, and distributes surplus items to other organisations in the community. Additionally, she ensures that food stores are well-stocked, inspects food items to maintain quality, and occasionally cooks for the shelter’s clients.

Married for 34 years to Andre, a proud parent to two adult children, Letitia is driven by a belief that everyone deserves the chance to live in dignity. Through her commitment to service, she is making a lasting impact on the lives of many in our community.

Mark Lockyer:

Mark Lockyer is a  Property Practitioner with expertise in project management, real estate sales, catering and team leadership. With a strong background in real estate, telecommunications, construction, and hospitality, Mark has led complex projects that consistently align business goals with human needs.

Before transitioning into real estate and telecommunications, Mark spent 13 years in hospitality, trained as a chef and managing catering operations at the South African Bank Note Company and other establishments. This experience honed his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to serving Happy Valley Home and his community.

Driven by a passion for community service, Mark became a board member of Happy Valley Home in 2024, contributing to initiatives that promote community support and empowerment. He also serves as the coordinator for the Simon’s Town Central Neighbourhood Watch, demonstrating a commitment to community safety, and inclusion. Mark has a deep concern and compassion for the homeless in Simon’s Town.

Combining technical expertise with a compassionate, people-first approach, Mark continues to uplift others, especially those facing social or economic challenges.

Mark Bray:

With years of experience as a Financial Manager and Director in various small businesses, and now the founder of a boutique accounting firm, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Happy Valley Home as our Treasurer.

Having previously worked with several NGOs, Mark sees this role as more than just numbers — it’s a meaningful opportunity to serve with purpose.

“People tend to see themselves according to their problems, whereas we need to get up out of our past and look towards God’s future.”

We’re grateful to have such a grounded and visionary leader stewarding our finances.

Bronwyn Bagley:

Bronwyn Bagley is  a passionate advocate for sustainability with a long and impactful career in the plastic recycling industry.

Bronwyn played a pivotal role in establishing POLYCO—South Africa’s polyolefin plastic recycling body—working alongside industry leaders to promote sustainable practices nationwide. In 2011, she co-founded NewLife Plastics, a company committed to reducing landfill waste by recycling millions of plastic bottles and containers. She retired in 2020 to focus on travel and expand her knowledge of animal behaviour, earning qualifications in Animal Cognition and Canine Aggression.

A lifelong learner and community contributor, Bronwyn is actively involved in Fish Hoek Agility and is currently training her dog, Pagan, in man-trailing to help locate missing persons.

She is a talented jeweller, a committed member of the local Neighbourhood Watch and is training to be a driver for the 2025/26 fire season with Volunteer Wildfire Services.

Bronwyn brings her commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing to the Happy Valley board, where she hopes to grow recycling efforts and promote greener practices at the home.

Di Ruthenberg:

Di Ruthenberg, is an experienced consultant and programme manager with over 25 years of experience in organisational and management in the nonprofit sector.

Di has a deep passion for social impact in each initiative she has worked on. Her work centres on empowering disadvantaged and underserved communities by developing & managing tailored programmes as well as facilitating access to vital resources needed in the sector. She currently works for Phambano Technology Development Centre and supports nonprofit organisations with capacity building—leveraging technology & training to help them advance their missions effectively.

A committed community volunteer, Di actively serves with the Simon’s Town Central Neighbourhood Watch and advocates for the needs of the homeless with compassion and insight.

Di is a co-opted member of the Happy Valley Board, where she assists with social media and marketing efforts, helping to strengthen outreach and community engagement.

Proudly South African, Di embraces the diversity of South Africa and is driven by a desire to create meaningful change. Her dedication to inclusion, equity, and empowerment makes her a valued member of the Happy Valley team.

Nadima Smith:

Nadima Smith is a dedicated community leader and passionate advocate for social change. Born in District Six and relocated to Simon’s Town in 1980, Nadima brings both deep-rooted local knowledge and a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Cape Town.

In 2022, she joined the Simon’s Town Civic Association, where she has played a key role in representing community interests and driving meaningful engagement with the City of Cape Town. Her work has been instrumental in improving local waste management and advancing recycling initiatives—an effort closely aligned with Happy Valley Home’s sustainability goals.

In 2024, Nadima joined the Board of Happy Valley Home. In this role, she continues to champion community well-being, environmental responsibility, and inclusive development. Her collaborative approach and unwavering commitment reflect the core values of Happy Valley, and her contributions serve as a powerful example of how dedicated leadership can create lasting, positive impact

Dr Stuart Whittaker:

Dr. Stuart Whittaker is a retired medical professional with decades of experience in community and public health.

After an early career in public hospitals and general practice, Stuart specialised in epidemiology and public health, leading to a distinguished 30-year academic and research career at the professorial level across several South African universities. His expertise in healthcare quality and systems earned him senior national and international appointments, including roles with the World Health Organisation, the International Society for Quality in Healthcare, and a ministerial position on the Board of the Department of Health Care Standards within the Department of National Health.

Throughout his career, Stuart held senior leadership roles in several nonprofit organisations, where he contributed to systemic improvements in healthcare access and quality. He brings this wealth of knowledge to the Happy Valley board, where his collaborative spirit and deep commitment to community health will enhance the work of our dedicated team.

Stuart also chairs the St. Francis Outreach Trust, supporting disadvantaged children in Cape Town’s deep south. A keen gardener and golfer, he shares sustainable living tips on his YouTube channel, @stuartsgardens. He looks forward to contributing his experience to Happy Valley’s gardens and mission.