JOHN JONES

John Jones graduated in Legal Studies from Pretoria University in 2001 and was thereafter admitted as Attorney of the South African High Court. Gaining experience in loan-book administration for Nedcor Bank, he was recruited by ABSA Bank, establishing a division for structuring businesses for the banks’ clients. This eventually led to establishing a Business Consulting firm focussing on business-strategy- and transformation scorecards and setting-up of governance structures, leadership development, and the design- and implementation of Economic Empowerment regulation and ESG portfolio expansion at Financial Services Companies (in particular), for more than 10 years. In between these roles, John was appointed to a US top-tier private University to establish numerous African co-hort’s for their online MBA (and other) business degrees. Apart from being the South African Director of this first Global Centre, John developed global and local fund-raising platforms and networks in support of the University’s growth in South Africa. (At the same time he also completed a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership). His experience and qualifications presented John with various Board positions as a non-executive director in corporate, non-profit, and educational institutions. From Aug 2023, John will focus on establishing C12 in South Africa. John is a minister/ preacher of the Gospel, keen adventurer, endurance cyclist and long-distance runner. He is married to Este, and together they are blessed with four children: Megan, Samuel, Aimee, and Gustaff.

MICHELLE HARDING

Michelle Harding is a qualified accountant with a BComm degree in accounting & economics. Further studies include General Management and EDP from Global Executive Leadership School.  Michelle’s career in financial & business management spans over 30 years in various companies and industries. Through her career, she held senior positions in various key sectors, including manufacturing, mining, construction and agriculture, at both local and international companies.  She had roles as Financial Manager, General Manager of various factories, Financial Director in private & publicly listed companies.  She also held the position of International Sales & Marketing and Business Development Director, with promotions to Managing Director and CEO for a listed international company with factories and sales offices in Southern Africa, Australia & Europe.  After her success in large companies in corporate structures, she founded a new company that partnered with some of the companies she worked with in water infrastructure to form Joint Ventures that executed large water pipe projects in Southern-Africa.  Michelle is continuously pursuing new opportunities in the Food-Water-Energy nexus, using various business models to act as a co-founder in other joint businesses in this sector.  Michelle also works with Private Equity companies, consulting on various projects, including due diligences for mergers & acquisitions. Through these relationships, her company can find the best partners to form suitable structure when deals are available.  Michelle also serves on various boards of directors and as trustee on other family trusts, adding to her knowledge and experience in the water & energy and infrastructure & agriculture sectors, the hospitality and property sectors.  She is married with 2 sons (married with children) and values her family as a significant part of her life, putting emphasis on the next generation.  Michelle does not only focus on her own family’s generations, but the next generation of leaders in South-Africa. To this end, she has been involved with Triga Ventures for years, as Mentor for entrepreneurs qualifying for the Accelerator program.  It is with great excitement, that Michelle has recently (September 2024), taken up the role of Principal Chair for C12 Business Forums in the Western-Cape, South-Africa. Her conviction about the important role that Christian leaders must play in the marketplace in South-Africa, lead her to take up this very important, strategic C12 position: to equip and resource Christian business owners to build great businesses for a greater purpose! 

STEVEN DOLLENBERG

I have worked in broadcasting for the past 30 years, during which I started my own production company, specialising in audio imaging, brand and business development. I have had the privilege of working with Governments and Gogos, World Cup Winners and weekend warriors. Now, C12 is my greatest privilege of bringing Sundays into Mondays. I worked in broadcasting for many years, during which I started my own company to manage the production requirements of the industry. Having managed a large portfolio including BMW, Samsung, ABSA, Kumba Iron Ore, GrowthPoint Properties, and many others, I also had the privilege of ministering as a pastor and preacher at 3Ci. Now, having qualified as a C12 chair, it is my great privilege to bring these two worlds together to develop great businesses with great purpose. I have extensive experience in the broadcasting industry, where I founded a company that would cater to the production requirements of the industry. My professional career includes managing a diverse client portfolio such as BMW, Samsung, ABSA, Kumba Iron Ore, and GrowthPoint Properties, among others. Additionally, I have served as a pastor and preacher at 3Ci. Having qualified as a C12 chair, I am now uniquely positioned to merge my expertise in business and ministry, and bring these two worlds together to develop great businesses with great purpose.

