Empowering the next generation to be truly unstoppable.
We are committed to our staff and the integral role they play in our organization.
Message from the Executive Director to our staff
“Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example”.
Outward Bound South Africa has been a vehicle for change in the lives of thousands of youth in our country. We seek to inspire young people, through experiential education, to make live changing decisions. The Outward Bound experience is a once in a lifetime experience for many young people that can free them from mediocrity and help them to take a step in the direction of unlocking their potential…and to greatness.
As Outward Bound staff we need to constantly seek learning opportunities to improve ourselves. By taking the responsibility of becoming an Outward Bound Instructor we commit ourselves to facilitating life changing experiences for our participants as well as going on a journey of learning in our own lives.
Our founder Kurt Hahn said of youth: “All they ask of us is this; demand much of us and make use of us”.
We have an obligation to remove the shackles of self imposed boundaries that prevent the youth from reaching their full potential. Constantly stretching the boundaries and impelling the youth into experiences is what made Outward Bound a revolutionary organization at its inception and it is exactly this that makes Outward Bound relevant in today’s demanding world.
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters, the trees and the flowers on the earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of real education”.
Deon Snyders
Executive Director
Deon Snyders
Executive Director
Deon started at Outward bound as an instructor in the early 2000’s. Exploring and adventuring in the Outdoors is his second nature. Outward Bound has taken him on adventures all over South Africa and he has also travelled to various other OB schools across the globe.
He is currently the Executive Director for Outward Bound South Africa. He has practical experience in all operational aspects of an Outward Bound school. He is highly qualified in health and safety and has achieved all relevant competencies. He effectively manages all operations, training and staff at Outward Bound South Africa.
Shirley Oerder
Clients Manager
Shirley joined Outward Bound South Africa in 2016, where she worked as an Instructor and later as a Course Coordinator in 2019. After gaining extensive experience in experiential education and outdoor leadership, she continued her professional journey as a First Aid Facilitator until 2024.
In May 2025, Shirley returned to Outward Bound South Africa as the Clients Manager. Drawing on her years of experience in facilitation, coordination, and client engagement, she is dedicated to ensuring meaningful, safe, and transformative experiences for all participants.
She is passionate about the values and principles that inspired Kurt Hahn — developing compassion, courage, and resilience through challenge and service. She believes deeply in the power of the outdoors to inspire personal growth and bring out the best in people.
Nicolette Solomons
Catering Manager
Nicky has been with OBSA since 2004 and she is like the mother of our team. She makes sure that everyone has something to eat while they are on course and her friendly personality makes you feel like you are home.
As the Catering Manager she plans out all the meals and rations and ensures that there is enough for everyone to eat while they are out on a journey course and when then come back to home base they can expect a warm home cooked meal made with love.
Lego
Chief Instructor
Lego joined Outward Bound South Africa in November 2023 as a trained outdoor and experiential educator. After honing his skills in the field, he returned in October 2025 as Chief Instructor, bringing a wealth of international experience spanning South Africa and the United States. With an unwavering passion for experiential learning, Lego is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and provides leadership to the Outward Bound South Africa instructor team. He believes in the transformative power of outdoor education and the vital role nature plays in fostering well-being and resilient communities.
Jamie September
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
I'm Jamie September, an Outward Bound South Africa Instructor. My journey began as a volunteer, where I fell in love with the organization's mission and values. Now, I leverage my experience to inspire and guide participants, fostering personal growth, resilience, and teamwork. I'm passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Sonto Ntuli
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
I am an ambitious person who finds purpose and inspiration in working outdoors. Being outdoors has taught me patience, humility, prudence, and integrity. It has helped me understand and connect with different individuals, appreciating their unique characters and stories.
I am passionate about mentoring young people and supporting their growth, while also continuing to learn more about myself. I truly value the work we do — it’s not only about guiding others, but also about growing together. I enjoy every opportunity to learn, explore, and encourage others to become the best version of themselves.
Ayanda Maqolo
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
Ayanda Maqolo is an Outdoor Instructor at Outward Bound South Africa with a strong background in rock climbing, abseiling, and river guiding. Since beginning his outdoor journey in 2015, he has earned multiple industry-recognised qualifications, including Mountain Leadership, High Ropes, First Aid, and ARA Level 2 Facilitation.
Before joining Outward Bound, Ayanda worked as an outdoor facilitator for various adventure and educational programmes, gaining wide experience in school camps, team-building initiatives, and expedition-style journeys.
Known for his calm leadership style and excellent group facilitation skills, Ayanda creates a safe and supportive environment where young people can challenge themselves, grow, and discover their potential through the power of the outdoors.
Fortunate Malthangu
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Outward Bound Instructor passionate about using the outdoors as a powerful tool for growth and learning. I facilitate programs that build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership in young people. With experience in activities such as hiking, canoeing, abseiling, and team-building, I create safe, inclusive, and meaningful learning environments. My goal is to inspire participants to discover their potential, connect with others, and carry these lessons into their everyday lives.
Willem Theo Korb
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
My name is Willem Theo Korb, and I am an Instructor at Outward Bound South Africa, where I’ve been part of the team since 2 July 2025. I am passionate about outdoor education and dedicated to helping others grow through challenge, adventure, and self-discovery.
I hold ARA Level 2 and First Aid Level 2 certifications, which support my ability to ensure safety and deliver quality instruction in the field. Before joining Outward Bound South Africa, I gained extensive experience as a facilitator since 2019, developing strong leadership, communication, and group management skills across diverse environments.
As an Instructor, I am committed to living out the Outward Bound values of compassion, integrity, and perseverance, while continuously learning and refining my skills. I believe in the power of the outdoors to inspire confidence, teamwork, and resilience — helping individuals discover more about themselves and their potential.
Sphiwe Alice Silubane
Outward Bound South Africa Instructor
Sphiwe Alice Silubane is an Outdoor Instructor at Outward Bound South Africa who is passionate about helping people discover their strengths through adventure and personal challenges. With a calm, patient, and adaptable approach, she creates supportive learning environments where participants can grow in confidence, teamwork, and resilience. She believes that true growth happens just outside the comfort zone.
Anton Herbig
Board Member
Anton grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and relocated to the UK in 1994 for career opportunities. He worked for Glaxosmithkline for 30years in increasingly senior Supply chain/Global Operations roles. Following GSK, he joined Abbott laboratories based in Basel, Switzerland, where he was a Global Operations head and retired in 2019.
He currently undertakes part time consultancy work as well as acting as a tour guide at a local winery in the UK.
He is passionate about watching Rugby, Cricket and Motor racing and was previously a trustee of Bhubesi Pride foundation based in Malawi and focused on youth development through medium of sport.
He has climbed Kilimanjaro for charity and completed an Atlantic crossing on a sailing vessel.
He is based in the UK with his wife, Hayley and has two daughters