About us

Johan graduated from NMMU (then UPE) with a double major in Computer Science and Psychology. He has been doing software development, design and architecture for the better part of two decades, primarily for bluechip corporates in the financial services industry – both locally and in Europe.

Johan started development on Commspace in 2006 as a side-project, initially for a single IFA office. After seeing the enthusiastic response of the early users, he decided to develop it into a fully-fledged solution for the broader independent financial services market.

He believes that if it ain’t broke, fix it anyway because there is always room for improvement.

Strengths:
Ideation
Achiever
Adaptability
Positivity
Individualization

Martha attended Stellenbosch University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Along with extensive international experience, she also worked in various industries including management consulting, interior decorating and franchising. In 2008, Martha joined the Torre group and served as Supply Chain Executive for 7 years. She joined Headspace as Managing Director in 2015.

With infectious energy and enthusiasm, she desires true connection and building long-term relationships with people.

Besides her passion for growing Commspace, Martha’s favourite place to be is on a mountain. Being an avid trail runner and mountain biker, you will often find her exploring new viewpoints.

Strengths:
Positivity
Woo
Communication
Activator
Achiever

Amanda is considered as part of the furniture, as she has been part of the Commspace family for over 7 years.

Taking pleasure in detailed organisation, structure, and processes, we believe she is perfectly placed as our Commspace Support and Training team lead. She has the gift of building meaningful relationships with clients whilst developing clients and employees to unlock their full potential (“working yourself out of a job”, right?)

She lives by the quote: “Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front” spoken by a truly inspirational leader, Nelson Mandela.

She has a passion for singing and dancing and we’ve seen it at our Year End Functions! For relaxation, she enjoys getting a drink with a friend or taking a ride on her scooter. Meep meep!

Strengths:
Connectedness
Relator
Empathy
Arranger
Includer

Cemoné has dedicated most of her career to customer service, honing her skills in various roles, including Technical Support.

Her tech-savvy nature keeps her curious and open to learning. She wears her heart on her sleeve, allowing her to forge meaningful relationships both in the workplace and at home.

When she is not being awesome at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and seeking new experiences.

She lives by the quote: “We grow through what we go through” reminding herself not to let obstacles and disappointments overshadow her journey.

Strengths:
Arranger
Relator
Responsibility
Ideation
Futuristic

Niekie completed high school at Paarl Gymnasium and went on to study Marketing and Business Management. After starting off his career in retail management, he pivoted to the financial services sector, spending time at the likes of Sanlam and PSG, where he gained experience as a finance and commission administrator.

Niekie is a natural-born leader who not only empowers his team to reach new heights but is also a calming influence on his colleagues when the pressure is on.

“Hiking, camping and spending quality time with family and friends” … a finance geek with a life. Now we’ve seen it all.

Strengths:
Relator
Belief
Restorative
Responsibility
Deliberative

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” – John Quincy Adams. If the words “patient” and “perseverance” don’t shout Elsa, we don’t know what will.
Born and bred in the Karoo, Elsa briefly tried her hand at teaching and while she enjoyed it very much, she returned to Cape Town. She then continued to build a career in financial administration, along with a healthy dose of IT admin. Being blessed (or is that cursed?) with a strong sense of perfectionism, she takes pride in her work and won’t stop until the last cent is accounted for.
Flourishing in Commspace’s Training and Support department, as well as being a Senior Account Manager, it is evident that she loves working with people and strives for happy, satisfied clients. She gets a kick out of accuracy, processes, and most importantly, helping people grow to their full potential. She’s clearly in the right place!

When she’s not at work reconciling spreadsheets or closing off clients, she’s out on the field, practicing her throwing arm at bowls, where she has received her Winelands colours as well as joined the Boland Kuipers team.

Strengths:
Developer
Empathy
Achiever
Relator
Includer

Chantal graduated from Paarl Gymnasium in the year 2000. Ever since then, she has always been in the finance industry where she dealt with everything from personal loans up to consolidation and debt recovery or collection. She even spent some time between lawyers, assisting with court documents and debt collection.