PIETER VAN WYNGAARD

From an early age, I have been aware of my need for salvation, raised by parents who knew and loved the Lord. However, as I matured in my faith, I realized that my understanding of salvation was based on the belief that I had to earn it through good works. I knew Christ, but I did not fully grasp that His love for me was enough. It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I came to understand the true Jesus—the One who offers unconditional love and grace. As James 2:14-17 teaches, faith and works go hand in hand. Today, I live out my mission to make a difference, not out of obligation, but from a place of love—the love Christ demonstrated so perfectly. This mission aligns with the powerful words in John 21:15-17, where Jesus calls us to feed His sheep. Inspired by this passage, my purpose is to provide emotional and spiritual healing to those in need, by finding the lost, discipling the found, and sending them out into the world as faithful servants of God. In practice, I strive to transform brokenness into wholeness through love, care, and spiritual nourishment. I believe that my ability to connect with individuals across all walks of life—respecting and valuing diversity in social standing, race, culture, and faith—positions me well to serve as a C12 Chair. Throughout my career, I have been blessed with opportunities to lead, support, and uplift others. As Managing Director of a mining services company with a team of 1,400 people, I embraced servant leadership, ensuring that my team thrived both professionally and personally. Recognizing the need for deeper personal and business mentorship, I pursued qualifications as a Professional Business and Life Coach, equipping me to guide executives and individuals through complex challenges. Today, as a consultant, I work with C-suite teams to help them navigate both business strategy and interpersonal dynamics, combining sound business acumen with deep empathy and faith-driven leadership. My role as a mentor and coach is about more than professional success; it is about fostering real, meaningful change. I am called to support and guide others toward a God-centered approach to leadership and life. This unique combination of business insight, coaching expertise, and spiritual wisdom allows me to serve as a trusted advisor in C12, helping business leaders integrate faith and purpose into their professional and personal journeys. My current risk management consultancy is a lean, faith-driven operation that sustains my work and commitments. While financial resources for additional projects are limited, I have consistently witnessed God’s provision in my journey. Trusting in His guidance and practicing disciplined resource management, I am confident in my ability to build and grow a C12 forum successfully. My career has not been without trials, but these challenges have shaped me into the leader I am today. As Managing Director, I faced internal opposition that tested my resilience and commitment to integrity. Later, during a company sale and executive restructuring, I endured a period of personal and professional hardship under a new leadership team that sought to undermine my role. This difficult season strained my family, tested my faith, and challenged my health. Yet, through this adversity, I found clarity and renewed strength in God’s plan. I emerged with a deeper reliance on His wisdom, a stronger commitment to my values, and a profound understanding of the power of forgiveness and perseverance. These experiences have refined my character, strengthened my faith, and prepared me for my next calling. They have deepened my empathy for those facing personal and professional struggles and strengthened my resolve to live out my faith in all aspects of my life. I now bring these lessons forward as a reminder that true growth often comes through adversity, and I am committed to helping others navigate their own journeys with faith, resilience, and purpose.

JOHAN VAN EYK

Johan van Eyk serves as an Associate Chair with C12 Business Forums in Centurion. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving over 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Johan has been serving as a C12 Chair since November 2024 and currently leads one CEO forum. Collectively, the members in Johan’s forum employ 200+ people in the Centurion area. Prior to joining C12, Johan is a Director and Shareholder at the Barcelos Group of Companies, where he has been instrumental in building companies from the ground up, expanding internationally, and developing business infrastructure. With expertise spanning marketing, strategy, finance, and business planning, Johan has successfully founded and scaled multiple companies. His professional background also includes experience in Information Technology and Property Development. Throughout his career, he has been a sought-after coach and mentor, known for his deep care for people and understanding of their business challenges. Beyond his business ventures, Johan actively serves as a Senior Organizer for Children’s Fight, a non-profit dedicated to [briefly describe the mission of the organization, if needed]. He resides in Centurion with his wife, Liesel. They have two children, Natassia and CJ, and are proud grandparents to two grandchildren. Johan also enjoys the company of his Schnauzer, Rufus. Johan’s guiding scripture is: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

