– Co-Founders of OCGems
As Co-Founders, we lead The Rooted Gem Foundation’s committed team in serving communities across South Africa and beyond. Guided by a shared vision of lasting and sustainable impact, we dedicate our efforts to creating meaningful change that uplifts lives and strengthens futures. Our mission extends beyond immediate relief, it’s about empowering people, fostering growth, and inspiring hope for generations to come. “Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.“ — Peter Strople
The Rooted Gem Foundation focuses on building a foundation in people’s lives that embraces who they are, where they come from, where they are going, and the unique value they bring to the world. We drive social impact through community-focused programmes in education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Our initiatives serve under-resourced communities across South Africa, with plans to expand across Africa. By collaborating with local partners, we provide tools, training, and opportunities that foster long-term growth and resilience. Success for us is measured not only by the number of lives touched but by the lasting transformation within individuals and communities, ensuring our impact continues to grow from the roots up.
Your greatest contribution to the world might not be something you give, but someone you empower. At The Rooted Gem Foundation, we believe the question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in every child and community, it’s whether we can afford not to.
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He was born in the small village of Glen Red near Kuruman. In 2014, he joined the very first intake at Sol Plaatjie University, where he studied Information Technology and completed his Diploma in 2016. He then moved to Gauteng to work for a large corporate company.
About a year after becoming a Christian, Thabo began to sense a gentle but persistent call to ministry. Trusting God’s leading, he resigned from his job and enrolled in seminary, later earning his Honours in 2022.
Outside of ministry, he enjoys sports, is a devoted Arsenal supporter, and has a natural love for adventure, an adrenaline enthusiast always looking for something new to experience.
He currently serves as a youth pastor at Kimberley Baptist Church, and next year(2026) he will be stepping into an exciting new chapter as he begins planting a church in Kathu.
Cheryl Vengesa is a versatile communications professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies, specializing in Public Relations, Advertising, and Radio Production. She brings expertise in social media management, content creation, and campaign strategy, strengthened by a Social Media Marketing certificate from the University of Cape Town.
Her experience spans diverse sectors, from contributing to communication products with the United Nations Population Fund to managing marketing strategies in hospitality and restaurant industries. Cheryl’s adaptability, customer service focus, and creativity make her an asset in both corporate and community-driven initiatives.
As Vice Chair of The Rooted Gem Foundation, Cheryl channels her skills to amplify the foundation’s impact through effective storytelling, outreach, and brand presence.
Desmond, 39, hails from Polokwane, South Africa, where he grew up with six siblings and extended family in Tjatjaneng. His passion for diamonds began after studying diamond cutting and polishing — a field he has now dedicated 20 years to mastering.
He holds qualifications from globally respected institutions, including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and has trained more than 600 students, including learners with disabilities. A qualified sign language instructor, Desmond combines his technical expertise with inclusivity in education.
Beyond the diamond trade, he earned an Entrepreneurship Certificate from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and is an active member of the Young Diamantaires Group, contributing to the industry’s future leadership.
Kamogelo, 28, is from Jane Furse in Limpopo Province, South Africa. She originally intended to pursue a degree in Social Work but found her true path in finance. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Limpopo.
Her leadership journey began as Vice-Chairperson of AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants), where she gained valuable experience through outreach programs to high schools and engagements with professionals.
Currently, Kamogelo works as a Business Development Officer at Phakamani Impact Capital, where she assists small businesses with funding, mentoring, and training. She also serves as Treasurer of The Rooted Gem Foundation and oversees the bookkeeping of OCGems.
New Park, Kimberley, Northern Cape 8301