She’s an absolute extrovert who is eager to learn new things. Never backs down from whatever life throws her way.

Outside the office, her family is her biggest priority.

Strengths:
Developer
Empathy
Communication
Includer
Arranger

Henriette started as a Junior Account Manager in early 2021 after working as an estate administrator for a liquidation Company. Her retail experience has equipped her with valuable customer service skills that help her provide the best service possible.

A good balance between work and fun is what enabled her to work and study part-time as she is currently in her final year of studies, completing her Bcom Financial Management degree through Unisa.

Her fun time consists of exploring unique locations where she can leisurely enjoy a glass of wine with her loved ones. When she’s not catching up on new beauty tips, she also enjoys baking all sorts of yummy things!

Her motto is that for each setback we face, an opportunity surfaces to return stronger than before.

Strengths:
Individualization
Relator
Input
Empathy
Achiever

She is a social butterfly and absolutely LOVES meeting new people – a characteristic that shines through whenever she interacts with our clients and team. Jodie’s mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with a whole lot of passion and compassion.

Apart from work, she is a part-time student (a future teacher in the making) and a full-time mom. She believes that with the right mindset you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. The sky is the limit.

Strengths:
Woo
Communication
Restorative
Includer
Achiever

Meet Simoné Roos, a dynamic individual guided by the motto: “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal.”

With a background in beauty and sales, Simoné’s journey took her to China, where she taught English and developed a deep appreciation for cultures and languages. Alongside her TEFL course, she possesses strong administration skills and a keen eye for detail.

Despite her introverted nature, Simone’s energy charges up like a lithium battery as she explores and embraces life with laughter and curiosity. She’s always dreamt of staying on a farm and rescuing as many animals as humanly possible. Her spirit animal is a cow.

Strengths:
Consistency
Positivity
Restorative
Relator
Discipline

Jennifer, better known as Jenni, joined the Commspace family in October 2021. Her previous jobs & studies taught her great organisational and planning skills, which helps her in her role in the Managed Services team.

Jenni enjoys learning and we just love her positive outlook on life. After becoming a wife and mom in 2023, Jenni now loves spending each moment she can with her little family. Her goal is to make as many wonderful memories with her son and husband as possible.

In her free time she enjoys baking, and learning about different cultures and people’s beliefs in life.

Strengths:
Empathy
Learner
Developer
Consistency
Positivity

Ethan holds a BComm degree from the University of the Western Cape and shortly after joined Commspace. (Aren’t we lucky?) He is an exceptionally motivated person, with wisdom beyond his years. He enjoys learning new skills and firmly believes that you should, above all else, invest in yourself to truly get the most out of life.

“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.” Work smarter, not harder – words we live by, Ethan!

In his spare time, he is actively involved in his church, plays drums and sports, reads and learns.

Strengths:
Responsibility
Competition
Analytical
Futuristic
Belief

Amber joined the Commspace family at the beginning of March 2023. She obtained her BCom Honours degree in Transport Economics at Stellenbosch University and shortly thereafter worked at a clearing and forwarding company. This has equipped her with the capability to work in a fast-paced environment where she learned the necessary skills to manage deadlines and have great attention to detail.

Personally, she lives by the quote: “If there are nine rabbits on the ground, if you want to catch one, just focus on one.” – Jack Ma

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring new things.

Strengths:
Harmony
Responsibility
Empathy
Developer
Consistency

Divan, a driven individual with a passion for growth, studied BCom degree in Business Management and also Accounting. Having delved into the world of business from a young age, he possesses a sharp, entrepreneurial mind, always seeking opportunities to excel and succeed.

Embracing the philosophy of “work smarter, not harder,” Divan firmly believes that investing in oneself is the key to unlocking life’s full potential. He is continually motivated to learn and acquire new skills, knowing that personal development is a lifelong journey.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Divan dedicates time to reading and learning, knowing that every piece of wisdom gained is an invaluable asset on his journey to success.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for sports and learning, Divan embodies the idea that diverse experiences and constant growth lead to a fulfilling life.

