Our Story
Citizens ZA was founded in 2015 by Bobby Godsell and James Motlatsi -two pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s labour and economic landscape. Bobby, former CEO of AngloGold, led one of the world’s largest gold mining companies for 12 years. James, as the founding President of the National Union of Mineworkers, led the organisation for 17 years. Together, they transformed labour relations in the South African mining industry. As they celebrated the dawn of a non-racial democracy, it became clear to them that the country’s progress depended not only on government and politicians but also on the values, beliefs, and active participation of its citizens. With this vision, they established Citizens ZA -a non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering a culture of engaged and responsible citizenship for the public good.
Our Mission
To build a culture of informed, active citizenship — starting with young people — because democracy only works when its citizens do.
Our Values
We act with honesty, transparency, and consistency. Our work is rooted in truth, guided by ethical conduct, and committed to building public trust in everything we do.
We believe South Africa belongs to all who live in it. We value every voice, embrace diversity, and ensure that no one is left out of the national conversation on citizenship and democracy.
We hold ourselves and institutions to high standards of responsibility. As active citizens, we promote transparency, responsiveness, and good governance — starting with our own actions.
“I am because we are.” Ubuntu shapes how we serve — with compassion, mutual respect, and a deep sense of shared humanity. We strive to build community through empathy and solidarity.
Meet The Team
Chief
Ntshingila
Chair
Chief Ntshingila is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in governance, property development, and civic engagement. He currently serves as Chair of CitizensZA, where he oversees strategic direction, governance, and operational leadership, with a focus on strengthening democratic participation and youth empowerment.
In the private sector, he leads Amabele Group of companies, a real estate turnkey property solutions provider specializing in affordable housing, student accommodation, and mixed-use developments. His portfolio reflects a commitment to sustainable urban renewal, social impact, and bridging the gap between community needs and modern development opportunities.
Chief Ntshingila is widely regarded for his values-driven leadership, emphasis on accountability, and ability to build strong networks and partnerships. His work is guided by a long-term vision to establish enduring institutions that create opportunities for future generations.
Julia
Lamberti
Deputy Chair
Julia Lamberti is a South African writer, philanthropist, award-winning jazz artist, and communications professional with a strong focus on education, empowerment, and the arts. She is Chairperson of the Lamberti Tertiary Education Foundation Trust and co-founder of Soul Food, which provides over 85,000 meals daily to schoolchildren across South Africa.
With degrees in English and Philosophy and postgraduate work in Journalism, Julia has written for over 30 publications and released internationally recognised original music. She founded the Women in Leadership initiative at Wits University, connecting young female leaders with South Africa’s most influential women.
Above all, she brings to her work the perspective of a committed mother to a young son, and a lifelong passion for creating impact through words, music, and meaningful change.
Bobby
Godsell
Director
Bobby Godsell is one of South Africa’s most respected business and civic leaders, known for his lifelong commitment to leadership, dialogue and nation-building. He spent over two decades leading Anglo American’s industrial relations function before becoming CEO of AngloGold in 1995, a position he held until 2007.
Beyond business, Bobby has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s democratic transition and civic life. As a member of the Committee of 13, he helped broker the National Peace Accord in 1991, laying the foundation for the country’s political transformation.
In 2015, Bobby co-founded Citizens ZA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy through active and responsible citizenship. He co-chaired the organisation for ten years alongside James Motlatsi and later Chief Ntshingila and continues to serve as a director.
Over the years, Bobby has chaired Eskom, Foskor, and Polymetal, and served on the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Board from 2011 to 2025. He currently serves on the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), reflecting his enduring commitment to building a more accountable and inclusive South Africa.
James
Motlatsi
Director
James Motlatsi is a pioneering labour leader and business executive whose career spans more than five decades across Southern Africa’s mining and development sectors. Born and educated in Lesotho, he began working underground in 1970 and went on to become the founding President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, where he played a central role in advancing worker rights and democratic participation.
After leaving the union movement, James built an influential business career. He acquired TEBA Ltd in 2005 and has served in senior roles including Executive Chairman of Ubuntu Mining, Chairman of Verimark Holdings, Chairman of Masana Petroleum Solutions, Chairman of Platfields Limited and Director at the Shanduka Group.
