A School Governing Body (SGB) plays a vital role in the governance and success of a school. Made up of elected parents, teachers and non-teaching staff. The SGB works alongside the school’s leadership to ensure a well-rounded and effective learning environment. Their responsibilities include overseeing school policies, managing budgets, maintaining school facilities, and fostering strong relationships between parents, educators, and the wider community.
Meet our Parent Members, Andre Swartz, SGB Chairperson , Clement Mabunda, SGB Secretary and Nerissa Mema that works on our Marketing Committee. Thank you for sharing more about yourselves to our Parents.
Meet SGB Parent Member, Andre Swartz
Portfolio – SGB Chairperson
Andre has been a proud member of the Risidale Primary School community since 2013, when his eldest child started Grade R. Over the years, he has dedicated countless hours to the School Governing Body (SGB), serving in various roles—including his current position as Chairman.
With a deep passion for the school’s growth and development, Andre has found it incredibly rewarding to witness its progress. Throughout his time on the SGB, he has remained committed to the guiding principle of ensuring quality learning and teaching outcomes for all children.
For Andre, serving the school and its community is both an honour and a privilege.
Meet SGB Parent Member, Clement Mabunda
Portfolio : SGB Secretary
Clement is an admitted attorney of the High Court and currently serves as a Judge’s Clerk to the Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court. His journey with the Risidale Primary School Governing Body (SGB) began in March 2024, where he initially took on the role of Vice Chairperson before transitioning to his current position as Secretary.
With his daughter in Grade 7, this marks his final year as an SGB member. Adding to his well-rounded perspective, Clement’s wife is a qualified Foundation Phase Teacher, further deepening his insight into education. His primary focus? Ensuring that every decision he makes serves the best interests of the learners, creating an environment where they can truly thrive.
Beyond the legal world, Clement has a creative side—he enjoys fine arts, photography, and web development in his free time.
Meet SGB Parent Member, Nerissa Mema
Portfolio : Marketing Committee
Nerissa is a valued member of our School Governing Body (SGB) at Risidale Primary. Her journey has been anything but conventional, transitioning from the corporate world to fitness and, ultimately, to impactful community work.
From 2008 to 2016, Nerissa gained extensive experience in umbrella fund administration, marketing, and hospitality. However, she soon realized that a desk-bound career wasn’t for her. Driven by a lifelong passion for fitness, she became a trained fitness instructor and meditation coach, eventually running her own gym for over 10 years.
In 2020, she took another leap by founding the Windsor West Restoration Project at the 3 in 1 Centre in Windsor West. This initiative supports both children and adults through various programmes, including children's' exercise and motor skills development, reading and writing tutoring, meditation sessions, community markets, and skill-building classes. The project aims to address issues such as substance abuse, unemployment, and lack of opportunity while fostering self-empowerment and a strong sense of community.
Alongside her work with the Windsor West Restoration Project, Nerissa plays an active role in the SGB at Risidale Primary. She is passionate about promoting diversity, strengthening communication between parents, teachers and the school. Her goal is to contribute to the highest standards of education and support both students and staff in every possible way.
Through her dedication to community development and education, Nerissa is committed to creating spaces where everyone can grow and thrive. If you have skills, resources, or ideas to share, she welcomes your involvement in making a meaningful impact. Parents, teachers, and students alike are encouraged to reach out with concerns or ideas as we work together to make Risidale the best it can be.