“Success is not a destination but a journey of continuous growth; embrace every step of the way, and greatness shall be your companion.”

Strengths:
Futuristic
Restorative
Focus
Command
Deliberative

Nicolé is a dynamic junior accounts manager with a passion for numbers and a talent for crafting strategic solutions to elevate businesses. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, Nicole thrives in collaborative environments, where she can work alongside like-minded individuals to achieve shared goals.

Outside of the office, Nicole indulges her love for puzzles, arts, crafts, and board games, finding joy in the creativity and mental stimulation they offer. With her dedication to her profession and her vibrant approach to life, Nicole embodies a perfect blend of analytical prowess and creative flair.

Strengths:
Achiever
Relator
Empathy
Developer
Input

Sanette has been in the service industry for many years and understands what it takes to run a successful back-office operation. She is passionate about gettings things done the right way and keeps everyone around here honest when it comes to staying focused.

She also takes customer success very seriously, as many of our clients can attest to.

In her spare time …. errr … we have no idea when that might be, because she seems to be around all the time.

Strengths:
Responsibility
Ideation
Analytical
Relator
Achiever

Analytically inclined, process obsessed, and solution-driven. Glenda lives for process improvement, and strongly believes that big changes are the culmination of small, incremental steps taken each day.

She joined Commspace after spending 8 years in a prominent IFA practice, where she was given directorship during the second half of her tenure. This, along with her Bcom in Business Administration, gave her valuable insights into all aspects of IFA practices, from products, clients, and adviser needs to business and finance. Capitalizing on her experience, she helps our clients improve and streamline their revenue management processes by utilizing the features Commspace has to offer (sometimes in very creative ways 😏).

Her approach to life is simple: Change, evolve, progress.

Most weekends you will find her in a nursery or in her garden, as she grew up in a family completely OBSESSED with plants (she specifically thanks her mom for this gift!). She also loves animals, although she never thought she would marry a man who came with hundreds of snakes in tow! Yikes!

Strengths:
Command
Analytical
Strategic
Relator
Deliberative

Born at the foot of Plattekloof Hill in the picturesque Mother City, Nicole is known for her tenacious, go-getting attitude and determination. With a kindred spirit and kind heart, she effortlessly brings out the best in everyone around her.

Armed with a degree in Industrial Psychology, no mountain is too high for her to climb. Passionate and driven beyond the norm, she invests her time and energy into what she believes in, always managing to smile and laugh along the way.

In her free time, she enjoys watching endless videos of puppies, doing her nails, and lecturing her husband on the “benefits” of eating chocolate at any time of day – yes, even as soon as you wake up.

Strengths:
Woo
Communication
Strategic
Developer
Positivity

Although born and raised in a small town on the edge of the Namakwaland, Chrisri has big dreams to make a difference in the lives of those who cross paths with her. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Theology, she ran the logistics for the outreaches of a local gap-year program before joining the Commspace team in 2020, where she now considers herself part of the (newer) furniture.

Ever motivated by a new challenge, she started studying a BA in International Relations in 2021.

Chrisri believes that excellence makes all the difference. In her free time, you will find her somewhere in nature, or on the couch with a sudoku puzzle.

Strengths:
Command
Restorative
Relator
Strategic
Activator

Meet Roxanne de Kock, an accounting enthusiast who’s got numbers dancing to her tune. Armed with a bachelor’s in accounting and a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Accounting Science, she’s on the thrilling path to earning her CA (SA) designation.

Roxanne completed her SAICA articles at a small-to-medium audit firm; where she spent two extra years rocking it as a junior audit manager. Now, she’s ready to dazzle in a senior accounts management role at Commspace, bringing her knack for detail, problem-solving prowess, and flair for presenting financial info to the table.