NICO LIENBENBERG

Nico’s career began in the field of corporate training and organizational development, where he quickly honed his passion for leadership and personal growth. With over 35 years of experience, he has worked in various sectors, including leadership coaching, life coaching, motivational teaching, corporate strategy, and private practice as counsellor. Nico’s journey has taken him from leading organizations to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential.  His work spans across businesses, schools, churches, and personal coaching, where he empowers his clients to navigate challenges, embrace change, and discover deeper meaning in both their professional and personal lives. His mission is to help leaders walk their own footsteps, communicate effectively, and build strong, purpose-driven teams. Through his work, Nico has become known for his ability to create personalized growth experiences, utilizing tools like emotional intelligence training, personal mastery techniques, and life coaching to help his clients succeed.  At the heart of Nico’s life is his unwavering love for Christ. He believes that true leadership comes from a place of faith, and he strives to reflect Christ’s love and teachings in all aspects of his work and life. His faith deeply influences his approach to coaching, where he encourages leaders to lead with humility, compassion, and purpose. Growing leaders who serve.  Nico has been married for 34 years to his beloved wife, Ronell, and together they’ve raised five children, ranging in age from 29 to 19. He cherishes his role as a husband and father, seeing it as a vital part of his purpose in life. Being a son of God, a husband, a father, and a friend are roles that define him, and he takes great joy in nurturing these relationships. These foundational roles are central to his identity and inform his coaching approach, as he helps others balance their professional goals with their personal commitments.  Outside of his professional life, Nico enjoys spending time outdoors, riding his mountain bike, and supporting his beloved Springboks rugby team. He finds joy in living out his faith and helping others build emotionally healthy, fulfilling lives. Nico lives in Pretoria, South Africa, where he continues to serve clients both locally and internationally. 

JOHAN LOUW

Johan is passionate about assisting young people to discover their ultimate purpose and being significant in life. His 28 years in Education, and 15 years in the private sector and corporate environment, gives him tremendous experience with people of all walks of life. He is a keen facilitator of entrepreneurial courses, but also has a calling to transform disadvantaged and poor communities. His qualification and experience as a psychologist have encouraged him to also become a qualified life coach and he is currently in the process of full accreditation.

JACOBUS VAN HEERDEN

Jacobus started his career as a freelance instructor in a team-building company. After he finished his Diploma in Engineering, he made a conscious decision to start at the bottom and work himself up to the top. This is all due to a bigger vision of leading the many one day and being able to understand all aspects of business from cleaner to CEO and founder. Jacobus always had a passion for business and a keen interest in the technical aspect of life, namely Engineering. He always tried new business ideas whilst building or dismantling something in the backyard. This tinkering led to graduating from Tshwane University of Technology and starting a career in the Large Power Utilities sector. His process, mechanical, and practical skills were honed in the Eskom Power Plants, and slowly he grew into leadership positions. Leading student groups, church groups, and eventually leading engineering teams. Jacobus consulted and advised the Power Plant management team on ways to optimize their plants and assisted the client in implementing these recommendations. Later on, he was part of the founder’s team at Moyo Engineering, filling the position of Senior Consultant and Operations manager. Here, he fulfilled the roles of Business developer, Line Manager, Key Account Manager, Mentor, and Technical Team Leader. In 2018, Jacobus founded Cross Conglomerate with the mandate from God to Empower Businesses to the Glory of God’s Kingdom. Together, leading his team to coach businesses, start new ventures, and dream big. all to spread the Word through the world through business. Being an adventurer, his stories captivate you, taking you on journeys with him through the Amazon forest, life-threatening events, and a solo cycle tour through South Africa. Jacobus was introduced to C12 Christian Forums in 2024 while visiting a forum in Virginia, USA. The impact he noticed on the CEO’s lifes just as a visitor resonated with his heart and the vision God gave him with Cross Conglomerate. Shortly After returning to South Africa, he joined a CEO Forum as a member, and in 2025, He became an Associate Chair, taking C12 into the North West Province. Jacobus truly believes that Industries can be Changed to the glory of God’s Kingdom, starting with individual CEOs filtering like-mindedness down to their key players and lastly to their employees. Using Processes, personal relationships, faith, and trust to impact the business world and the world through business. As a Visionary and Custodian, Jacobus dreams big, with his eyes focused on Jesus, allowing him to walk in obedience and feath.

