About us

The Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network (SCAN)

Our Mission

A Stellenbosch community
that works together for the common good

About Us

The Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network (SCAN) is a collective of civil society organisations working across the Stellenbosch Municipal area to strengthen socio-economic development through connection, collaboration, and shared learning.

SCAN provides a structured platform for organisations to engage, exchange information, and align efforts on common challenges and opportunities. Through its network, working groups, and communication channels, SCAN enables a more connected and responsive civil society sector.

The network plays a key role in amplifying its members’ collective voice, supporting advocacy efforts, and fostering constructive engagement with government, business, and academia.

At its core, SCAN exists to strengthen collaboration, build organisational capacity, and contribute to a more coordinated and effective development ecosystem in Stellenbosch.

Steering Committee

Nicolette Booysen

Nicolette Booysen

Chairperson

Nicolette is a socio-economic development specialist and founder and CEO of Cause Development Agency. She focuses on sustainable economic development, regenerative tourism, and supporting communities to enter the formal economy. Through Cause, she delivers training, drives educational innovation, and provides socio-economic consulting and project management. Her work is practical and focused on enabling inclusive, long-term impact.
George Arrey

George Arrey

Vice-Chairperson

George Arrey is the Chief Executive Officer of Health Promotion South Africa Trust in South Africa. His experience stretches across business, community development and health education. He is SA representative of UNESCO Chair Global Health and Education. His qualifications include Health Sciences & Social Services, Psychology as well as Master of Theology.

Danie Jaobs

Danie Jacobs

Treasurer

Danie is the Founder of Young Entrepreneurs (Pty) Ltd as well as the Young Entrepreneurs Foundation. He is passionate about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and establishing sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems within communities. His qualifications include Master Degrees in Medical Sociology, Higher Education and Business Administration (MBA).

Michelle Aalbers

Michelle Aalbers

Committee member

Michelle Aalbers serves as the Community Development Manager at Stellenbosch Municipality. She is qualified as a Social Worker. Over the past 17 years, she has dedicated herself to local government, recognising the invaluable perspective that Civil Society offers in understanding reality.

Reneé Hector-Kannemeyer

Reneé Hector-Kannemeyer

Committee member

Reneé is the Deputy Director for the Division of Social Impact at Stellenbosch University, with a focus on ethics, restitution and community partnerships. Her qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Social Development (Conflict, Transformation & Peace), Psychology (Hons), Geography (Hons) and Project Management. She is also certified Executive and Management coach.
Jacomien Scannell

Jacomien Scannell

Committee Member

Jacomien started with development 2012 with her husband when they launched a afterschool project in Jonkershoek.

With a background in Marketing she became the Stellenbosch Area Manager for Prochorus Community Development, where she heads up projects in Kayamandi, Cloetesville and Jonkershoek.

Her passion is to see people grow and flourish in the areas where they are planted.

Zia Hoppe

Zia Hoppe

SCAN GM

Zia is a social impact and sustainable development practitioner focused on strengthening collaborative ecosystems and driving inclusive development. Her work centres on connecting stakeholders and creating practical pathways that translate vision into action.

She is passionate about community development and building regenerative systems that support long-term impact. Through her leadership, she contributes to advancing SCAN’s mission by fostering momentum, partnerships, and meaningful engagement across sectors.

Henk Stander

Henk Stander is the Chief Technical Manager of the Aquaculture Unit in the Department of Animal Science at Stellenbosch University. He holds a Master’s degree in Animal Production (Aquaculture) and has extensive experience across 18 African countries in aquaculture development and consulting. Henk serves in multiple leadership roles and has worked with international organisations including the UN World Food Programme, SADC, and WorldFish