Epilepsy SA’s Free State/North West branch in Parys is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy in the Free State and North West provinces.

The new board members of the branch were inducted on Saturday 22 July. These board members are a diverse group of passionate individuals committed to positively impact the epilepsy community.

The Board is chaired by Angelique Kleynhans – a prominent member of the Parys community. Her involvement with the Parys Business Network has been longstanding. She is passionate about the work she does for Epilepsy SA Free State and North West Branch Parys Center, and aspires to make the centre a comfortable and caring place for its residents. She loves the residents and vo- lunteers her time to provide art classes to the residents. She also mobilises the community to make donations to the organisation.

Vice Chairperson is Fani Xaba. Fani brings a wealth of experience to the Branch Board. He serves on NEDLAC ( National
Economic Development and Labour Council) and chairs a subcommittee of the Compensation Fund.
He has also served as Vice Chairperson of SANCA North West. As a successful entrepreneur and advocate for disability rights, he aims to raise awareness about epilepsy and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Saney Muller is the Board’s Treasurer. With a background in Marketing and Communications, she takes on the crucial role of treasurer, ensuring financial transparency and effective allocation of resources to support the organisation’s initiatives.
The Board members are Michael Maliele, Jaliswa Majwele, Chané Grimbeek and Khathole Tlali.
Mr. Maliele is a person living with epilepsy. He is an accomplished writer and a leader in the Me’s Sector. He is committed to making a difference for people with epilepsy, and is keen to educate and create awareness about epilepsy in the community of the Free State and North West.

Ms Majwele is a Professional Nurse with high qualifications and is still pursuing studies in the management of medical services. She has a keen interest in community matters and strives to uplift and empower the underprivileged.
She brings to Epilepsy SA her wealth of experience in Primary Health care. She is looking forward to making contributions in a positive way to the improvement of medical services in the centre.

Ms. Chané Grimbeek is passionate about the centre. She has been involved at the centre since she was 3 years old, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Bert Grimbeek. She serves as a volunteer and helps the residents with their daily activities of living.

Mr Khathole Tlali is a retired Educator with many years of experience teaching in the Parys area. He was a principal who is renowned for his commitment to his craft and his deep empathy for the community he serves. He has personal experience with epilepsy, and will oversee outreach programs and support initiatives to ensure that individuals with epilepsy receive the care and assistance they need.

Mr Solly Mokgata is the Branch Director. He is a Social Worker with numerous years of experience in the NPO sector. He has been recruited to serve as Director to steady the organisation and steer it after the passing of the long-serving Mr Gary Westwood.

Mr Mokgata aims to harness the skills and abilities of members of the organisation and the community at large to turn Epilepsy SA Free State and North West into an effective organisation that renders quality services to the vulnerable in society.
Together, this group of dedicated professionals and advocates forms a strong team, poised to take Epilepsy SA Free State & North West Branch to new heights in their mission to enhance the quality of life for those living with epilepsy.

Their combined knowledge, skills, and passion will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of many individuals and families across the region. As we look to the future, we can be confident that under the leadership of this board, the organisation will continue to foster understanding, provide support, and create a more inclusive and compassionate society for people with epilepsy.