CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Paul Stander
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Economics from University of the Witwatersrand. Prior to leading The Order of St John South Africa, he built an extensive career in corporate transformation, executive project management, and financial leadership. He served in senior PMO, transformation, and finance roles at leading organisations including South African Airways, Telkom, Anglo American, and Sage Enterprise, where he held the position of Chief Financial Officer.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Kimberley Gounden
Chartered Accountant CA(SA) who holds a BCom in Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, graduating summa cum laude. She completed her articles with PWC. Kim has worked in group finance for Tiger Brands and joined The Order of St John South Africa in 2023 as Financial Manager. In 2024 she was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. She has led significant improvements in financial governance and internal controls, helping the organisation achieve its purpose.
Chief Operations Officer
Alan Luck
Alan Luck holds a Bachelor of Military Science, a BCom, and a BCom (Honours), and has over 44 years of distinguished military service, spanning operational unit level through to Defense Headquarters. He has been actively involved with the Order of St John in various leadership capacities. As Chief Operations Officer, Alan supports the Chief Executive Officer in overseeing the organisation’s operations, ensuring the effective implementation of strategy and the efficient delivery of operational objectives.
TRAINING DIRECTOR
Craig Hartley
Craig Hartley is the Director of Training at St John South Africa, bringing decades of experience in emergency care, first aid education, occupational health and safety, and human resource development. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Conflict Transformation and Management from Nelson Mandela University and a Bachelor of Technology in Human Resource Development from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, complemented by postgraduate qualifications in management, business leadership, emergency medical care, and community development. Craig began his St John career as Training Manager in Cape Town and has also served as a paramedic, HR Manager at the Cape Grace Hotel and Crystal House School, and a lecturer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He is widely recognised for his expertise in first aid training and workforce development and continues to play a key role in strengthening St John South Africa’s training and educational programmes.
Director of Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
Vanya Basto-Pinto
Vanya brings a strong combination of financial expertise, commercial experience, and stakeholder engagement to the organisation. She holds a BCompt Accounting and has built her career in client-facing roles within the financial services and fintech sectors, managing relationships across complex international jurisdictions. Prior to joining St John South Africa, she gained valuable commercial experience with organisations including Investec. Vanya applies her financial and strategic expertise to developing partnerships and advancing corporate social investment initiatives that strengthen St John South Africa’s impact and expand access to healthcare and community services.
Director of Human Resources
Yolandé Oosthuizen
Yolande brings more than 30 years of experience in human resource management and organisational development. She has held senior human resource leadership roles, including with Nedbank, where she gained extensive experience in strategic HR, talent management, employee relations, and organisational effectiveness. Yolande’s depth of experience and people-centred leadership support St John South Africa’s commitment to building a high-performing organisation dedicated to serving communities across the country.
Managing Director Stella Londt Retirement Home
Ronwynne Fourie
Ronwynne served as a Registered Professional Nurse in the public healthcare sector for 19 years before transitioning into the private sector. She previously managed the St John Centre in Gqeberha, where her exceptional leadership and commitment to service led to her appointment as Managing Director of Stella Londt. Ronwynne is a Registered Professional Nurse (RPN) and has further training in leadership, management, occupational health, and healthcare practice. She combines her extensive clinical experience with strategic leadership to advance St John South Africa’s mission of delivering high-quality healthcare services, education, and community-based care for the elderly.
CHIEF COMMISSIONER
Cathy Dedman
Chief Commissioner of the St John Brigade in South Africa and has dedicated more than 40 years to voluntary service within the organisation. An Intermediate Life Support (ILS) Practitioner, she has accumulated over 11,000 operational duty hours, reflecting her exceptional commitment to emergency medical care and community service. In addition to her extensive volunteer leadership, Cathy has served within the St John finance department, bringing valuable organisational knowledge and operational experience. Her lifelong dedication to St John continues to strengthen the Brigade and support the organisation’s mission of serving communities across South Africa.