ELMIEN CLAASSENS

Elmien Claassens serves as Associate-chair with C12 Business Forums in Gauteng, South Africa. C12 is the world’s largest peer-learning organization for Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives, serving 4,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. Elmien has been serving as a C12 Chair since 2024 and currently serves 13 spouses in the Spouses table in Pretoria. Currently Elmien is serving in C12 part-time, as she is also a lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Criminology, at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa. Before joining academia full time, she worked for approximately 20 years in social work and community practice. She was the Managing Director of S.A. Cares for Life (2009-2012) and Chief Executive Officer of Funanani Trust (2012-2019), both non-profit organizations rendering psycho-social services and skills development programs, aiming to empower marginalized communities to be more sustainable. She has overseen both organizations with over 100 staff members. Under her leadership, a primary school was established in 2012 in Mamelodi, a community outside of Pretoria, making affordable independent primary school education, accessible to hundreds of children in their own community. Throughout Elmien’s career, she has been a sought-after coach and mentor in non-profit organizations. She and her husband have been helping many individual men and women who struggles in relationships in families especially marriages. She is currently submitting her thesis for examination with her doctoral study in hybrid social work practice, focusing on bridging the digital divide and advocating for inclusive modes of social service delivery. Technology and bridging the digital divide remain a passion, and as an advocate for social justice, her practice ensures that no one is left behind! Additionally, Elmien actively serves as chairperson on the board of a non-profit organization Kohin for the Youth, a national organization placing youth coach in schools across South Africa. Elmien lives in Pretoria with her husband Stephen. They have two children, Emile (22) and Milan (20). Elmien’s life verse is, “Micah 6:8” – “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” Micah 6:8 AMP  

MARIUS JOOSTE

Marius began his career in 1999 after earning a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria. He immediately stepped into the world of management consulting, working across diverse industries in South Africa, Africa, and Europe. Over the years, he has built deep expertise in business management, optimization, and transformation, with a professional yet approachable style that enables him to engage effectively with stakeholders—from boardrooms to technical teams. As an entrepreneur, Marius has founded and led two consulting firms. Quinxi, a well-respected business engineering consultancy, has a strong track record in delivering transformation solutions for clients in insurance, banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, and IT. More recently, he established Gainmaker, a niche value engineering firm focused on unlocking enterprise value through business, process, and data engineering, leveraging Microsoft technologies to streamline and automate operations. His career took a pivotal turn when he began to wrestle with the difference between measuring success and measuring significance. The demands of corporate leadership left him questioning how to balance business impact with eternal purpose. Led by the Holy Spirit, he was drawn to Matthew 28 and Ephesians 4:12—the call to make disciples, equip the saints, and build up the body of Christ. While businesses often focus on profits, many leaders feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unaware of their potential to transform the world for God’s glory. Discovering C12 was a blessing, and during this personal “half-time” moment, Marius transitioned out of day-to-day operations in his firms to join C12’s mission, helping business leaders in the Western Cape build great businesses with a greater purpose. Marius and his wife, Reinette, live in Swellendam, in the heart of the Overberg, having relocated from Pretoria in 2022. While their move felt like a calling, its purpose has only become clear over time. Together, they are passionate about serving Christ and raising their two boys with an authentic, living faith—one rooted in trust, belief, and action, rather than tradition alone. An avid sports enthusiast, Marius enjoys tennis, padel, and golf, while also cheering others on from the sidelines. He is a dedicated outdoorsman, music lover, camper, and serious foodie. Committed to serving business leaders in the Overberg, Marius brings an open, approachable, and passionate leadership style. With decades of business expertise, he helps leaders innovate, grow, and balance their lives—emotionally, professionally, and spiritually—as they walk boldly in their calling, purpose, and relationship with Jesus.

MARNO BOSHOFF

Marno Boshoff is an international speaker on organizational Culture. He is renowned for his ability and insights to build great teams. Over the last decade he has spoken to over 400 companies and had the privilege to help some of the great household names of companies to design their culture processes. Building highly engaged individuals and establishing them in effective team dynamics is the focus of his work. He is currently the ‘Culture Evangelist’ at King Price insurance and has helped many large brands to build their internal culture to produce better results.