When Roxanne isn’t making spreadsheets sing, you’ll find her glued to her favorite series or breaking a sweat at the gym. Always eager for her next challenge, she’s all about balancing her professional ambitions with her personal passions.

Strengths:
Futuristic
Restorative
Strategic
Individualization
Developer

Carla was born and raised in Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State. She always wanted to settle in the Western Cape, and with the countryside and farm life near and dear to her heart, she made sure she ended up in the Boland.

After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Trade from North-West University, she immediately started working in the financial sector.

She joined Commspace after gaining seven years of experience working with clients and data. Throughout her seven years of experience, she had the opportunity to manage a team of analysts. This, along with her Postgraduate Diploma in Management, equipped her with the necessary skills to foster long-lasting relationships with clients and to help drive business decisions.

Carla is a sports enthusiast and loves to socialize, whether it’s at a braai or discovering live music in new places. Contrary to popular belief, she’s an extroverted introvert.

“The impossible is often the untried.” – Jim Goodwin

Strengths:
Relator
Responsibility
Consistency
Developer
Harmony

Johané is a true social butterfly, she is a spirited soul known for her determination, enthusiasm, and a relentless drive for success.

With a hunger for knowledge, she’s currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management.

But don’t be fooled by her dedication—behind the scenes, Johané is a self-proclaimed couch potato, binging on movies like there’s no tomorrow and socialising with friends in her downtime.

With her creativity, problem-solving prowess, and a natural gift for empathy, she’s a force to be reckoned with in any team setting. Her contagious positivity and bold personality make her a true people person, leaving no room for shyness in her vocabulary.

Her motto to life? “Live boldly, laugh often, and never stop chasing your dreams.”

Strengths:
Relator
Developer
Learner
Empathy
Adaptability

Kevin is a born and bred Paarlite who matriculated at Paarl Boys High. He comes with 20+ years in the IT industry in various business domains ranging from transport and logistics to mobile telecoms to financial services. His career background and experience are largely in big American corporates such as IBM and FIS, but now finds himself in a FinTech company located in his home town Paarl and is relishing the different challenges and new adventures it brings!

He is dedicated, focused, and reliable, with a get-it-done attitude and easy-going nature that believes in great team culture.

His beliefs are underpinned by the fact that time is precious, so spend it wisely getting the most out of it, making a difference in people’s lives, and deriving real value for businesses.

He loves spending time with family and friends, visiting local wine farms and exploring new locations, travelling overseas and experiencing different cultures.

Strengths:
Input
Relator
Achiever
Analytical
Responsibility

Stefan is an experienced software developer who is passionate about creating software that not only gets used, but also empowers individuals through technology.

He holds an honours degree from the University of Pretoria in Computer Science and an honours degree in Technology Management, which he passed with distinction (cum laude).

With more than 15 years of experience in designing and developing user-centric enterprise software applications, he is committed to continuous learning and staying up to date with the ever-evolving technology stack.

Outside of work, Stefan enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two boys. They like spending time camping, hiking and fishing. He has travelled to Europe, UK and the USA with his wife and they hope to also travel Internationally with their boys in the future.

Strengths:
Learner
Achiever
Analytical
Belief
Focus

Louw is a developer who is on a lifelong journey to improve his skills in the ever-growing Front-End stack.

He has a degree in Multimedia and over 4 years of experience in developing for the web. He loves working as part of a team and is obsessed with best practices.

In his spare time, he likes hiking, going to the beach, eating out, playing video games, and teaching.

Strengths:
Connectedness
Intellection
Analytical
Deliberative
Input

Tyrone is passionate about getting people engaged with technology to improve their lives or grow their business.

Tyrone went to UNISA for a BSc in Computer Science. He started his career as a hardware technician in 2014 and evolved to software and web developer since 2017. Tyrone has been a developer across 11 projects through out his growing career, including sectors such as Health Care and Insurance.

When he’s not brainstorming ideas or coding, Tyrone enjoys the outdoors, botany, and mycology.

