Our Team
Meet the dynamic team leading the Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities, dedicated to driving positive change and promoting inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
Gary Shorkend
Gary brings five decades of hands-on experience in human resource management, labour relations, and business operations. As founder of Shorkend Labour and Business Consulting Services, he works across all organisational levels, from general workers to executives, offering strategic interventions, disciplinary support, and operational consulting. His background spans accountancy, warehousing, international trade, and food processing, giving him a uniquely practical lens on HR and business management. Gary also facilitates workshops and engages with legal and audit professionals to support clients navigating complex workplace challenges.
Ndakaitei ‘Vari’ Chakanyuka
Ndakaitei ‘Vari’ Chakanyuka joined WCAPD as programme developer and manager in April 2025 with a passion for social justice and community engagement. She cut her teeth at the Overstrand Association for Persons with Disabilities, where as an intern and volunteer she handled client assessments, coordinated referrals, and led outreach initiatives. At WCAPD, Vari designs and manages programmes that empower persons with disabilities across the Western Cape. Her hands-on expertise in assessment methodologies and service facilitation drives effective, person-centred solutions. She excels in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and analytical problem-solving.
Renowned for her compassionate communication and meticulous attention to detail, Vari ensures programmes meet evolving community needs. Her proactive, collaborative approach fosters strong team dynamics and sustainable social impact. Dedicated to continuous innovation, she refines programming to maintain alignment with WCAPD’s mission of inclusion and empowerment.
Elmien Grobbelaar
Elmien Grobbelaar is a qualified social worker with a B.Soc.Sc from the University of the Orange Free State (1995). She has over 20 years’ experience in social development, programme management, and disability advocacy. As Provincial Director of WCAPD since 2013, Elmien leads strategic planning, policy development, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise includes operational and financial management, quality assurance, and building inclusive organisational culture. Elmien is passionate about empowering persons with disabilities through sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Erica du Toit
Erica has been a dedicated member WCAPD team since 1996, currently serving in a key role focused
on awareness raising and sensitisation. Her earlier experience includes secretarial work and data
capturing at the Department of Transport.
She brings strong skills in public speaking, and social media management, complemented by soft
skills such as interpersonal communication, punctuality, and team collaboration. Erica has completed training in NPO management, financial management, and report writing, and is passionate about promoting disability awareness and inclusion across the Western Cape.
Celista Gerber
Celista is a qualified social worker with a University Diploma in Social Work from Huguenot College, Wellington (1999). She currently serves as Regional Manager and Chief Social Worker at WCAPD, where she leads governance, training, HR development, mentoring, and branch planning.
With over 15 years of experience in disability services, Celista previously held roles at the Tygerberg Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities, managing operations and delivering case, group, and community work. Her strengths include strategic planning, problem solving, and training facilitation, supported by strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to inclusive service delivery.
Isabel Duvenhage
Isabel Duvenhage is a qualified social worker with a BA in Social Work from the University of Stellenbosch. She currently serves as Chief Social Worker at WCAPD, where she oversees social work supervision and community support initiatives. Her previous roles include social work positions at Oudtshoorn APD and Eljada Kairos Special Needs School, where she gained extensive experience in advocacy, crisis intervention, and resource coordination. Isabel brings strong skills in supervision, problem-solving, and policy advisory, supported by a compassionate approach and a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities.
Martine Kock
Martine Kock is a qualified social worker with a Baccalaureus Artium in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of the Western Cape. She currently serves as Chief Social Worker at WCAPD, where she leads regional social work services and development initiatives. Her extensive experience includes supervisory and frontline roles in the Department of Correctional Services, where she specialised in case management, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Martine’s strengths include research, case management, and strategic leadership, supported by strong communication, critical thinking, and team-building skills.
Trigeta Christians
Trigeta is a skilled financial professional with a National Diploma in Business Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology and certifications in Sage Payroll and NPO Management. She has served as Accounts Manager at WCAPD since 2012, overseeing financial operations, payroll, and compliance. She brings expertise in cash flow management, budgeting, audits, and SARS compliance. Trigeta is known for her precision, reliability, and commitment to transparent financial practices in the non-profit sector.
Terca Barron
Terca is a skilled administrative professional with over 15 years of experience in office management, financial coordination, and stakeholder engagement. She currently serves as PA to the Director and Head of Administration at WCAPD, where she oversees internal communications, donor liaison, meeting coordination, and administrative support across branches. Her qualifications include a Travel and Tourism Business Module from Achievers School of Business and a Galileo Reservation Certificate, complemented by training in bookkeeping and lifeskills facilitation. Terca’s strengths include social media content management and monitoring & evaluation, supported by strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and a proactive approach to team support.
Loren Farmer
Loren is a seasoned accounts clerk with over 18 years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll processing, and financial administration. She manages invoicing, EFT payments, petty-cash balancing, bank reconciliations, payroll runs, and general office administration across multiple departments. Her qualifications include specialised training in Sage Pastel 2014, Advanced Excel 2013, Microsoft Office, and Outcomes-Based Assessment certification. Loren’s strengths lie in her meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, trustworthiness, and proactive approach to supporting cross-functional teams.
