About Philani
About Philani
A non-profit training and development organisation transforming lives through practical, needs-based human capital development.
30+
capital development
Who We Are
Empowering people through skills development since 1993
Philani Training and Development Solutions NPC is a registered not-for-profit company dedicated to providing high-quality training and development programmes that empower learners, support employers, and strengthen communities.
The organisation was founded in 1993 and operated as Cape Women’s Forum before changing its name in 2011 to Philani Training and Development Solutions NPC.
Since then, Philani has expanded its training interventions across agricultural sectors and other industries.
Rooted in community needs.
Built for practical, measurable development.
Vision and Mission
Training that supports
sustainable growth.
Our Vision
To be the preferred provider of dynamic human capital development solutions for the private and public sector, delivered in an inspirational learning environment and with certified standards that confirm our standing as a world-class organisation.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality training and development programmes to our learners, thereby generating sustainable growth and supporting a motivated and skilled workforce.
Our Approach
Training that goes beyond the classroom.
Philani believes that effective skills development should lead to meaningful change. Programmes are designed to improve knowledge, confidence, workplace readiness, behaviour, and performance, not simply to deliver course content.
Needs-Based Training
Programmes are developed around real needs in communities, workplaces, and industries.
Practical Learning
Learners receive training that can be applied in everyday life and work environments.
Capacity Building
Philani supports the development of individuals and communities through continuous learning.
Quality and Compliance
Programmes are aligned with relevant education and training structures, including SAQA, QCTO, and SETA requirements.
Our History
A legacy of change.
Philani began by addressing the needs of employees in the deciduous fruit industry. Over time, the organisation expanded its reach to other agricultural sectors and industries.
Through these programmes, Philani has contributed to a revolution of change, creating opportunities and making a significant difference in rural South Africa.
1993
needs first
Early programmes respond to farming community needs.
2011
takes shape
Cape Women’s Forum becomes Philani Training and Development Solutions NPC.
Today
sector impact
Programmes support learners, employers, partners, and communities across different sectors.
Why Philani
Why choose Philani?
Philani brings together decades of experience, practical expertise, and a training
approach focused on real outcomes and learner transformation.
More than 30 years of training and development experience
QCTO-accredited occupational qualifications and skills programmes
Strong background in agricultural and rural community development
Practical, needs-based training approach
Experienced facilitators and training professionals
Trusted by government, industry bodies, sponsors, and partners
Focus on outcomes, impact, and learner transformation
30+
capital development
Our Team
Meet our team
Dr Simpiwe Sobuwa
Chairman
Bertie van der Walt
Managing Director
Estelle Meyer
Executive Director
Norman Turner
Non-Executive Director
Lizelle Norval
Non-Executive Director
Let's build skills that change lives
Explore our programmes, partner with us, or contact our team to learn how Philani can support your training and development goals.