Leadership & Board Members

• Prof. Dasarath Chetty – President 
  

  Professor Dasarath Chetty has been a volunteer in the Child Welfare movement for over 40 years. He has served as the President of Child Family and Community Care Centre of Durban (formerly known as Durban Indian Child Welfare Society) from 1993 to 1999, and in 1999 became the inaugural President of Child Welfare Durban and District after leading the merger negotiations between the historically white and Indian child welfare societies in Durban. He served as the President of the South African National Council for Child and Family Welfare from 2004 to 2007 and then as the President of the transformed Child Welfare of South Africa from 2008 to 2012. His numerous recent international academic roles include being a Visiting Professor in India, Germany, and Malaysia. He has presented 120 papers in 40 different countries and continues to publish widely. He is a sociologist and a former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is currently the President of Child Welfare Durban and District.

• John Murray – Deputy President
  Practising attorney (admitted in 1970). Durban Child Welfare board member for the past 35 years. Represented KZN at squash during the 1970s and was a Springbok trialist. A keen cyclist, swimmer, and music lover, he currently serves as Deputy President of Child Welfare Durban and District.
• Vincin Naidu – Treasurer / WCG Rescom Chairperson

   

• Naushina Rasool – Director
  Extensive experience in child protection, adoption services, and crisis parenting coordination.”
  
  
• Pravin Ram – Board Member / HRC Chairperson
  Served as an educator and official with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education for 41 years. He began his involvement with Child Welfare in 1983 as a volunteer on the Overport Local Committee, and in 1991 was appointed to the Board, where he continues to serve. He has held several leadership roles, including Secretary and President, within the organisation and other civic bodies.
  
  
• Sivan “Ringo” Naidoo – Board Member / LKH Rescom Chairperson
  Chairperson of Lakehaven Children’s Home, with over 40 years of dedicated service in child welfare and community upliftment
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• Londiwe Ngidi – Board Member
  A compassionate and dedicated child and youth care worker with 11 years of experience supporting vulnerable children and youth in residential care, community programs, and family settings. She leverages her expertise as a board member to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and support to drive excellence in child and youth care services.
  
  
  
• Malini Merkofer – Board Member
  Served for 25 years as a seasoned corporate professional specialising in Corporate Communications, Branding, and other disciplines, with specific experience in the financial services sector. She has worked locally and globally at corporate headquarters offices. Qualified with a BA, LLB (UKZN), and MAP (Management Advancement Programme) at Wits Business School. She is a volunteer in the pre-school education sector and has been a member of the CWDD Board since September 2025.
  
  
  
• Deven Shukla – Board Member
  Retired finance professional with extensive voluntary service in welfare and municipal governance.
  
  
• Anita Gounden – Board Member

   

• Padmanathan Reddy – Board Member

   

• Phumelele Mhlambi – Senior Operational Manager

   

• Vincent Chitray – Senior Operational Manager