iOcean Investment Trust | Empowering individuals through a journey from learning to leadership

iOcean Investment Trust, founded in September 2023 and is dedicated to empowering individuals through a journey from learning to leadership, with a strong emphasis on marine conservation and community development.

We have various programs aimed at nurturing young talent and fostering a deep passion for ocean protection. Our initiatives emphasize knowledge acquisition, leadership development, and storytelling, using nature—especially the ocean—as a guiding force.

Additionally, we drive and facilitate fundraising efforts, encouraging our collaborators and members to support our mission through their personal and professional networks, ensuring sustainable impact for future generations.

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iConnect

iLead

Work Readiness

Our Vision

We envision a generation of young people who transcend their disadvantages and overcome both mental and physical barriers to thrive, regardless of their upbringing or community challenges. By fostering a profound mindset shift, we aim to inspire and cultivate resilient leaders who can address their immediate realities and build a future filled with opportunity and strength.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey from learning to leading by fostering personal growth, expanding knowledge, and nurturing leadership development. We aim to create a transformative experience that equips individuals with the tools and mindset needed to thrive and inspire others

Our Mandate

We are committed to cultivating deep connections with nature, encouraging personal relationships that inspire and empower individuals to take responsible and sustainable environmental actions. Through this commitment, we strive to contribute to the betterment of our planet for present and future generations.

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iPrograms

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iConnect

iConnect is our dedicated initiative to reconnect young people with nature through engaging, interactive, and enjoyable experiences. This program lays the groundwork for cultivating a generation of nature-conscious individuals who are attuned to the social challenges within their communities.

iLead is our advanced phase where young people step up to become proactive leaders, driving positive change within their communities. This phase focuses on empowering youth to take responsibility for their own growth and the well-being of their environment, encouraging them to lead transformative initiatives.

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iLead

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Work Readiness

Participants are provided with resources and guidance to create and develop their own projects from scratch. These real-world experiences are designed to enhance their transferable skills, preparing them for the professional environment.

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Sophumelela Qoma

Founder and Visionary

Sophumelela Qoma is a passionate ocean conservationist and mentor. She co-owns the Shark Research Unit, focusing on shark conservation and raising awareness about ocean preservation.

She founded the iOcean Investment Trust, where she mentors young people to become leaders in conservation. She is also part of the African Protected Area Congress Youth network, advocating for youth involvement in policy-making, and serves as the Youth Ambassador for the African Penguin NOOW movement.

Additionally, she is the youngest director for the newly announced UNESCO world heritage site, the Pinnacle Point Site Complex.

Andrea Bradfield

Co-founder and Director

Andrea Rowlands-Bradfield, with over 30 years of experience in travel, tourism, and conservation, is the Co-founder and Director of the iOcean Investment Trust. She has a rich background that spans marketing roles with British Airways Holidays in the UK, guiding horseback safaris on a rhino sanctuary in South Africa, and contributing as Assistant Project Manager for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in Malawi.

Her journey further took her to Cambodia, where she worked in environmental education and taught English before returning to South Africa.

Upon her return, Andrea collaborated with Sophumelela Qoma on the impactful community program "Sea the Change." She also serves as Tourism, PR, and Conservation Fundraiser for Blue Ventures Global and sits on the board of Mossel Bay Tourism. Andrea's unwavering commitment to the environment drives her mission to mentor future generations, fostering a greener, brighter future.

Andrea Rowlands-Bradfield, with over 30 years of experience in travel, tourism, and conservation, is the Co-founder and Director of the iOcean Investment Trust. She has a rich background that spans marketing roles with British Airways Holidays in the UK, guiding horseback safaris on a rhino sanctuary in South Africa, and contributing as Assistant Project Manager for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in Malawi.

Her journey further took her to Cambodia, where she worked in environmental education and taught English before returning to South Africa.

Upon her return, Andrea collaborated with Sophumelela Qoma on the impactful community program "Sea the Change." She also serves as Tourism, PR, and Conservation Fundraiser for Blue Ventures Global and sits on the board of Mossel Bay Tourism. Andrea's unwavering commitment to the environment drives her mission to mentor future generations, fostering a greener, brighter future.

Andrea Bradfield

Co-founder and Director

Nicolas Booyens

Director and Mentor

Nicolas Booyens is the youngest marine biologist owning a shark research company in South Africa.

He is the Spokesperson for Justice4Jaws and a volunteer at NSRI Station 15. As the Research Director at the Shark Research Unit, he oversees marine research projects, mentors students, and manages data.

He is also a director of the iOcean Investment Trust Foundation, which teaches underprivileged youth essential life skills, particularly swimming, and uses the ocean to inspire leadership and ocean conservation.

Amanda Khumalo

Literature Teacher

Amanda Khumalo a background in both academic and commercial realms, she brings a unique blend of expertise to our team. Holding a degree in English Literature and Clinical Psychology, Amanda has a deep-rooted passion for educating and nurturing young minds.

This academic foundation is complemented by extensive industry experience, having collaborated with prominent brands such as International Tourism Film Festival Africa, Nikon, BOS Ice Tea, Alvis Drift Wine, Boston Coffee, and Enrista Coffee on various commercial advertisements and marketing platforms.

She is an advocate for developing brands and young people , I also believe in the transformative power of education.

Her approach focuses on cultivating spaces where young people are inspired to become future leaders and take charge of their own destinies.

Amanda Khumalo a background in both academic and commercial realms, she brings a unique blend of expertise to our team. Holding a degree in English Literature and Clinical Psychology, Amanda has a deep-rooted passion for educating and nurturing young minds.

This academic foundation is complemented by extensive industry experience, having collaborated with prominent brands such as International Tourism Film Festival Africa, Nikon, BOS Ice Tea, Alvis Drift Wine, Boston Coffee, and Enrista Coffee on various commercial advertisements and marketing platforms.

She is an advocate for developing brands and young people , I also believe in the transformative power of education.

Her approach focuses on cultivating spaces where young people are inspired to become future leaders and take charge of their own destinies.