A dedicated champion of education, he co-founded the Adopt-A-School Foundation and served as Chancellor of the Lesotho College of Education. In recognition of his contributions, he received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences from the National University of Lesotho in 2002, an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Sciences from the University of South Africa in 2020, and the Ellen Kuzwayo Council Award from the University of Johannesburg in 2019. He has also twice received the Commander of the Most Loyal Order of Ramats’eatsana.
James co-founded Citizens ZA in 2015 with Bobby Godsell and continues to serve as a director of the organisation.
Judy
Bassingthwaighte
Director
Judy Bassingthwaighte is a dynamic and compassionate leader with more than two decades of experience in community development, organisational transformation and faith-based initiatives. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to social justice, collaboration and the belief that meaningful change begins with human connection.
Throughout her career, Judy has led programmes that empower communities, strengthen institutions and nurture inclusive leadership. She is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex transitions with empathy and vision, helping organisations align purpose with impact.
A skilled facilitator and communicator, Judy has guided numerous teams and networks through processes of renewal, strategy and growth. Her strengths lie in building trust across diverse groups, fostering shared ownership and equipping emerging leaders to step into their potential.
Dr Adrian
Enthoven
Director
Dr Adrian Enthoven is Executive Chairman of Yellowwoods, an international family-owned investment group. He is responsible for the African portfolio of financial services and hospitality investments. He serves on the boards of Hollard Insurance (Chair) and &Beyond (Co-Chair).
He is involved in initiatives addressing youth employment, education, democracy and accountability and the arts. He serves on the boards of Citizens ZA, Business Leadership South Africa and the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. He is Co-Chair of the Millennium Labour Council and a member of the advisory boards of the African Centre for Cities, Bohlale, MISTRA, and CASAC. He is also the Energy co-lead in the South African business partnership with the South African President and government.
He was educated at Michaelhouse School and at Oxford University (BA Hons in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, and PhD in Political Science). He is married with four children and lives in Stellenbosch.
Rick
Menell
Director
Rick Menell was originally trained as an exploration geologist in the UK and the USA, and has had a 45+ year career in the international mining industry working as executive and board director with many companies such as Noranda, Placer, Anglovaal, African Rainbow Minerals, Harmony and Gold Fields.
He currently serves as Chair of Perseus Mining and of sustainable energy company Globeleq, and as a founding Director of Sibanye Stillwater
Since his return home to SA in 1991, Rick has been involved in a large number of NPOs and government-business partnerships such as the Business Trust, CDE, NBI, the SA tourism initiative, the Solidarity Fund (COVID) and the B4SA campaign for repairing power and transport infrastucture and for supporting the rule of law in SA.
He is a founding co-Chair of youth service organization City Year SA and supports science education as co-Chair of PAST (Palaeontological Scientific Trust) and civil society through the Claude Leon Foundation, the SG Menell Charitable Trust and the Carrick Foundation. He currently also serves as a Trustee for the University of the Western Cape Foundation and as a Senior Advisor to the Global Mentors Group.
Liz
van Niekerk
Operations Manager
Liz has been the operational backbone of Citizens ZA since 2018, having provided administrative support since the organisation’s inception in 2015. As Operations Manager, she oversees day-to-day operations, logistics, and administration, ensuring that every project runs smoothly and with integrity.
Her career began at Anglo American in 1979 as a junior typist. In 1986, she joined Bobby Godsell’s office and later moved with him to AngloGold Ashanti in 1998, where she served as Manager of the Executive Office. These roles gave her extensive experience in administration, co-ordination and executive support, which she continues to draw on in her work at Citizens ZA.
Liz’s institutional knowledge, calm presence, and unwavering commitment make her an indispensable member of the team and a trusted anchor within the organisation.
Some of Our Patrons (Past & Present)
The Role of a Patron
Citizens ZA Patrons are invited individuals who have consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to South Africa’s future. They are people whose values, actions and voices inspire others, and whose work has made a meaningful, positive impact on our country. Our Patrons serve as trusted mentors and relatable role models, and help connect Citizens ZA to networks, platforms and opportunities that strengthen our work. Their involvement reflects a spirit of service, shared responsibility and a deep dedication to building an active, hopeful and engaged nation.