Strengths:
Deliberative
Restorative
Strategic
Individualisation
Analytical

In 2019, Sasha-Lee embarked on her journey with Commspace, initially joining the Managed Services team as a junior account manager. In 2020, she transitioned to the Onboarding team, assuming the role of a Business Onboarding Analyst. Her latest move in 2023 brought her to the Business Intelligence team, where she now serves as our dedicated Business Analyst.

Originally from Johannesburg, Sasha now calls the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town home. Armed with a BCom Financial Management degree from the University of South Africa, she is eager to expand her knowledge and skills in the field of Business Analysis.

Passionate about delivering excellent work and enhancing our client experience, Sasha is dedicated to understanding our platform to drive improvement and advancement. Firmly believing in the power of improvement, she lives by the mantra that just because something works, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved!

Fueling her days with coffee (her ride-or-die), she believes that a bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it. When she’s not keeping the developers on their toes at work, you can find her soaking up knowledge through documentaries, hitting the gym to stay fierce, and occasionally battling it out with a brain-busting sudoku puzzle. And let’s not forget family time – because even superheroes need to recharge with loved ones!

Guided by the wisdom of Babe Ruth, Sasha lives by the creed: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Strengths:
Context
Learner
Restorative
Relator
Individualization

Gerrit comes from the small Karoo town of Beaufort West and is one of a set of triplets. He developed a passion for data and analytics early on, which led him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems Management at the University of Stellenbosch. Upon graduation, he embarked on a career as a Business Analyst and quickly discovered his love for the Business Intelligence (BI) field.

Gerrit is deeply committed to transforming large datasets into valuable insights that drive business decisions. He is fascinated by the power of a well-designed dashboard to provide a comprehensive overview of a business. He also enjoys exploring new technologies that can enhance the analytics experience, always looking for innovative tools and methods to improve his work.

Outside of work, Gerrit enjoys socializing with friends and family, exercising and the occasional hike up Coetzenburg mountain.

Strengths:
Futuristic
Adaptability
Relator
Positivity
Focus

Not being able to accept average as the norm, this “plaasmeisie” studied at both the University of Stellenbosch and the Katholieke University in Leuven Belgium, smashing a double major in both marketing and financial management.

She always goes the extra mile when it comes to planning and optimisation of client accounts. She eats process optimisation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner since apparently there’s always a better, quicker, faster way to get things done.

Away from work, she’s a dedicated soccer mom, raising three energetic boys. With a knack for DIY and home improvement, she’s always busy beautifying homes, whether it’s hers or others.

Strengths:
Individualization
Achiever
Activator
Relator
Learner

Lauren graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management from the University of Stellenbosch. She is a motivated and hardworking young woman that has a heart of gold! When she is not overachieving in the workplace, is she an inspiring philanthropist helping her local church.

Lauren grew up in the small town of Wellington where most of her passions were “brewed”. She is a family girl and if she has free time, you can count on it that she will be at some weird and wonderful restaurant/wine farm with her family and friends. She is also our in-house wine connoisseur.
Her motto in life is: “Live life to its fullest. Have no regrets.”

Strengths:
Individualization
Deliberative
Learner
Achiever
Analytical

Meet McKayla, a friendly face from the Jacaranda city , Pretoria. Since she moved to the Cape Winelands in 2023, she’s on a journey filled with excitement. She began her career as a foundation phase teacher at Curro in 2016 before embarking on a new path at Commspace.

With a “bring it on” attitude, McKayla conquers challenges left and right, fueled by pure determination. But it’s not all work and no play for her! When she’s not busy sprinkling her magic in the office, you can find her unleashing her inner artist as a hobby painter and candle maker. And oh, her love for Franshoek’s vibrant art scene and friendly locals? It’s like finding the perfect match!

Yet, what truly fills McKayla’s heart with joy? It’s the simple pleasures of family time—be it sunny beach outings or cozy picnics, every moment shared with loved ones is a treasure.

Strengths:
Belief
Responsibility
Developer
Restorative
Connectedness