Meet the board

Pontsho Pilane
Board member
Pontsho Pilane is a former journalist turned media and communications specialist and researcher working at the intersections of gender, health, race, media and policy. She is the author of Flow: The Book about Menstruation and Power and Faith: How Evangelical Churches are Quietly Shaping our Democracy. Pilane is a PhD Fellow under the South African Research Chair in Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on the public communication of obesity research and the discursive narratives underlying the scientific, mass media and public policy texts, particularly concerning Black women. She has a wealth of experience in corporate governance gained through participation on numerous civil society boards and advisory committees

Athandiwe Saba
Board member
Athandiwe Saba is a renowned data journalist and advocate for information access in South Africa. She is currently the Managing Editor of Code for Africa’s iLAB, a team of forensic analysts, investigators and researchers investigating coordinated online behaviour, influence operations, and information manipulation. She served as Deputy Editor at the Mail & Guardian, showcasing expertise in promotion and access to information, newsroom management, editorial leadership, and strategic planning. With a strong background in investigations and data journalism, Saba established the first mainstream media data desk in South Africa. She has presented at the African Investigative Journalism Conference on several occasions and has been a guest speaker at the Transnational Law Institute seminar series at Kings College, London. Honoured with the prestigious News Corp Fellowship, she trained at the Wall Street Journal and The Times in London. Her exceptional work in investigative data journalism has garnered international recognition.

Asanda Ngoasheng
Board member
Asanda Ngoasheng is a renowned political analyst and advocate for gender and racial justice. She offers insightful, research-based commentary on politics, media, education, and social justice, engaging a wide range of audiences. With a background in journalism and academia, she has worked for outlets such as SABC, CNBC Africa, and NRK and lectured at Wits and CPUT. Her analysis spans local to global politics, with a recent focus on the GNU and DA-ANC dynamics. Ngoasheng is a skilled public speaker, featured on major platforms including BBC, France 24, and NPR, making complex issues relatable and accessible.